MHM UPDATE

Today marks the 7th time I have done MHM since Monday, July 21st.

So far, so good.

My schedule has been as follows:

1. Monday
2. Wednesday
3. Thursday
4. Saturday
5. Sunday
6. Monday
7. Wednesday

I wish I could have been a bit more consistent, but in spite of the progress, the reality is that there are days when I just CAN'T. And, that's okay. =)

Here are a few progress pictures -

May not be as super defined as some of the other folks out there, but I do get ringlet definition and I am sure with time, it will get better. Oh, and I am getting compliments too.

Concerns:

1. Using up too much product too quickly.
2. Wish there weren't that many parts to the regimen.
3. Wish I didn't have to do it so frequently.

However, I know that in due time, I will only have to do the regimen once every two-three days and then once every 5 days. I'm looking forward to that stage and happy to continue because I see the results and they are phenomenal.

Benefits:

1. My hair is soft (except for some of my ends which are frizzy).
2. Less shedding.
3. Less single strand knots.
4. My hair has sheen and shine.
5. My hair looks jet black (except for my greys, lol!)
6. My hair looks thick and full.

Yup, will keep this up with washes everyday for the next 4 days, then on Monday, I'll do another Cherry Lola treatment and start stretching out my wash and gos (WNGs) to every 2 days.

MHM: Day 2

The second run through of my MHM journey was on wednesday yesTerday. It started with an ACV rinse. I actyally applied diluted ACV to my hair and wore it under a shower cap for about 30 minutes. Then I rinsed it out with more diluted ACV. Then I put KCKT for 20 minutes. Then I applied the clay mix and left it for 60 minutes. I thrn applied diluted conditioner and gel.

Unfortunately, I had more frizz than coils/ringlets. However, my hair wasn't as sticky as the day before.

Hoping that with improved technique my results will get better.

MHM day 3

Soooo, today I managed to complete the 3rd round of my MHM journey.

I changed it up by doing the alternate baking soda method -2tbs baking soda, 2 tbs honey, 1 tbs oil. I applied it to dry hair which was not nice. So I wet my hair and raked it through as best as possible.  It was also my DDs second run. I had her wet her hair thoroughly first.  Applying the baking soda mix went more smoothly.

Anyway, I followed up with diluted conditioner which I left on for about 45 minutes. Then I put the clay mix in and left it on for just over 90 minutes. once done I applied diluted conditioner to wet hair,  put on a shower cap and wrapped it up.

In the morning,  I will put gel in my hair and head out.

Alternate MHM Baking soda mixture

1 – 2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
6-10 oz of water

Source: Msdeekay's blog

MHM Journey: I Did It! (Day 1)

So, on July 21st around 5pm, I started my MHM journey. the results were pretty good.

My product-free hair before MHM.

Product-free afro

Here's what I did.

I mixed up the modified Cherry Lola (CL) Treatment, the clay mix and the diluted conditioner mix the night before.

On the 21st, I applied the CL and wore a shower cap for just about70 minutes then rinsed outside by the garage.

 I then applied KCKT (Kinky Curly Knot Today) conditioner and let that sit for 45 minutes. I rinsed and applied the clay mix, which was MESSY! I have to thicken up my clay mix so I can really apply it properly on my head.

Anyway, that stayed on for approximately an hour before I rinsed outside. After getting as much of it off, I went into my shower to rinse again and followed up with the diluted KCKT conditioner and loads of gel.

Hair after with gel in it. I later raked to define ringlets

My curls were indeed popping in the form of little ringlets everywhere. I didn't apply the way Pinke and others recommended of doing the hair in sections. Instead, I simply applied the conditioner and then followed up with gel.

What I did do however, was go through the strands again later on to distribute the gel as evenly as possible by raking my fingers through my hair. Then I sectioned the hair into small plaits.

My hair felt heavy and I was impressed to see and feel the ringlets. It looks like I have definition already from root to tip in 90% of my hair. That was good to see.

Positives:
It didn't take me as long as I thought it would. I was done before 9pm!
I loved the end result and was able to style my hair the following day and go out.

Negatives:
I used TOO MUCH gel. It made my hair feel yucky!
I shouldn't do this in the evening as I don't like getting my sheets wet. However, I wore a shower cap to bed, which solved that issue.

Now, due to a super busy Tuesday, I was unable to do another treatment. I will however do one today (Wednesday).

I will do the following -

1. ACV rinse (leave for 30 minutes)
2. Cowash (leave for 30 minutes)
3. Clay rinse (lave for an hour)
4. Leave In
5. Gel

Hope it makes my hair look even better!

MAX HYDRATION METHOD BEGINS TODAY!

I should have started almost 3 weeks ago but life got in the way.

Currently, my hair is very coily/ringlet-y (not a real word, I know). Anyway, I will take pictures of my hair and DDs hair to track our progress.

(P. 127 of thread)

The Max Hydration Method

ooo Version 1(Day/Night regimen) ooo

Night

Step 1. Bakingsoda/ ACV rinse
Step 2. Deep condition/GHE, may add light oils to scalp. You may use thermal heating cap or steam for an hour before wearing the shower cap to bed

Day

Step 2.(continued) Rinse out DC and detangle in morning.
Step 3. Clay
Step 4. Leave in. Hair should be soaking wet, no matter how you go about doing it.
Step 5. Gel/ Oil to set into style (no glycerin or coconut oil)

More detailed version, mixtures, and stretching options:

http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/the-max-hydration-methodfrom-my-other-post_topic368937_post10888148.html?KW=THE+MAX+HYD#10888148


ooo Version 2 (Fastest for All in one go) ooo

Step 1. Wet hair

Step 2. Clay rinse

Step 3. Baking soda rinse

Step 4. Apply conditioner on sopping wet hair under shower. Slide off access conditioner with hands to avoid residue
Step 5. Apply gel on sopping wet hair and keep hair wet. Shake. Or apply an gel or oil and set into style.


ooo Version 3 (all in one go ACV) ooo

Step 1. ACV
Step 2. Clay
Step 3. Leave in, as in version 2.
Step 4. Gel/ Oil


ooo Version 4 (Bald spot regimen/For people who's hair is too short for gel) ooo

Step 1. ACV (can also add cayenne pepper)
Step 2. Clay (with cayenne pepper and light stimulating oils added)
Step 3. Apply light oils to scalp(I Recommend a light oil mixed with stimulating antimicrobial oils)
Step 4. Deep condition for 2-3 weeks before repeating whole regimen.


ooo Version 5 (For Cherry Lola) ooo

Night

Step 1: Cherry Lola
Step 2: DC overnight

Day
Step 3. Clay
Step 4. Leave in
Step 5. Gel/oil(if doing set style)


ooo Version 6 (Longer version for All in one go)ooo

Step 1. B.S./ACV
Step 2. Steam/thermal heating cap/Warm conditioner
Step 3. Clay
Step 4. Leave in
Step 5. Gel/oil(if doing set style)


For all options, note: Do not dry hair after each step/rinse. You want your hair to be very wet especially when you are applying the leave in. You can even do this under the shower. As you section your hair to apply gel, if the hair section you haven't gotten to yet is getting dry, apply or spray more watered down conditioner to the section, and slide of excess foam off as you work it in. Make sure it gets to your roots too. The wetter and more slippery your hair is after the leave in step, the softer the gel dries.

Basic MHM outline: o Gentle Clarification of product residue and build up that blocks cuticles and gets on scalp.o Cuticles are lifted.o Moisture is introduced and readily absorbed.o Moisture is sealed in and cuticles close.

1. Modified Cherry Lola Treatment/BS vs. ACV Rinse 
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe (30-60 minutes)
   
1. 1:1 ratio
2. Baking Soda Recipe (10-30 minutes)
1. 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda
2. 1/3 cup conditioner
3. Cherry Lola recipe (90-120 minutes)
1. Greek yogurt (2 cups)
2. Baking soda (2 tbsp)
3. Organic apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp)
4. Raw coconut liquid aminos or liquid Soy aminos (2 tbsp)
5. Raw honey (1/2 tbsp)
6. Unsulfured molasses (1 tbsp)
7. Half an over ripe plantain or banana
8. Avocado (3/4 tbsp)
9. 1 egg (optional, but I used it no problem)
2. Cowash (10-15 minutes)
1. Cowash Recipe
1. 1oz conditioner
2. 6-8oz water
3. Clay Application (15-30 minutes)
1. Clay recipe A
1. 1 cup pure clay powder
2. 2-3 cup warm water
3. 1 tablespoon of honey
4. 1 tablespoon of olive oil
2. Clay recipe B
1. - Over 50mls of Clay (Rhassoul)
   - 250 mls of purified water (unheated)
   - 1 tablespoon of olive oil
   - 1 tablespoon of honey
   - 3-5 drops  Argan Oil
   - 3-5  Jojoba Oil
4. Leave-In Conditioner
5. Gel Application

HAIR THOUGHTS & NEW HAIR CARE PLAN

So, it has been a long while since I started my hair journey and I have to say I have had more set backs than I could count!

Even my daughter's hair seems to have reached a plateau, but at least she is yet to have set backs like mine.

Back to my hair, the general dissatisfaction with my inability to retain length (though my hair clearly grows approximately half an inch a month) left me uninterested in really focusing on my hair the way I used to.

As a result, my hair has been in braids, crochet braids for the last 8 months. This has allowed me to forget about my hair. Not the best thing, because that did not help me retain length, but at least, I wasn't preoccupied with my hair for the first time in years!

Now, however, I think I have come back to wondering how to jumpstart my hair care and have healthier hair, be it relaxed or natural.

My original plan was to keep my hair in crochet braids until the summer of 2015 but I am considering trying the max hydration technique instead. I fear that that braids will give my already struggling hair the occasion to become thin  something I REALLY don't want. I'd rather have short but thick hair any day!

With that being said, I have come up with a plan to get me through May and June of 2014.

1. END OF APRIL: Remove crochet braids and leave hair out for 2 - 4 weeks.
1. I will remove braids, do an overnight conditioning treatment, shampoo (with a sulfate shampoo), do an ACV rinse, do a heated DC with silk elements conditioner (it has cones, sadly and I have about 2-3 more containers to use up! Hence the need for a sulfate shampoo).
2. For 2 weeks, I will wear scarves, use braiding hair to create top knots, fishtail ponies and whatever else I need to do.
3. I will use black castor oil mixed with a few other oils on my temples and scalp every other night and do inversion method for 4 minutes each time.
4. I will try to co-wash with an ACV rinse and Nature Made conditioner in the middle of the week and then repeat the overnight DC treatment on the weekends.
5. I will do this for at least 2 - 4 weeks if I can.Keep track of hair growth to see if immersion method and GHE (Green House Effect) work for you
2.  MID MAY/END OF MAY: Put in new crochet braids.
1. I will do a serious protein treatment by simply implementing it into my weekend regimen.
2. Install crochet braids - simple curly do like what I had in February.
3. Keep crochet braids in for 4-6 weeks or at least until kids are on summer break.
4. Continue inversion method, but also begin to use water/moisture spray plus sealing oil/butter every 2 -3 days on scalp and in 'hair')
5. Also implement GHE into regimen.
6. Buy products for Max hydration method.
3. END OF JUNE: Max Hydration time!
1. Remove crochet braids
2. Do a length check with heat around this period
3. Begin max hydration first treatment and then follow up with cowashes EVERY DAY for a week.
4. Continue until you have curl definition and can stretch co washes from every day to every 3 days to every 5 days, to every 7 days.
4. END OF AUGUST: Track Results
1. Do a length check with blowdryer on low heat. REMEMBER, NO DIRECT HEAT!
2. If results are positive, continue MH (Max Hydration) method.
3. If results are NOT positive, hopefully, you will have some length and can continue with crochet braids and/or purchase kinky coily hair to give more fullness to hair.
4. Also, consider whether or not you want a relaxer again.

Max Hydration Method

I want to try this for my daughters hair and then on mine. The basic premise is that increasing the moisture levels of type 4 hair (and any other category of hair) will loosen curls and allow for more definition and ease of manageability.

Here is a thread on the matter - http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/the-max-hydration-methodfrom-my-other-post_topic368937_page1.html 

- I read the entire thread (27 pages at the time) and am convinced that I am doing this for myself and DD this summer.

- http://www.maxhydrationmethod.com/ is the blog for information

- http://public.fotki.com/pinkecarrot/ is a fotki with pics of people's progress

Here is another with lots of debate - http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/wash-and-gos-dont-work-on-nappy-hair_topic368716.html

SECOND REVIEW ON NATURE'S GATE SHAMPOO

IT WORKS BRILLIANTLY!!!!

I am beyond pleased with the results I have been getting from using this product. I washed my hair on Thursday afternoon and my hair was great. No tangles. The only problem is that I neglected to get all the 'gunk' off my scalp. But another wash in a few days will do the trick, I believe.

All follow-up conditioners went on great. My only issue that I must pay attention to is the fac that the shampoo REALLY moisturizes my hair and may make it seem not strong enough even after applying reconstructor. As such, I added reconstructor again and ran it through my strands, concentrating on the ends and rinsed immediately. My hair was perfect after that. I then applied SEO Con, massaging it across my head and strands, and rinsed immediately as well.

It has been 2 days since wash day and my hair feels great! After washing, I let it airdry for just over an hour then applied Chi Silk Infusion. I then blow dried for on medium for a bit and added more silk infusion. As I flat ironed, I dusted most of my hair and only passed the flat iron once. Once complete, I did a quick pass over with the flat iron again, sprayed moisture mix and sealed with CO Pomade. I wrapped my hair up for the rest of the day and it was glorious the next day!

Today, I applied moisture mix, then my sulfur mix to my scalp, sealed with CO Pomade and wrapped it up.

I might go window shopping today in Greenbelt and if I do, will let my hair down.

Yes, I'm definitely buying 2 more bottles of this shampoo!

RELAXER REVIEW

After approximately 7 weeks, I got a touch up on Friday evening. It was a tad dramatic because when I asked for Affirm, I was told they didn't have it but some "Hawaii" relaxer would be fine for my hair.

Anyway, I was relaxed by Gloria who has done my hair before and is rather good. She took tremendous care to work the relaxer through the NG and oddly enough, I had absolutely NO BURNS. =)

Sadly, there was no deep conditioning as she was in a rush, the shop was closing. However, she put some hair drops conditioner in my hair instead. My hair didn't come out bone straight, but it was the best relaxer I have gotten at that place.

That being said, I have been suffering from thin hair and see through ends. I plan to step up my sulfur mix usage, and try to pre-poo with black castor oil (BCO) each night before a wash. I also will go to the salon EVERY 2 weeks for a deep condition and will dust once a month.

I KNOW I CAN DO IT.

BSL by summer 2012, here I come!!!!!

BACK TO A STAPLE &...

LOVING IT!!!!

After three weeks of dirty hair, I finally washed my hair.

I shampooed with suave tropical coconut. Then, I used KO Protein con for about 30 minutes and followed by Silk Elements olive oil con for about 30 minutes. I let my hair airdry for about an hour and a half and then applied moisture mix, chi silk infusion and sealed with castor oil pomade.

When sealing, I was very careful to separate my hair into sections and seal properly. I then wrapped my hair and by the next day, it was straight and healthy looking.

I will definitely have to keep up this regimen and only use the keratin reconstructor before and after relaxers. I'm thinking that I can do a mid week co-wash because of running and exercise. I am going to give my hair a break and just leave it in a bun/pulled back for the next few weeks or until my new wig arrives and is ready to be worn.

Yay!

ANOTHER WASH & RELAXER PREP

I shampood, and put SE Mayoniase which I rinsed immediately. Then I put SECon in for about an hour and a half. I applied it like relaxer. After washing my hair had slip and my NG was super soft. I then threw some Silicon mix bambu in there just to help some more but ended up with some knots. I think I should have stopped at the SECon.

My hair is shedding and I think I have some breakage this week, sadly. I am limiting manipulation by keeping it tied up.

I will wash again on Wednesday night but will go back to an old formula that has worked in the past. I will shampoo, use KO Protein, SE Con, then put moisture mix, silk infusion and seal. I will also apply my oil mix to my scalp and tackle my NG. That will be my relaxer prep.

A NEW YEAR, NEW SADNESS & NEW OBJECTIVES

Sadly, my hair is now at shoulder length =(((((


While in Dominica, my hair was cut after a touch up. Not trimmed, but CUT. Of course, I was pissed off, but I was really more upset at myself for once again allowing someone to cut my hair. Caprice did it and I don't think I will ever forgive him. Really. Especially since the 'trim' left me with uneven, lopsided fucking hair! Still, his is the only salon I like in DA and well, I returned after the horrible experience.


HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD MYSELF NOT TO LET ANYBODY CUR MY HAIR?????

It does not matter who it is or how well they have treated my hair. I should be the one trimming/dusting my hair. No other human being is allowed to bring a pair of scissors around my hair!!!!

That being said, I am confronting the tragedy that is my hair and I am committed to re-achieving my length and in fact, surpassing it.

So,

1. my objective for 2011 is 6 inches of NG thus, I will be APL by December 2011.
2. I will go to the salon for a heated DC every 2 weeks.
3. I will not get a blow out.
4. I will hide my hair under a wig during winter.
5. I will use hair growth aids: BT, black castor oil, megatek (?).
6. I will keep my hair moisturized and maintain my moisture/protein balance
7. I will stretch for 10 weeks and no more than 12 if necessary.
8. I will take my multivatimins and calcium chews daily
9. I will drink even more water and less alcohol (twice a week)
10. I will eat more salads (3-4 times a week)
11. I will get my ass to the gym 4-6 times a week & run 3-4 times per week
12. I will remember that my hair grows and I can reach BSL by June 2012!

As of today, I have approximately half an inch to 3/4 inches of NG and I am about 8 weeks post. I used BT about once a week but honestly, did not keep it in good condition because I mainly hid it under a wig the entire time. I have to do much better when it comes to maintenance. Luckily, I have managed to get on track with regards to my money, exercise, writing, skin and dental care. The only other thing that requires my discipline is my hair and I am committed to getting that in order.

I am going to mix my black castor oil with olive, grapeseed, lavender and jojoba oil. I think I will mix it into my BT bottle which has very little left in it. Honestly, if I ever buy it again, it will be scent-free. I want to use the castor oil mix at least twice a week. That will require me to wash my hair twice a week.  So, I might wash my hair on Sundays and Wednesdays/ Thursday afternoons. Meaning, I would put the growth aid on Mondays and Thursdays.

A WEEK & A HALF LATER

And my hair is fine. My scalp is beginning to itch a little but its fine. I am thinking that I will go until next weekend and go back to B Natural. I will have a wash and deep condition so that my hair can get some nourishment. I will use that for 2 weeks and then I will start my home treatments with a shikamlaritha rinse and a deep condition with ORS Mayo. I will follow that treatment up with a cowash and my ORS Con/Cinnamon conditioner and leave that on over night. I will wash it out and scrub my scalp. That will then be followed with another ayurvedic rinse.

I hope I can get my Amla, it is a necessary part of my hair routine and it is affecting my hair.

Next: I want to learn more about Elasta QP's DPR 11. I found it for cheap in Landover and am considering getting it. Off to do some research...

UPDATE: After a little research, it seems that DPR-11 is simply a "remoisturizer". It doesn't give much slip, so people add coconut oil to it for slippage. Well, I really like how the Stimulation conditioner from Design Essentials works but it is too expensive. Additionally, I already use ORS Con. So, the only way I would buy DPR-11 is if I run out of ORS Con which costs approximately $16-19 versus DPR-11 which costs approximately $6. I now need to find a more affordable replacement for ORS Mayo. That runs approximately $9-11.

NEW HAIR REGIMEN

So, in the last 3 weeks my hair care process has changed a little bit. I seem to only wash my hair twice/ thrice a week and I use my ayurvedics once a week followed by a protein deep condition. The idea was to use a carmel conditioner once a month but haven't done one this month yet but definitely plan to.


MONDAY - Full head baggy + BT
TUESDAY - prepoo (amla oil) + cowash and moisture conditioner (optional) + BT
WEDNESDAY - moisturize with mango butter and seal with coconut oil + BT
THURSDAY - moisturize with mango butter and seal with coconut oil + BT
FRIDAY - ayurvedic rinse (shikamlaritha/shikarithaneem) + ORS MAYO/camelia oil/cinnamon/Castor oil/glycerin/coconut oil; prepoo with amla oil/Vatika
SATURDAY - moisturize with mango butter and seal with coconut oil + BT
SUNDAY - moisturize with mango butter and seal with coconut oil + BT (optional wash day)

Every post wash, I add KODL, rosawater glycerine/SCurl, oil (coconut/castor/camelia). Once my hair is dry, I then add mango butter, it makes my hair incredibly soft. I use my shower comb in the shower while I have conditioner in my hair to limit breakage and to use the water as a detangling aid. Here are some hair rules:

1. BT everyday
2. Mix coconut oil, castor oil, glycerin, cinnamon into every deep conditioner
3. No heat, except once a month
4. Limit combing and use mainly finger combing
5. Work out
6. Drink water
7. Limit cones and sulphates
8. Carmel treatment once a month
9. clarify once a month
   

CO WASHING REPORT

ADVANTAGES
After 6 days of cowashing, I can definitely understand why people love it. Once you figure out what works for your hair, cowashing can be a very rewarding experience. For my hair, it is clear that moisturizing with Suave Humectant and ORS Replenishing Pack, makes sense. I did that on Saturday night and on Sunday afternoon, I oiled my scalp and massaged with my own oil mix. Then I also added a dime size of Vatika and the result was incredible! My hair was soft and shiny without being overly greasy. Though, I think I will experiment with jojoba oil as I hear that it is much lighter than most.

Additionally, I noticed a drastic reduction in hair breakage and for the first time in my life, now understand the difference between breakage and shedding! I now experience hair shedding from the root and not breaking at the ends! I also try to finger comb more often which is much easier now that my new growth (8 weeks post) is so soft! I have never seen my natural hair so flexible and malleable. And, I use no heat! This new regimen is amazing!

DISADVANTAGES
There are however, some negatives to cowashing. It appears that although protein makes my hair practically 'bullet proof', I do not like the lack of softness that results. As a result, I know that I need to be gentle with protein conditioned hair and forgo a comb for Bantu knots which gave me good results for a first timer.

Another detriment is the amount of water used. All that washing can become quite expensive. Furthermore, the time required to prepoo, deep condition, moisturize, massage scalp daily and whatever else, is quite excessive. However, I see the results already in the form of less breakage, more sheen, softer roots and healthy looking ends. Therefore, I am sold!

FUTURE ADDITIONS TO REGIMEN
Looking forward, I want to start the MN/Sulfur Challenge and also do the Carmel procedure. From what I have seen, MN/Sulfur can increase hair growth. I will however, look out for any adverse effects and thus will only use the product for 2-3 weeks and give my scalp a break of 2 weeks before resuming the regimen. As to the Carmel, if I am already achieving the softness I get now, i can only imagine that Carmel will make things better. As such, I will begin to amass the products needed to create the mixture and do it this week on Thursday.

I also want to add molasses to my routine. I am not sure where exactly to slip it in, but I think it will become obvious eventually.

Henceforth, my regimen shall be as follows:
MONDAYS - Ghee+ Olive oil + egg (prepoo)/Shikakai-amla + SH (to soften) + ORS Mayo (protein deep condition).
TUESDAYS - Baggy + Bantu Knots
WEDNESDAYS - Oil mixture + Vatika (prepoo)/SH + ORS RP(moisture deep condition)
THURSDAYS - MOISTURE day
FRIDAYS - Baggy ends
SATURDAYS - MOISTURE day
SUNDAYS - Baggy ends

GOALS
In the short term, the obvious goals are to gain healthy longer hair and a cleaner scalp. However I hope to have APL by June and BSL by December! Aim high!

Co washing week continued

THURSDAY NIGHT
Procedure: I prepood with a mix of honey, camellia, evoo, lavender, vatika, tea tree oil and massaged scalp in the afternoon. At night, I put Dove Advanced Color Conditioning mask in my hair for 30 minutes. Washed with Tresemme Moisture conditioner. I then sprayed leave in conditioner (DE), put some Keracare creme, SCurl, and locked with vatika.
Result: My hair felt same as the day before but even less breakage when I finally combed. The roots were relatively soft and wrapping was a breeze. My scalp still did not feel squeeky clean but I again did not use brush. My hair smells great though.
Follow Up: I will use my hair oil again and heat it up this time. I will also purchase Suave humectant and hope for some more softness. Also, I will begin t find products for my MN/Sulfur regimen which will begin in March. I must also begin to acquire the ingredients for the carmel solution.

FRIDAY NIGHT
Procedure: Applied Dove Mask for about 15 minutes. Washed with Humectant and my hair was super hard, so I washed again with humectant and then put some ORS RP in it which softened the hair. Then I added some detangler which doesn't work. I added KeraCare creme and then SCurl and oil mix. Wrapped my hair.
Result: My hair felt alright. I experienced a lot more breakage than I have all week. I am now convinced that the Dove conditioner is actually Protein (moderate) and that the Tresemme is Protein as well.
Follow Up: Will use Humectant and ORS RP tomorrow.

SATURDAY:
Procedure: Prepood with oil mix and it actually mad emy hair extremely soft. Husband loved the smell and feel. =) I washed with Humectant and left ORS RP in my hair for over 3 hours. Washed out and had very soft hair.
Result: There was very little breakage, in fact mostly shedding as I saw roots come out. I added SCurl, oil mix, Vatika to roots, length and ends. Then I added a little KC creme and pulled my hair into a pony tail.
Follow Up: Will add some oil mix and wrap my hair up because the pony tail left my hair a little frizzy! and the end didn't dry over night.

Co washing week

MONDAY EVENING - SHIKAKAI
Procedure: Mixed Shikakai with water into a paste. Did not measure things precisely. I rubbed into my hair and left it on for an hour. After rinsing it out, I put some ORS replenishing pack in my hair and sat for 30 minutes. I then washed it out and sprayed SCurl in my hair. I then sealed with a lot of Vatika oil.
Result: My hair was hard as hell! Also the Shikakai left flecks in hair. It was hard to comb and I experienced a lot of tangles and breakage when I combed. Also, my scalp was itching.
Follow up: I read up on the Shikakai process and have discovered that I made a few mistakes.
1 - Used too much shikakai
2 - did not pre-poo with Vatika
3 - should not have rubbed the product around like shampoo, only made it harden
4 - should use it with amla powder, an egg and some water and mostly put it on scalp.

I will try this process again and hopefully will make it part of my weekly cowash regimen if it works the next time.

TUESDAY EVENING:
Procedure: Deep conditioned with ORS Mayo and left in my hair for 40 minutes. I washed it out and put SCurl and Vatika.
Result: Hair was better than the day before. Little breakage, but lots of shrinkage. My scalp was itching and did not feel clean. I wrapped my hair and the excess Vatika was thickening on my hair.
Follow Up: I will wash with an actual shampoo tomorrow and hope for the best. Also, I will put a lot less Vatika. Only about a dime's worth is needed.

WEDNESDAY EVENING:
Procedure: I put some ORS mayo. I focused on the scalp and ends, then wore a shower cap and wrapped a towel around head for 20 minutes. I then washed with Design Essentials Anti Itch shampoo. I conditioned with Design Essentials Stimulations. Then I put a little ORS Replenishing Pak along the length and especially on my temples. I then washed it out, squeezed water from hair and after letting it dry a little, I added SCurl and 3 dime worth of Vatika. I then combed gently.
Result: My hair was feeling great after the Stimulations conditioner. Had I stopped there I would have been happy. However, adding the ORS seemed to cause some shrinkage. Nevertheless, I have never had so little breakage. I still had some tangles which probably from the ORS replenishing pack. Because the DE always leaves my hair extremely soft and tangle free. As usual I wrapped my hair.
Follow up: I will use a mixture of warm olive oil, tea tree oil, Vatika oil, lavender and camellia oil to massage my scalp, because it is STILL itching! I will purchase eiter Queen Helene conditioner or Pantene Hair Mask (or both) and use it to co wash. The next time I cowash I will use my trusty scalp scrubber.