Two New Products and Christmas Hair

Since it's been a while since I have bought new hair products I thought it was about time to do that. I made sure to stick with the sachet-/travel sizes because I don't like being forced to use up products that just don't work on my hair.

So I got an intensive treatment and the Lee Stafford Poker Straight Conditioner. That 'Artist' brand is a German brand so don't go looking for that at your local Wal-Mart. lol
I have already used the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment a while ago and although it didn't make my hair grow faster it conditioned it well but I don't think it's worth to spend 11 Euro for it. I can't wait to use the Poker Straight Conditioner. For those of you who aren't familiar with these Lee Stafford products, they smell extremely good (well, if you like perfumy products that is). If you have a sensitive nose or don't want your hair care products to clash with you perfume you better stay away from these products.


And finally look at my Christmas hair!!! I was suprised myself by the length and fullness after so many weeks of excessive shedding not long ago. I really don't want to sound vain but it's pictures like this that keep me motivated. Hopefully it inspires you too!

I'm wishing you all the best for 2013. May it be a good year for you and all your loved ones. Keep growing!

My Shrine in November 2012

These are my current products. Of course I don't use all of them every time I wash my hair! lol
The white jar on the very left of the picture holds my beloved extra virgin coconut oil.

My Hair Care Routine

The Basics:

- I wash my hair every fourth day.
- I always wash my hair in the evening
- I never wash my hair under the shower because I love hot showers.

Note: Right now I don’t have any intention to extend the time between washings since I’m suffering from seborrheic dermatitis which still isn’t completely under control.


Coconut oil:
The day before my washing day I put a fingertip of coconut oil in the end of my sleeping braid. The next morning I oil the entire „ponytail section“ of my hair and put it up in a bun. This way my hair has the entire day to soak up as much of the oil as possible.

Note: With Coconut oil time matters. The longer you leave it on your hair the more your hair will benefit from it, especially if you’re using coney conditioners like I do!


Water Temperature:
I always wash my hair with rather cool water and finish with ice cold water. Brrrrr……!!!


Shampoo:
I shampoo twice with my sulfate-free, gentle, fragrance-free anti-dandruff shampoo which is a blessing for my lately super-sensitive scalp.


Conditioner:
After blotting out excess water with a towel I gently spread my conditioner all over my hair with my fingers (focusing of course on the ponytail section). I leave it on for a couple of minutes, then rinse it out carefully.
Cones please for this lady!


Drying my Hair:
I blot out most of the water with a towel then wrap my hair in an old cotten t-shirt. After 30 minutes or longer I put in my leave-in products for hair and scalp and let it air dry.
I NEVER blow dry my hair!!


Combing after washing:
Once my leave-in is in I gently finger comb my hair and leave it alone for as long as possible until I detangle it with a wide tooth comb.


Once a month:
I use my sulfate (SLES, anti-dandruff) shampoo and do my clarifying wash with apple cider vinegar to remove any product / hard water build-up I might have. Then I follow with a deep treatment.


In between washings:
I always braid my hair before I go to bed and put jojoba oil or one of my DIY leave-ins in the end of my braid to protect it from friction.
Sometimes, if my scalp is very itchy, I do a scalp massage with my anti-dandruff tonic.


Additional things:
- Sometimes I oil my scalp with my Khadi Oil (about 1-2 hours before washing)
- Sometimes I finish my routine with an ACV rinse (with cold, filtered water!)
- I sleep on a silk cloth which I wrap around my pillow
- I wear my hair up in buns 99 % of the time