Another Lesson on Protein

Just when I thought I knew everything there was to know about how to care for my hair, I'm thrown a curveball. Here's what I've been dealing with for the past two weeks and how I fixed it.

Approximately two weeks ago, but hair started acting up. It presented with these symptoms:

• Became stringy and frizzy as I rinsed out my conditioner
• Stayed stringy and frizzy even with the addition of Pink Boots (aka clump-maker)
• Shrinkage shrank to just 1/2 inch
• Volume disappeared
• Hair was as dry as the Sahara

This continued for several washes.

I initially thought that my hair was just really thirsty. I did two DTs with CJ Curl Rehab, added plenty of GVP Conditioning Balm during the wash process, and even replaced KCKT with generous amounts of GVP CB for my leave-in. My hair lost the dry, frazzled feeling, but was still frizzy, stringy, and limp.

At this point, I figured I needed some protein. Usually I'll add it to my co-wash, since I have so few products with protein in them. I use protein regularly enough so that I don't ever have to do a Protein Treatment. Nothing changed after the protein co-wash; still frizzy and stringy, barely making waves.

My next thought was overconditioning. I'd somehow overdone it and killed my hair with conditioner. An ACV rinse did nothing. Meanwhile, my hair went back to being dry and frazzled.

This was the point where my mind started turning to more drastic decisions: shampooing to remove possible build-up or cutting my hair. The last time I used shampoo was in December when my brother was home for the holidays. I stole his low-poo since it was the only one in the house that did not contain oils (since I shampoo so infrequently, I haven't felt the need to spend the $$ on an oil-free low-poo). A build-up problem seemed unlikely since I have been really good about co-washing regularly and meticulously. I think my last cut was in October. I've loved the way my hair has looked (before this incident of course) and really didn't want to have to cut it.

Wednesday was my last ditch effort at saving my hair. I have been doing a lot of reading at NC trying to figure out my problem. This post was ultimately the answer. I had used protein in my co-wash, but what if that wasn't enough? I have a small bottle of Nexxus Emergencee, a potent PT I picked up at the very beginning of my CG journey (before I discovered my protein sensitivity). I used a nickle-sized amount for the length of my hair. I left it on for probably only 30 seconds; it started to feel weird and I was scared. I followed it up with my usual rinse-out and routine. The results? Better curl! A few clumps! Some shrinkage!

It still wasn't up to usual standards, so I used it again this morning for about a minute and a half. Et voila! Clumps and spirals (which are probably closer to the corkicelli curl type described in the new CG book)! Consistent curl everywhere! Insane shrinkage! Which all adds up to one happy curly girl :)

So I am now convinced of the need to do regular PTs (because co-washes aren't enough) like some of my fellow protein-sensitive curlies. Finding the right protein-moisture balance is harder than it looks!

Good Luck Charm?

I was at the bank today when the teller complimented my hair. We went through the usual "is it natural?" questions, and then she asked to touch my hair.

Now, I've read a lot about strangers complimenting curls and asking to touch them. My hair was still drying (about 2 hrs out of the shower at this point), but she seemed genuine and did ask, so I obliged her.

Then she told me she was touching them for good luck.

...What?!

In two and a half years of better curls, this is definitely the weirdest encounter I've had with a stranger.

Weekend Tidbits

• It's been a while. I have a post on diffusers that's been sitting in my mind for a few weeks. I really need to just sit down and write it. Look for that soon!
  
  
• I learned how to make a fishtail braid over the holidays. It led to an updo for Christmas Eve that turned out really cute! I didn't get any pictures of it (but lots of compliments!), so I may have to recreate it for a post. I like the fishtail almost as much as a french braid, which unfortunately I can't do myself.
  
  
• My hair has been good, but a little dry lately. I switched back to V05 Raspberry for my co-wash (had been using Salon Care's Honey & Almond conditioner, which contains protein, since the CJ Daily Fix debacle) and it's starting to improve. Funny how something as simple as a co-wash can do that.
  
  
• Speaking of CJ Daily Fix, I switched my review status to "tentative." Turns out my reaction could have been medication-related (or really, lack of medication). I started using it RIGHT as I started having a reaction, so DF might not have been related at all. I'm on new medicine right now that could take a few months to really kick in, so I'll hold onto DF and re-evaluate in the spring.
  
  
• I was recently chosen to be one of NC's "Curly Insiders," which means testing out new products and possibly straightening my hair on a semi-regular basis. Which I am ok with. If it works out, I may be posting more reviews here.
  
  
• I started using mousse yesterday for second-day hair. It worked really well. I got the frizz control and curl boost I was looking for, without the crunch I get with gel. Fingers crossed that keeps working.
  
  
• I'm on the verge of taking back my bold comments a few posts ago concerning the clips I've been using on my roots. It hasn't been going well lately, even on wash day. However, they were good yesterday with the mousse, so I'm going to try it on wash day.
  
  
• My bottom layer is ridiculously dry right now. You would think the canopy is the most exposed part of the hair, but I think mine is my bottom layer. Since I wash out my rinse-out conditioner upside-down, the bottom layer gets rinsed out the most. I haven't been paying as much attention to it with my leave-in. And since my hair's so long, most of it falls (on its own) to the front of my shoulder, leaving the bottom layer exposed. I'm going to make a point of hitting it with lots of KCKT and maybe even some protein to stop the tangles.
  
  
• I ordered the new Curly Girl book from Barnes and Noble on Thursday. It was supposed to ship Friday, so it should be here soon. The first book was a bit of a letdown for me, but with the self-trimming section, I have a lot more hope for this one.