Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! I know I haven't been updating as much like I wanted to - things have been unbelievably busy this month. This is the first week I've been able to sit and take a breath!
For the past few months, I've been experimenting with protein treatments. I started making my own after reading the thread by IAgirl on NC during the summer. I love that you can customize it easily. Mine is very basic, but works unbelievably well. I never thought that protein would be a big deal for my hair (what with a sensitivity and all) but now I can't live without it.
There's a point every two or three weeks where it becomes very apparent that my hair needs a stronger shot of protein. This week happened to coincide with a much needed low-poo (while I've dropped the sensitivity to protein, I haven't been as lucky with oils, which are prevalent in SS FHG and Darcy's coiling jelly). So I washed with a low-poo (Organix), toweled off with a few flour sack towels, and applied my treatment.
Here's my recipe:
1 packet of gelatin mixed with about half a cup of boiling water. While it's cooling, I add about a teaspoon of ACV and three or four drops of neutral protein filler from Sally's.
After I apply, I blow-dry it on high with medium heat until it's pretty crunchy. Then I continue the washing routine as normal, except I usually use a heavier rinse-out. This time I used GVP Conditioning Balm (didn't want to use anything with oil in it).
My hair usually doesn't look much different on the day of a PT, even if I use all of my regular styling products. I think I used CJ Pattern Pusha and my old Aussie Instant Freeze. I had some ok curls, but not a lot of volume.
Then I washed again yesterday. I don't have any recent pictures on my phone, but my hair is about four inches below my shoulders when dry and six inches when wet (closer to BSL). I haven't gotten a haircut since early October. I was definitely not expecting this:
This is styled with Spiral Solutions Firm Hold Gel (love love love this!), BRHG, and CJ Curls in a Bottle! I also used V05 Silk Champagne and GVP CB. I know these aren't the best pictures and I should have waited longer, but I was very excited (these are just after SOTC).
I love this! It feels like I got a haircut. I'm definitely going to do protein treatments more regularly! Do you make your own PT?
4 comments:
I recently tried your version of IAgirls protein treatment and love it! I had been using Nexxus Emergencee for a while and wasn't noticing much change and I guess I just needed a stronger one. Mine was super drippy though and I'm wondering if I did something wrong? I guess I need to use less water next time..is it supposed to have a gel like consistency?
Hi! I don't think so. Mine's pretty liquidy. If you let it cool down enough, it will turn to gel. I think once that happens, it's hard to distribute and is harder to rinse out.
I let it cool a bit and then apply a little at a time. I rub it into my scalp (like a co-wash) and scrunch a lot to make sure it's distributed well.
I'm glad it worked well for you! I find that heat helps a lot. It was ok for me without it, but adding heat really takes it up a notch!
Oh my other comment didnt post I guess, I was saying great blog, I think our hair is similar. I am also very sensitive to oils but my hair has definitely changed since going CG, but I'm actually modified now as my hair started to need a ton of protein and I could not keep from getting overconditioned to save my life. Actually thats my current problem. I even low poo every wash and still get overconditioned with the smallest dab on conditioner only on the ends. I don't get it. But I realize I was using Giovanni's low poos and I'm wondering if they have oils? Maybe it is not my conditioner but the poo.
I need to check that out but I seem to have similar reactions to the things you have used. I tried to use KCCC a few different times and my hair hates it. I think it's too moisture heavy and it takes my hair forever to dry.
Anyway, maybe I can try some of the things that work for you. BRHG is a staple for me. According to LCLF my properties are medium to fine with normal porosity and elasticity.
Thanks for blogging!
Lindsey
Thanks! Our hair does sound very similiar - we definitely have the same properties!
From what I remember, just about all of the Giovanni products have oils in them. Maybe try switching to a different one to see? Right now I'm low-pooing every 2-3 weeks with Organix Pomegranate Green Tea Shampoo. No oils, smells great, and lasts forever at the rate I'm using it. What other products are you using?
I went through a point last year where I was getting overconditioned very easily. I did something crazy like four protein treatments in a week, combined with low-pooing every other wash, just to get my hair to a normal level. Now I always use light moisture products that contain at least a little protein and am able to go about a week or so between PTs. So it is possible to get out of the overconditioning cycle, but everyone's hair is different!
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