Slight setback

Whilst removing my mini twists that I had kept in for 5 weeks. I had to cut some off them off. This was my fault as I usually wet my hair apply lots of oil and sleep with a shower cap, this time I applied conditioner and oil and left it in for only 1 hour. Protective styles have to be removed with care. I will make sure I sleep in oil before I remove my next set.

Hair update

I will be shampooing or Co washing once a week. No more vinegar and black soap.

Protective style challenge #2

I started this protective style challenge on 1/1/17. and will end 1/07/17

The rules 

No combs 

No heat 

Protective styles (mini twists) 

Shampoo or Co wash once a week

Deep condition every 2 weeks

these are my results from last year.

Levels of protective styles

Protective styles are styles that reduce manipulation and or protects your ends

Highly protective
Mini twists
Braids
Weave
Canerow

Less protective
Twist outs
Braid out
Buns
Bantu knot out

I stick with highly protective as I'm lazy and these styles mean once installed there is little maintenance.  Mini twists are my favorite as they can be styled just like loose hair and are easy to remove.

Protective Style Challenge results

The beginning of my protective style challenge was 29/08/2015 it is now 02/01/2017, I have not done a follow up video as I can’t be bothered to straighten my hair and I am not really bothered about length anymore.

My guidelines and results 

-No heat (not even indirect) I used heat 4 times, twice for box braids. temperature was nor more than 190 c

-No combs or styling tools (finger detangle only) I combed my hair four times 

-Deep condition every 2 weeks (natural products) I didn’t deep condition quite this much and I used store products

-Protective style (mini twists mostly) I wore my hair in protective styles 90% mini twists 10% box braids

-Very low poo (I will alternate between shampoo and co wash monthly and use clay wash in between) I only shampooed once a month, I used clay and African black soap

other things

I tried to stop using shea butter and use a store-bought product this back fired. I am back to shea butter.

I stopped using DIY conditioners as much and adding oils to my deep conditioners.

I stopped caring about ingredients as much.

I got one big trim and did a few dustings.


This year I will attempt a silk press and get a trim then. 

Here is my hair after me doing a perm rod set. My hair was not combed or blow dried prior to this and the only product I used was shea butter and a Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Sheen Sealing Nectar 170ml (used for the nice smell).

Join me this year :)

Maybe next year I will do a follow up video.

Tips for mini twists.

1. Cleanse and deep condition your hair before hand. Before you twist your hair is the only time you will be able to get to your scalp with out causing frizz.

2. Apply a heavy butter whilst twisting. Shea butter will suffice. But there are also store bought products.

3.twist on dry stretched hair. This will allow you to see more length and cause less knots.

4.Wash your hair. If you are leaving your twists in for longer than 2 weeks it is best to wash your hair. The misconception that twisted hair no longer need to be washed is ridiculous.

5. Sleep with a satin scarf, bonnet or pillow!

Argan Oil Hydrating Hair Masque

I had seen this product in so many shops and because it only cost £1 I thought why not give it a try. The ingredients are not too bad considering the price, no mineral oil or sulphates and argan oil is the 6th ingredient so it contains a fair amount.

I did not use this product in its purest form so this may not be such a fair test. Instead I melted some shea butter added an oil mix and honey to 3 table spoons of the mask. I do this with all my shop brought conditioners, as I heavy handed with them and it also gives me a hot oil treatment at the same time.

I applied this mixture to my damp hair and put a shower cap on then I put my heating cap on. I actually had a nap with the mask on and it ended up being in my hair for 3 hours. I rinsed my hair with warm water and finished it of with cold to close the cuticles. I then plaited added shea butter and an oil mix to my hair and plaited it in  plaits to stretch it. 

The next day I woke up and my hair wasn't dry as the plaits were quite big. I'm not sure if this was anything to do with the fact that my hair felt dry, normally when I apply a mask my hair feels extremely moisturised for about two days. This has not been the case with this mask. I don't think I will repurchase this mask again even with the favourable price as it does not seem to agree with my hair. Maybe this mask is more suited to someone with straighter hair. I will be conditioning my hair again with another product as I am not happy with the way my hair feels.

Pros 
Price

Cons 
Does not hydrate!