Curlformers Day 2-4

My first curlformer set of the year was a definite success. I got four days of curls!

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

I didn't wash my hair this week. I know that's bad. My hair will spend the week in French twists. 

At the moment my hair is still really soft. I added some Olive oil to my scalp to deal with itchiness and moisturized with Original Moxie Leave-in. It's crazy how much easier it is to style my hair, when it's properly detangled during the wash session. I feel like such an idiot. I have been abusing and ripping my hair for six months. Thank goodness I had a good amount to start off with or I'd be bald now. But on the flip side, I have lots of broken pieces which means I can't wear a slicked back bun.  All of those little pieces stick up. My goal now is to be more careful and continue to detangle gently and thoroughly.

For the first time in months, I don't feel the urge to buy a new product or try something that's working for someone else.  It looks like perfecting my techniques (washing, detangling) may be a little more important than trying tons of products. However, I have plenty under my sink to last a while.

The six month roller setting challenge is barely a month old and it has already helped me so much. I hope this continues.

Side note: I'm slightly concerned that my last press may have caused a bit of heat damage to my new growth. I don't know. I may just be paranoid.

First 2012 Curlformer Set

My hair was beyond dirty for the start of the new year, so I had to get down to business.  I came up with a plan that I intend to stick to during the entire six month roller setting challenge.

My hair was straight for three weeks.

Prepoo:
olive oil on my ridiculously itchy scalp and a little on my hair
water/aloe vera gel mix to dampen hair
ORS Mayo on length of hair
Sat under dryer with medium heat for 30 minutes

Wash: (I wash my hair in six sections. It's just easier because when all of my hair is free and wet, it is intimidating)
One wash with Creme of Nature Professional Scalp Relief Shampoo
One wash with Creme of Nature Professional  Detangling and Conditioning shampoo

Condition:
Creme of Nature Moisture Extreme Conditioner

This is 34 weeks after my last relaxer

My new growth has no curl pattern. It's safe to say I have a z pattern.

I left the conditioner in my hair while I detangled and I sprayed the water/Aloe Vera gel wherever I needed a bit more slip.  THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER THOROUGHLY DETANGLED MY HAIR.  I didn't realize it before and I couldn't figure out why my hair wasn't cooperating with me. It was because I wasn't cooperating with it.  It took me two hours. I ended up with 12 braids. I sat under the dryer another 20 minutes (I really just needed to sit down for a bit).

I rinsed my hair in the braids, used a t-shirt to dry them and added Original Moxie Leave-in and coconut oil.  I sat under the dryer another 15 minutes, ate a great dinner with the hubby (lamb chops and black eyed peas), then took on the two hour process of putting in those curlformers.  It was easier to install them with detangled hair *hanging head in shame.*

There are about 50 curlformers in my head.

I set the curlformers with generic chi serum and Bee Mine curly butter.  I slept in the curlers, which was not comfortable, took them out in the morning and went to work.

Excuse the dirty mirror and plastic caps in this shot

I had to pull those curls out of my face. I knew they would break out my forehead.

I look like the black Shirley Temple from the back.

I'm hoping to get at least three days out of this set, but we'll see.