Hair Update: 3 Months Post Relaxer, Dryness, and Co-washing

Hello everyone,

I finally made it my third month of transitioning to natural. I am starting to feel some of the stress when it comes to styling my hair. However, I know what my goals I want to reach for my hair. I have seen tremendous improvements with the health of my hair. My hair holds more moisture when it's properly deep conditioned. My hair hates SLS (sulfate shampoos), even if it's for clarifying. I made the decision not to clarify my hair with SLS unless I have horrible build up. I've been trying to follow the Curly Girl Method, since the beginning of my transition. My scalp has been out of control for the past month. The only thing that cures my itching is co-washing. I apply one of my favorite conditioners, which is Giovanni Direct Leave in, to my scalp and hair. Then I place a plastic shower cap over my head, then I rinse out with lukewarm water. I leave the conditioner in for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. I'm considering following a conditioner only method. I realized, even low pooing (sulfate-free shampoos), can cause my hair and scalp to be drier than usual.

I haven't really been dabbling in transitioning styles, because I feel my hair (my new growth), is becoming too thick for styling. Buns are my safety net. If a twist/braid out goes wrong in the morning, I apply product/oil to my hair and place it in a bun. I am looking into trying perm rod sets to break away from the buns. My product regimen hasn't changed much. I did order a product from Qhemet Biologics via a retailer online from Atlanta, Georgia. The product that I ordered contains Castor oil, which is not water soluble, nor is it CG friendly. If I like this product, I would use my Giovanni Tea Tree shampoo or Kinky Curly's Come Clean Shampoo as my clarifier. I don't think sulfates are necessary to get hair clean especially for Afro-textured hair. I think sulfates should be used in moderation. Once every 3-6 months is appropriate in my opinion.

I am glad to say I'm still hanging in there strong on this journey. I haven't realized until now how badly damaged my hair was from years of relaxing. My hair's moisture properties, have been greatly restored. When I was getting a relaxer on a regular basis, my hair would be so dry even after deep conditioning. I use to try product after product to get my hair to feel somewhat moisturized. Now, I use products that I can find at my local Trader Joe's/Vitamin Shoppe/Target/Ricky's. My hair is no longer "high maintenance" My hair can live without the expensive salon products. All I need is coconut oil, jojoba oil, products I can purchase within walking or car distance, etc. I do purchase products online however, I buy what I need to last me 3-4 months. I am hoping to do my Big Chop at the end of the summer or during the fall. I am ready to love and work with the hair God intended for me to have. Natural hair should never be viewed as "ugly" . If you love and appreciate your hair, others will do the same. Happy growing everyone!