Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Perfecting the TWIST!!

This started out as a trial run for ways to protect my hair from the cold and winter elements.  But, this process has turned into a monster of its own!!!  I am learning different ways to twist-set my hair.  Dry, wet, after co-wash, before co-wash, at night before bed, in the morning before I put my hat on, air dry, hood dry... and the list goes on. You name it and I've tried it!  The one problem... FRIZZ *insert scream here*.

My first try at a twist set. (Double stand twist all over.)  You can tell how much I like this look by reaction to the picture! lol *failure* I didn't let my hair completely dry.

This is the second day of the very first twist-out (a frizzy mess!!!).


The next day, I decided to just mist my hair and pull it out.  This looks better than day one and two combined but still not a success.

Now, I'm dry flat twisting to my scalp.  I am really digging the fro, but still too frizzy.

Got rid of the frizz but too compact...getting the hang of this thing!

FINALLY!  I got the length and the look that I am looking for! (Two-strand flat twist) My secret product...

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave-in Conditioning Cream!  It has reduced my frizz and it protects my hair from humidity.  It has been the answer to my frizzy prayers!

Day 3- Flat twist!!! Length and no frizz, YAY!!!


Dry twist out

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Co-Washing

We have always been taught to shampoo our hair to get it clean.  Well, as you have read in my previous blogs, I've learned that this is not the best way for me to keep my hair clean, manageable and healthy.  Lots of the shampoos on the market are made with sulfates in them.  The sulfates' job is to strip the hair of oil and impurities.  We curlies know that our hair tangles easily when there is no moisture/oil in our hair.  That is why I started trying to find a shampoo that was not so "mean" to my hair.  I talked to my stylist and she told me to begin looking for shampoos that had no sulfates (sulfate-free) in the ingredients.  She even suggested using KeraCare because they had a shampoo that was sulfate-free.  Immediately, I went and purchased the KeraCare shampoo and it worked ok but my hair still seemed to tangle.  I then began reading articles and I kept running across the term co-washing.  I had NO CLUE what that meant.  So, I went to CurlyNikki's website and looked it up in her natural hair dictionary.  The light bulb came on!!!!!!!!!!  I had been crying and detangling and all this time I did not know that I didn't even have to shampoo my hair on a regular basis to get it clean.
Conditioners also have cleansing agents in their ingredients. Therefore, it is safe to co-wash your hair to retain the oil and moisture without all the dirt and product build-up on your hair.  I co-wash my hair once a week and since I am a PJ (product junkie) I use all kinds of conditioners to co-wash my hair but I don't use the same conditioner to deep condition as I do to co-wash. 


Here's a website so you can read more about it. Here is an interesting article that you can read about it too!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

JUST FOR PJ's!!!

I read on a blog about product samples and the best way to get them...
Do you see a product on the shelf that you would love to try but are reluctant to purchase?  I have the solution for you!!! Go to the website of the particular product and find the contact us link.  Use that information to send the company an email telling them about your hair in particular and what products you  may be interested in.  Ask for suggestions and samples of the product that they think will work best for your hair.  I did just that and have received sample products from a few companies!!! I love trying new products!!! YAY!!

Condition-Wash-Condition

10/31/11
This weekend, I needed to wash my hair REALLY bad!! So bad that I was thinking of using a shampoo that was not sulfate-free to strip everything to make sure all the "gunk" was out of my hair.  I decided to first do an apple cider rinse and used my finger tips to massage my scalp.  Then I added Dove Intensive Repair conditioner to my hair.  I added olive oil to Herbal Essense (HE) Totally Twisted shampoo and then proceeded to shampoo my hair.  This worked REALLY well, this is now my new method of  TOTALLY cleansing my hair.  I first "pre-poo" (there's and earlier post all about it), condition, shampoo and then deep condition with a plastic cap and sit under the dryer for 10 minutes.  Check out this article about the condition-wash-condition process.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

I am OFFICIALLY Posted

I am officially posted!!!!!!! YAY!!! I have submitted my story to SEVERAL natural hair websites and had not heard back or been featured.  But I can now say that I am POSTED!  Check me out!!!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Protective Styling

10/17/11-I have been reading some post/blogs about protective styling and now I am ready to try and see how this works for the length of my hair during the fall and winter months.  I've decided to try some of the techniques/videos I've seen on various websites and videos.  Here we go...
Flat twist in the front and wash n' go in the back.
 Flat twist in the front and double strand twist in the back.
 Flat twist in the front, double strand twist in the back.
 Flat twist in the back toward the front and double strand twist, then rodded on the ends.
 My DIVA look... MY FAV!!!

So far, these are the protective styles that I have tried.  I will try more and update as I go along.   I'm not really a fan of wearing my hair twisted up to go to work but I will try some wigs over my twist to look more professional. 

Twist out from protective style
My 'fro is growing!!!

As much as I despise hats, I am now wearing them to protect my hair from the harsh winter air...



(Check out my new earrings from Accessorizing You!!!)
Check out what Accessorizing You has going on!...Follow them on Twitter @AccessorizingU and/or "Like" us on FaceBook www.FaceBook.com/AccessorizingYou


It was cold this day, so I had the wig AND a hat on, this RARELY happens.  Lol #hotbox

When it starts to get warm I'll throw this had on instead of a wig to run errands.
 
 
This summer I let Sheena Double Strand Twist my natural hair. 6/12




 
I have begun to experiment with putting my hair up in different styles from inspirations off of PINTEREST (yes I'm addicted).

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Stay Hydrated

Since college, I have been studying the importance of drinking water.  I have been on a daily quest to drink a minimum of 100 ounces of water a day to stay hydrated.  I began working out to stay healthy and I wanted to know how much water I needed to consume in order to stay hydrated.  I found a website that had a calculator of how much water I should consume...  I often make it to the 115 ounces that I am supposed to drink but not every day. 


I also read on Naturally Curly's website about how to keep you hair healthy and it did not surprise me that the first tip was to drink enough water...


See what the Mayo Clinic has to say about staying hydrated...
Staying hydrated has many benefits: clearer skin, healthier hair and a healthier body.  So, put down the soda and put a little extra H20 in your system!

Product Reviews

Hi, my name is Candyce, and I AM A PRODUCT JUNKIE (pj)!!!!!!!!!!!  They say the first step is acceptance! LOL  Because I am a pj, just going to the store is a challenge because there is always something new improved on the shelf that peaks my interest.  Don't get me wrong, I have my favorites that I will always have on hand and use (especially my staple products) when the other "stuff" disappoints me.

As I pick up new products (not just for hair) I'll place a short review here:

  • I was in a the "Bull's Eye Boutique"  in Charlotte this summer and I ran across a Softsoap display and it caught my eye (of course).  They had some new body wash scents out, I began smelling and ran across one that smelled heavenly...  Body Butter Coconut Scrub!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG is all I could think.  Over my years of pj addiction I have learned not to buy on impulse.  If I think about it again I will return and purchase the product I saw.  Needless to say, I could NOT stop thinking about the fragrance of this body wash!  It smells AWESOME!  I returned home and was in "Wally World" and I passed the display there, and I purchased it.  I could not wait to get home and shower.  I was not disappointed!  It is a scrub and moisturizer in one.  After I shower I now only have to put a squirt of lotion on my body in order to keep the moisture in. (Your skin needs to be sealed just like your hair!)

  • Traveling to Memphis for a weekend getaway with the "Alabama Crew"... We are in the car and my friend Pasocca starts talking about this new lotion she has and how it is made from Jesus' sweat and it leaves your skin feeling heavenly...then she proceeds to say it was made by Jergens.  I just laughed because prior knowledge leads me to believe it'll be a watery waste of money!  Baabyyyy was I WRONG!  I took a small sample of the Overnight Repair and rubbed my hands together and continued for 10 minutes!  My hands already felt better!  I was already sold.  Every guy I came across that afternoon I had to touch so they could see how soft my hands were. lol  Later, I showered and stole another squirt, this time for my hands and feet.  I put my socks on and went to sleep.  The next morning, like the gospel song Conquerors says, my hands looked new!


  • 11/7/11 I had been reading about the best ways to grow and maintain natural hair.  I ran across an article that talked about this hair oil and it had many testimonies about how well it works.  Wild Growth Hair Oil is the product that they were talking about.  I decided that from what I read it was worth a try.  The bottle was about $8. It has a tip on it that you can apply it directly to your scalp.  I put it on my edges, hair and scalp 2-3 days after I co-wash.  I have been using it since June and all of my edges have grown back and it is about 2 inches long.  My hair is thicker in the center where it was thinning.  The only drawback of using the oil is the "earthy/herbal" smell.  It does not have a pleasant smell and I usually put it on my hair and then add Mizani Supreme Oil on my ends to mask the smell.  My mother started complaining about her hair thinning in the middle and I told her about the oil she went and purchased it and has been using it every other day for about a month.  I will keep you posted about her progress. 5/6/12 OMG! I met a lady yesterday and she was asking my how did I get my hair so thick.  This product is the only thing I could think of! Check out some of my most recent pics.!

  • 12/20/11  I have been fighting a loosing battle with frizz!!! But I have won the war!  I searched up and down the product aisle in the "Bull's Eye Boutique" to find something that would help me fight the frizz.  I finally found it!!! Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Leave-in Conditioning Cream.  It also helps fight humidity and promises the fight will ensue for up to 48 hours! lol "The formula with argan oil from Morocco and apricot soaks deep into frizz, dry hair to smooth each strand. Stay 10x smoother and fight frizz for 48 Hours, even in 97% humidity."  You don't have to use much.  It can be used on wet, dry or damp hair.  I've used it each way and I absolutely love it!  It also has a pleasant fruity smell to it and it does not weigh you hair down. 5/6/12  I place it on my damp hair after it is freshly co-washed before I begin my twist set.


    2/11/12 Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer My trusty side-kick!  This product is creamy and light but gives my hair a very nice sheen.  I usually wet my hair and then place the moisturizer all over my hair. 5/6/12 I place on my hands while taking my twist down in the a.m.

    5/6/12 Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Souffle

    These two RIGHT HERE maaaaannnnnnn!!!!!, is all I can say!  They work sooooo well together. By themselves, they are just ok.  But together, maaaaannnnn.  My hair has never felt sooooo soft and manageable.  I first began using the smoothie as a day two revitalizer and I really did like it.  But ,on an unplanned trip to Tuscaloosa, AL I had to stop at Walgreens and pick up something to put on my hair that night and in the morning.  I didn't want to purchase something I already had at home and I wanted to pick something up that would pair well with what I already used.   I must say, a LITTLE of either goes a loooooonnnnggg way!!!
    At night,I section a small amount of my hair and mist lightly with water (don't saturate or they won't be dry in the morning) and add a finger tip amount of Soothie from root to tip and smooth out my tangles, then I add a finger tip amount of Souffle and twist from root to end.  I do about 12-15 "Celie" twist all over and put on my satin cap.  When I wake the next am, I put a little  Cantu Shea Butter Daily Oil Moisturizer on my hands and pull out the twist.  I have the most beautiful and defined twist!!   I've been getting LOTS of compliments!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Sealing Hair

Oh am I LEARNING!!! Starting this blog has caused me to be more meticulous about what I put on my hair and how I treat it!  As a little girl I knew that my hair "drinks oil" as my mom would say.   I am just now learning that that was a false statement and what is REALLY happening! 
My hair is extremely porous! Which means that my hair saturates quickly, dries quickly without product and it takes FOREVER to dry once products are applied.  Knowing that helps me deal with my hair in a totally different way. 
     If I do not apply product to my hair before allowing it to air dry it is a crunchy mess!!  Therefore, I have learned that there IS a science to the order you apply products.  Growing up we always put grease on my hair everyday and much to our dismay my hair would look like a dust bowl, literally by the time I was picked up from school. We were doing it ALL wrong!
     Even as an adult, until recently, I would put my homemade oil on my hair before my moistrizer/leave-in.  Now, after finish my "in the shower routine", (you can read about it in my "Regimine" post) I put my aloe vera gel (to add to the moisture of my hair before I seal). Then, I put my leave-in conditioner on and SEAL my hair with my recipe for oil that I make at home (in the same post mentioned earlier) or Supreme Oil. My hair is soooo soft and manageable.  It no longer has that "dusty" appearance.
     Sealing you hair is important to keep the moisture IN that you want in, especially when you hair is porous.


To find out more about sealing...
http://www.curlynikki.com/2011/04/art-of-sealing-natural-hair.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278612/the_fine_art_of_protein_and_moisture_pg2.html?cat=69

Thursday, September 29, 2011

My Routine...spelled out!

Hi, my name is Candyce and I'm a PRODUCT JUNKIE (PJ)!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol :)
"Pre-poo":
-I apply a handful (sometimes 2) of coconut oil to my entire head and place a plastic cap on it for 15-30 minutes. (I usually find something to do around the house to occupy the time.)
-This is new to my routine...
I dampen my hair (don't saturate, it's easy to do) and apply my deep conditioner (dc)**I used Paul Mitchell The Mask on 9/28**, put my plastic cap back on and sit under the hooded dryer for 10 minutes.  I walk around with the cap on for about 10-15 minutes after I turn off the dryer.  (occupy time)

"In the shower":
-I massage my scalp with the dc and stand under the water and let it stream down. 
-Finger detangle my hair as much as possible, then use a wide tooth seemless comb to finish.
-I co-wash **used Jane Carter Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner 9/28** my hair. I leave it in while I wash my body and by then it is soooo manageable! Rinse out completely!
-To keep my tresses tangle-free I put a quater size amount of Kinky Curly Knot Today for "slippage" and as a leave-in.
-I let my hair drip dry and shake from left to right to rid of some of the water.

"Out of the shower":
-I use a white t-shirt to dry my hair. (Towels tangle my hair up.)
-I apply Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel (to add moisture).
-Apply Kera Care Leave-in Conditioner
-SEAL with natural oils (coconut, extra virgin olive, castor, vitamin E oils mixed)
-Apply Mizani Moisture Stretch and finger style

"Day 2" Hair:
-Add a quarter size amount to two sections (divided down the middle) of Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  It smells great and moisturizes my hair before I seal it.
-Spray with water, natural oils and liquid leave in conditioner (put in spray bottle and shake well).
-Apply Mizani Supreme Oil. IT SMELLS AWESOME!!! (I can't say it enough!)
-Apply EcoStyle Olive Oil gel and finger style.
-Sometimes my day 2 (or 3) hair becomes a little frizzy, so I like to add Smooth and Shine Curling Mousse to define my curls and
-When I have time I like to stretch my hair by doing a dry double strand twist set and rolling the ends with flexi-rods.

During the Week:  I like to put oil on my scalp to keep it healthy.  I read on one of my fav websites about Wild Growth Hair oil and I have been using it between washes on dry hair.

Products I like to use:
CONDITIONERS: Mizani True Textures Curl Replenish Intense Moisturizing Mask,  KC Knot Today, Jane Carter Nutrient Replenishing, Paul Mitchell The Masque,  Tresemme Naturals Nourishing

LEAVE-INS/MOISTURIZERS: Kera Care Leave-In, Kinky Curly Knot Today, Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel, Cantu Shea Butter

STYLERS:  Mizani Moisture Stretch, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Eco Style Olive Oil Gel, Smooth and Shine Curling Mousse

OILS:  Wild Growth Hair Oil, My Recipe:  EVOO, Coconut, Vitamin E and Castor Oils

Pre-pooing

(9/23) I have been reading about different methods to use to help keep your hair from tangling and becoming more manageable.  I've read about twisting your hair prior to washing, using seamless combs and so on.  I have tried them all.  My hair was still a tangled mess.  UNTIL I began pre-pooing!!! I simply coat my entire head with coconut oil prior to washing and leave for 15 minutes.  The texture of my hair is soooo much softer and easier to manage from just taking a little time pre-shower to manage my tresses.

This week (9/26/11)  I decided to pre-poo and take it a step further.  I put the coconut oil on my hair and put a plastic cap on while I washed a load of clothes and folded the towels out of the dryer.  I then had a bright idea to deep condition my hair before I co-washed and stretched with milk.  I put my deep conditioner with protein in my hair (Paul Mitchell Super Strong Treatment).  I placed the plastic cap on  my head and sat under the hooded dryer for 10 minutes.  I then proceeded with my co-washing routine.  Try it and see how it works for you to have a pre-poo regimen.


Last week I didn't wash my hair... it was toooooo  cold to open up my pores!!


This week (10/8/11) I pre-pooed and applied product and went to work!! My hair didn't look all that great, but I knew the outcome was more important! I actually didn't co-wash my hair until that Saturday night and the next day my hair was GLEAMING!!! It was soft, manageable and the curls were really defined.
Fast forward (10/14/11) almost a week later and when I woke up this morning I looked at my hair and the curls were soooo pretty.  I did nothing but put Supreme Oil on it and GO!!! Check me out with my favorite earrings that I purchased from ACCESSORIZING YOU (http://www.accessorizingyou.com/)! (Thanks Sha'!)
Check out what Accessorizing You has going on!...Follow us on Twitter @AccessorizingU and/or "Like" us on FaceBook www.FaceBook.com/AccessorizingYou
 
8/28/12 OMG!!! Do I have the update for you!!!!
I was reading on CurlyNikki and found the ultimate pre-poo recipe.
 
I've tweeked it a bit to fit my liking...
Use an empty bottle that you have to combine these ingredients:
2 tbs of your favorite conditioner, olive oil, coconut oil, and honey.  Shake it up and apply all over your hair.  Put a plastic cap on and leave for 30 minutes or more.  Rinse with the coldest water you can stand.  Co-wash your hair with your favorite conditioner and style.  I have the softest hair and the bounciest curls ever!!! 
-I found it is also the answer to deep conditioning.  If you do it before, you don't have to do it after!! :)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

My favorite websites and blogs...

I consider myself a sponge.  Therefore, I am always trying to absorb information that is going to help me along this curly journey.  A friend of mine, who started her trip before me, suggested that I look at http://www.curlynikki.com/.  It has been the MOST resourceful website that I have found that has helped me along each twist and turn.  It is my ABSOLUTE fav go to site for all things curly, from styles to products, do's and don'ts, finding you natural "hair type", product swaps, blogs, celebrity interviews, how-to videos, and more!!! It even has a curly dictionary!!!  Nikki, the creator of the site, even has a section where she tells all about her, her journey and even her fav products.  Within that site there are links to other sites like naturallycurly.com where they have contest you can enter to win free products and curlmart.com where you can purchase the products you read about on curlynikki and naturallycurly.com.


Within that site I have found a few blogs/testimonials that have been EXTREMELY helpful on my journey.
As I find other sites that are helpful I will update this blog.
UPDATE: (9/24/11)  I found a new site http://newlynatural.com/blog/ !!!!  It has a great list of familiar products with her (Kcurly) personal review of them.  She has a BEAUTIFUL head of natural hair that she goes through lengths to share her story with pics included (like me :)) But what I like MOST is that she has a link where she shares over 100 different styles that can be done on natural hair!!! I'M SOLD!!  I'm going to share my story (cross your fingers it gets posted).  There is just one drawback...too many ads.
UPDATE: (10/31/11) I have been featured on the newlynatural.com blog site!!! YAY!!! Check it out!
http://newlynatural.com/blog/2011/10/a-natural-story-curlydivacandy/

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Shrinkage (Stretching experience)

When I wash my hair my curls are elongated and relaxed.  I would like for my hair to stay that way, but it is too much like right!!!
My hair shrinks about 50% of its length from wet to dry.
Currently, I am trying to stretch my hair.  I've been doing some research and I have found some different suggestions and recipes to help stretch my spirals.


There are a few forms that I found that has been suggested to help stretch naturally curly hair.
1.  Using a form of lactic acid (milk, sour cream, yogurt)
2. Twist and wash
3. Wash and twist
4. Blow Dry roots
so on and so on...

Because I do not add heat to my  hair often #4 is out of the question to stretch my tresses on a daily basis.

1 day after

before
I am using a product by Mizani called Moisture Stretch that does an ok job of stretching my hair a bit more than it would do on its own.
In the picture above I used milk to stretch my hair after co-washing with Tresemme naturals conditioner (I love it because of the natural ingredients and it is CHEAP for a large quantity) and Kinky Curly Knot Today (one of my ABSOLUTE fav products for detangling and easy management) as a leave in. I applied Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera gel (to moisturize) and my homemade oil (coconut, evoo, Vitamin E, and castor oils) to seal and Moisture Stretch (to stretch and define curls).  After applying my products I two-strand twisted (about 8), coiled and secured them with bobby pins to dry overnight. I sleep with a satin pillow case and a satin bonnet (when my hair is wet).  In the morning when my hair is ALMOST dry, I apply Shea Moisture Smoothie to my hair and finger through the twist.

Results:
I did get more stretch out of my hair after twisting but I do not like the end result.  My curls are matted and less defined after doing the twist on my hair.  I don't think I will use the twisting while dry technique anymore. Nevertheless, my curly for turned out REALLY pretty but eventually shrunk up because it was not completely dry when I took the twist down. (I may need to sit under the dryer for about 15-20 min. before going to bed.)  I got tons of compliments on yesterday (even from male students, they don't tend to compliment on my hair) and request for what I use and how I get my hair to look like this. :)

What's Next:  I am going to try the milk with the twist and wash technique...
UPDATE (9/28/11):  So, I tried the milk...
Immediately after co-washing and applying milk, aloe vera, homemade oil, and Moisture Stretch (It feels sooooo good!!!)

About 2 hours after... My hair is STILL damp!! SMH!! Still feels great though!

Day 2- I put Mizani Supreme Oil (smells AWESOME) and Shea Moisture Smoothie to define curls.  My hair still feels sooooo gooooood! lol :) I can't keep my hands out of it! EcoStyle Olive Oil gel to smooth my edges for my updo.

10/31/11-  I decided to try the dry stretching techniques since the other ones have not worked out so well for me.  I double strand-flat twisted my hair and rolled on the ends with rods and allowed it to dry for a little over a day.  This style gave me some length but when I sweat (in my head 1st) it causes my hair to draw up and become bushy...

11/21/11- I washed my hair with the flat twist still in my hair and allowed it to dry.
OMG!! Between stretching and using that WILD GROWTH HAIR OIL and adopting the "hands-off" approach, my hair is REALLY growing and I get so many questions about what I'm doing and compliments about how my hair is growing!

 

Saturday, September 17, 2011

All about CurlyDivaCandy...

IMAG0104.jpg
Who IS CurlyDivaCandy?!
I am a 29 year old science educator who loves teaching and I hope to one day become an educational consultant and no longer teach in the classroom. I am a TRUE product junkie (pj)!!!! I like to scrapbook, sew and do craft projects.  I am a very social person and an avid Tweeter!!!

My Natural Journey
**How long I've been natural and why...
I have been natural since April 2009.  (This is my second time going natural.  The first time I did the BC (big chop) and wore my hair in a curly afro for about a year (2006-2007), I did not like the way my hair looked in a short afro and I relaxed my hair and grew it back out.) The first time I went natural I decided to do the BC because I had worn a relaxer since I was five.  I did my first BC at 24 because I did not know the true texture of my natural hair.  I would wear my hair wet with a relaxer and my hair would have a really nice curl pattern to it. So I decided to see what it would do without a relaxer completely.  The second time I was diagnosed with diabetes and the medicine I was taking was making my hair thinner.  I grew my hair out and had my ends trimmed every six weeks until all of the relaxer was gone. 
 
**Styling..
I usually wear my hair in a curly afro or pulled back in a high curly puff.  I've never pressed my hair but since April 2009 I have flat-ironed my hair twice (October 2010, September 2011).  Because I sweat in my head I don't like to straighten my hair out.  The styles do not last longer than a day and it causes me to have to use too much heat on a daily basis.  Th e only time I apply heat to my hair is when I blow it out to trim my ends every two months.
Every three months I get my hair flat twisted or done in some protective style.
 
**What I'm learning...
 My hair is very unique.  Since I went natural, my sister has also.  Our textures/color is totally different! My hair is very soft and fine and does not respond if it is not oiled!  My hair DRINKS oil! My hair tangles very easy and can only be combed while wet!
 
**Suggestions for those thinking of going natural...
I don't think that it is the only way, but it is the only way for me.  Each person/head of hair is different!  You have to do what is best for you!  Products that work for me may not work for someone else with the same type of hair (4a).  SULFATE-FREE SHAMPOO!!! Shampoos cause my hair to tangle to the point where I can not comb it!  I co-wash every week and wash every month with a sulfate-free shampoo (I love Mizani's Natural Textures shampoo and cream cleanser!)
**For those who have chosen the natural path...
Patience is the key!!! Every product will not work for you!  Keep you hair oiled with natural oils (I make my own combo with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E Oil, and Castor Oil) and stay away from shampooing as much as possible.  While transitioning I did not do a BC the second time.  I wore twist outs that I did weekly and rolled using sponge rollers or rods.  DEEP CONDITIONING is the key to manageable natural/transitioning hair!!!! (That means putting the conditioner, preferably one that says leave on your hair longer than five minutes and is heavy in texture, on and leaving on 45 minutes to an hour or 10 with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer.)

**Products I am using and Swear by...
My staple products are my homemade oil (recipe above), Knot Today by Kinky Curly, Eco Style Olive Oil Gel, Moisture Stretch by Mizani, and Supreme Oil by Mizani. 
Because I am a pj (product junkie) I try other products in conjunction with these staples.  At the moment I am using Mizani's sulfate-free shampoo Curl Balance (once a month, so a bottle of shampoo literally lasts me over a year), I co-wash with Suave's Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner, Deep condition (everytime you shampoo or co-wash) with Mizani's Curl Replenish or Jane Carter's Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, KCKT as a leave in conditioner, 100% Aloe Vera Gell (for moisture), Homemade Oil (to seal in moisture), Mizani Moisture Stretch and when my hair dries I add Mizani's Supreme Oil for a little shine and IT SMELLS AWESOME!!!
Most days I wear a strech band (without the metal) to keep my hair out of my face. On days that I style my hair I put Eco Style Olive Oil Gel on my edges to keep my hair in place without it becoming flaky or sticky
 
Freshly washed and DC hair 
**My trials and tribulations...
As you can see from the picture my biggest issue right now is shrinkage.  I have been doing research to find ways to stretch my hair. 
I first started by using the Moisture Stretch by Mizani and it actually stretches my hair!  I still want more length to my coils so I have been using lactic acid (milk, yogurt, & sour cream) to try and stretch it even more.  I've already tried sour cream and didn't get much of a result. (The MS does a better job alone.) Next, I'm going to try milk. 
 
**Pictures...
My blowout look
IMAG0109-1.jpg
 
 Flat/double strand protective twist
 
 
Daily Look 1-
 
Daily Look 2-
 
 Blowout and rolled on sponge rollers-
 
Using a banana clip-
 
 "Going Out Look" faux hawk-