April 2007 Feature of the Month - Lauren450

(1) What is your hair care regimen?

I wash once every 10-14 days.

Products used: Mane and Tail Super Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

I shampoo my hair in the shower, then put the conditoner on, put a plastic cap over it, and sit under my Ion Bonnet dryer for 20 minutes.

I rollerset after each wash.

Products used: Aveda Massage Oil, fine-tooth comb, wide-tooth comb, magnetic Rollers, silver clips, bonnet dryer

I detangle with the wide-tooth comb. I then part my hair into sections. Before rolling each section, I apply Aveda oil to the length of the hair to seal in moisture. Then, I comb the ends with the fine-tooth comb to get them smooth. Then, I roll the hair (up for more curl, down for less curl). I secure the rollers with the clips. Then, I sit under my bonnet dryer for about 2 hours. Once done, I flat iron my roots and any puffy spots (I'm texlaxed). When I flat iron, I use Sally Silk Infusion heat protectant and my ceramic flat iron.

Between rollersets, I apply a dime-sized amount of Mane and Tail Conditioner for moisture, and Aveda oil for shine. When it's humid, I use Aveda Anti-humectant pomade to keep moisture out. When I want more curls between rollersets, I use orange rods. At night before bed, I use 4 rods on my dry hair. I roll a large section at the top of my hair, two in the middle, and one on the bottom. The next morning, I have loose curls.

Relaxer:

Products used: Vitale Mo' Body Relaxer, Vitale Neutralizing Conditioner, Vitale Neutralizing Shampoo, Applicator Brush, Plastic Gloves, Plastic Caps, Butterfly clips, Suave conditioner, Mane and Tail Super Moisturizing conditioner.

I relax in two sections (top and bottom). I part my hair and apply Suave conditioner throughout (any kind will do). Then, I put a plastic cap on the bottom section and secure it with a clip. I then relax the top section, processing for about 16 minutes. I lean over the tub and rinse the relaxer out. I apply neutralizing conditioner and leave it on for five minutes. Then, I shampoo once. I rinse that, wring out the hair, and apply and secure a plastic cap to the top section.

I repeat the process for the bottom section. I then shampoo all the hair together several times. I then apply the Mane and Tail conditioner and sit under the dryer for 20 minutes.

I comb and wear my hair out pretty much every day. I dust as needed.



(2) Do you take any supplements? If so, what are they?

I am currently taking Nature Made Prenatal Vitamins. Before the baby, I was taking Nature Made Multi-Vitamins and Biotin

(3) Currently, how long is your hair and what is your hair type?

My hair is an inch or so below BSL. My type is 4B

(4) What are the things that you feel have helped you the most in achieving and maintaining your hair length?
I believe relaxer stretching and rollersetting have helped me the most. Relaxer stretching has curbed the breakage (no more overlapping), and rollersetting gives me a smooth look without putting direct heat on my hair. This is most evident with my ends. I rarely trim