Conquering Natural Hair with Chronic Pain (Part 2)

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I finally had my second appointment a few months ago at my curly hair salon. If you want to know why my appointments were about a year apart, read my first natural hair post!

 

The Appointment Process

 

Prep

I used a modified version of the hair routine they gave me last year. I arrived with my hair freshly washed, combed through, and I left my conditioner in.

 

Detox

They gave me a detox wash (like last time). My stylist said that my hair is accepting water A LOT more than when we started! YAY!!

 

Wash & Set

This is when I learned more about how to care for my natural hair at it’s current length. After detoxifying my hair, they conditioned it, then used a new curl product in addition to the styling gel I had before. We sat for a while as I learned how to “rake” my fingers through my hair to separate and define my curls, then I went under the hooded dryer.

Oh, I got a maintenance trim too (if you were wondering)!

 

Learning My New Products

 

The Goal

I decided to get my own hooded dryer! I figured it would have multiple benefits.

It would

• help my hairstyle last longer by setting my hair correctly (air-drying comes with a lot of frizz),
• and allow me to lay down during the day if I needed to rest (air-drying doesn’t do that!).

The Reality

It took me a few weeks and multiple texts with my hair stylist to figure out the hooded dryer. I thought that I’d sit under it for a bit, then be done.

The first time I was under it, I had it on LOW and sat for over 3 hours under it. I tried to put it on HIGH at some point, but then switched it back when it smelled like something was burning. My scalp was still wet afterwards, so I let it air-dry.

The second time, I used a timer. I sat under the hooded dryer (on LOW) for 2 hours and 10 minutes. I then diffused my hair with my blow dryer for 35 minutes. There were 1-2 small damp areas left, but I was exhausted, so I let that air-dry.

After talking with my stylist, I started using the hooded dryer on HIGH for only an hour. I still have to diffuse A LOT of my hair for a while afterwards, but I was told that my hooded dryer may not be powerful enough. She recommended a dryer, but it may be a while before I purchase it (it’s almost $200)!

 

Another Challenge

The new curl definer that I’m using is super temperamental. If I don’t drench my hair with enough water before using it, white dots appear throughout my hair. After a few days, my hair looks like it’s shedding!

A few weeks ago, I thought I had it figured out. However, while we were at an event, my husband kept thinking my neck looked dry. I tried to fix the issue, but then realized that it was the product! When I shook my hair, it looked like I had dandruff or tiny flecks of snow dusting my neck and shoulders!

I may have to get a new routine before my next appointment (in a few months)!

 

My Current Natural Hair Routine

1. Wash Twice.
2. Condition while de-tangling with my hands.
3. Use the new curling product & all-natural holding gel as I rake through sections of my hair.
4. Sit under the hooded dryer for an hour.
5. Diffuse the remaining wet areas with my blow dryer.

This routine takes up my entire day. I pray to God when I get tired and lean on His strength so I can finish my hair. I then collapse on my bed knowing that I don’t have to worry about it that week!

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