A Curly Girls Guide to Stop Washing Your Hair

Hey Everyone!

Yes, it has been ages since I've blogged.

Five months. 5. Who's counting though?

For those of you that have been reading awhile, you'll remember that Boomer awhile ago went through a phase of hating her hair.  I went on a natural hair bender, and wore my hair in it's natural curly state for over 6 months. During that time, I experimented with all kinds of products and methods and I found out something.

My hair did a LOT better when I ditched shampoos.

Now, I did not jump on the baking soda and vinegar band wagon. I like product too much. I'll tell you what I did pick up though!

Cleansing Conditioners:

You will often hear naturalistas talk about co-wash. I had no clue what that was, but essentially it is using conditioner to rinse and wash your hair. Bigger hair brands caught on to this and starting marketing cleansing conditioners. Here are two of my favorites.

These are both easy on the wallet and can be picked up at any drug store, or grocery store.


Sulfate Free Shampoo:

For those of us that just can't give up the bubbles and washing, or for those who have product build up (because what curly haired girl doesn't) this is for you. The L'Oreal Evercreme is my hands down favorite. My hair feels great, not stripped and frizzy and wild. Now if you have MASSIVE product build up. I'm talking to the point that your curls have lost life, and your hair wouldn't shine if you drenched it in baby oil? Then use this shampoo and add a DIME sized amount of clarifying shampoo. Your curls will thank you.

This brand is a little pricier, and will run you about $6 for a bottle. However since you are now washing your hair A LOT less, it will last you months!


Let's just talk really quickly about what DOES NOT WORK for the curls.

Dry Shampoo.

Why? You can't brush it out without breaking your curl pattern and causing even more frizz and craziness. Curly hair does it's best work, when you just leave it alone. I mean literally get out of the shower, throw some gel on it, and don't touch it for a few days. You want a mess? You want tangles, and at the end to still have dry shampoo residue all over your head? Then spray some dry shampoo in your curly roots. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Now for my friends with straight or wavy hair, fear not. My friend Colleen who blogs over at Coocoo for Coco has a guide just for you!

Beauty Talk: Motions Naturally You Review

I've been into beauty products, makeup, cosmetics, and all for ages.

I think it was the hair challenge with Boomer that really got me back into using products, experimenting and wanting to write about it. Last week we talked all about combating the dry skin and hair brought on by the cold winter air. This week I'm reviewing a hair product.

I mean, I've got about 3ft worth. Might as well try out new stuff.

I picked this up in the beauty aisle of Kroger. I literally can't go down it without buying something.

What it says it does: Significantly increases moisturization, curl definition, shine and strength of your natural hair.

Verdict : This one is a bust for me.

The product itself is somewhat sticky to the touch. It didn't really define my curls as I prefer them and rather than moisturizing, my hair seemed dry after I used it. I only used this for a few wash and go styles (literally wash your hair, put in product, and leave the house), but I'm going to give it one more try for a twist out (where I  partition my hair and put it into twists or braids overnight, then take it down in the morning) and I'll report back.

Any products out there you're loving lately?

Also let's talk about the spending freeze for January. Rather the spending freeze that wasn't. I feel off the wagon hard, treating Boomer for great behavior and grades at school, and treating myself. There were also a few eating out moments. I will say though that by using my YNAB app which I talked about in this post, I was able to stay in budget and not overspend. I was able to put away a little more into my emergency fund, and pay a little extra on my car note. So even though I definitely spent, I didn't over spend and I didn't lose sight of my goals. I'm going to try this again the next time the ladies host a link up and try to plan a little better!

Sh*t Boomer Says : 'Mommy...I Love My Hair!'

Yes, that's right!

SHE TOLD ME SHE LOOOOOVES HER HAIR!

*For background THIS is where we started.*

It happened the other morning while I was combing out her hair.

Randomly. Unprompted. Out of nowhere. 'Mommy, I love my hair.'

I paused. I didn't want to ruin the moment and maybe I was just hearing things.

'You do?', I asked cautiously.

'Yeah! It can be curly, or braids, and twists, or straight! It's cool and fun. I like it.'

Angels are singing! My little experiment worked. I have to say thank you to everyone that left a sweet comment on my Instagram posts and here on the blog. She read EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. She looked at every single like. People who she has never met from all over helped her gain confidence about her own special unique curls. That's why I love blogging. It gives me chills to think about, but you guys ROCK.

As for my part of this, I've got two more weeks on my no heat challenge. I've learned I don't like being told I HAVE to do something. I really never straightened my hair that often before, but the idea that I CANNOT do it is making me obsess something fierce about my flat iron. So be prepared for the pendulum to swing the other way.

Its been fun learning about my hair, and Boomer's hair. I've gotten back into to beauty products and goodies again so I'll be posting more about that in the future. Prepare yourselves guys! I have been known all my life as a product guru with my IRL friends and family so I'm going to share the wealth with you my bloggy buddies.

Thank you all again to those who participated in #operationhelpmychildloveherhair !!!!!!!!