How to restore moisture to hair, after washing it

STEP TWO FOR  INCREASING YOUR HAIR GROWTH

Washing your curly hair the right way

Many women with natural coiled hair, complain about dry hair. Lots do not want to wash it, because it becomes dry afterwards. That is due to cleansing with the wrong products. Also cleansing the hair in the wrong way.

STEP ONE consists of choosing the right products to cleanse and condition with. READ HERE!

How to cleanse your hair for optimum hydration

The Coily Queens regimen has the only cleansing regimen,  that cleanses and moisturizes effectively.  This is a step by step hydration cleansing technique. Do each step as written, no matter how minor it might seem. Each step is important for hydration. 

HYDRATION CLEANSING 

Before you began put your leave conditioner or moisturizer in the fridge. You want it to be cold. 

1. Allow medium temperature water to run through hair for 1 minute.

2. Apply shampoo to scalp first and cleanse. 

3. Smooth shampoo down the hair shaft. Taking care to always go in a downward motion. 

4. Complete 2 lathers, using less shampoo the 2nd lather.

5. Rinse out shampoo with medium temp water

6. Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner, cover with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes.

7. Rinse deep conditioner out, with cool water. Do not towel dry hair. Leave soaking wet. 

8. Apply a pH balancer. 
Choose either:   organic apple cider vinegar          rinse or an aloe vera spritzer

9. Organic ACV rinse:  Mix 1/4 cup of acv with 2 cups of spring water and pour all over hair and scalp. Being sure to cover all strands. Let it sit for 3 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Do not towel dry. With hair still soaking wet apply your chilled leave in conditoner to hair. Follow with other products, butters or oils.

10. ALOE spritz: mix 1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel with 1 cup spring or distilled water. Smooth into scalp and hair. USE IT ALL AND LEAVE IT IN!  Immediately apply your chilled leave in conditioner. Follow with the rest of your products, oils and sealants. 

       

Hair Cleansing Clay

Ditch your shampoo for clay!

Tired of using shampoo?

Would you like a more natural cleanser?

Constantly dealing with dry hair?

Replacing your shampoo with clay could be a game changer for your hair journey. 

What is so awesome about cleansing with clay?

IT'S ALL NATURAL
This Indian healing clay is one ingredient. It is calcium bentonite clay.

FUNCTIONS AS A DUO BEAUTY TREATMENT
 While you would not dare use your shampoo on your face. You can use this bentonite clay on your skin and hair. It is a cleanser and conditioner for the hair and skin. That is a great investment!

DEEP CLEANS WITHOUT TANGLING
This clay detoxes your scalp and hair. But unlike shampoo, it does not strip your hair to the point that it leaves it tangled. 

DETANGLES AND DEFINES YOUR COILS
You will notice an immediate difference in how easily your hair untangles after washing. The clay conditions so well, it leaves your coils well defined. A great head start for your wash and go. 

SIMPLE CLAY CLEANSER
1/3 cup Indian Healing clay (Bentonite clay)
1/4 cup of Morrocan red clay
1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup spring water

HOW TO MIX
Warming the water just a little bit helps it to blend easier.
Do not use any type of metal tools to mix clay.
Pour clay into glass or plastic bowl.
Add half of the water first. 
Stir with plastic or wood spoon.
Blend until you get a smooth mix, similar to a cream conditioner. Add a little water at a time and stir gently. Pour in ACV. Add more water if 3/4 cup is not enough. You do not want a watery mix, because it can be messy to apply.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply to very wet hair. 
Smooth from scalp to ends.
Cover with a plastic cap, do not use heat.
Leave cover 1 to 3 hours.
Rinse out with warm water.
Once all clay is out of hair, let cool water run over hair for 30 seconds. Follow up with leave in conditioner and sealants. 
ORDER HERE

Applying the Aphogee 2-step protein treatment to your coily hair

BUY APHOGEE 2 STEP HERE

What type of treatment is the Aphogee 2-step treatment?
A high quality hair treatment, that temporarily adheres small particles of animal proteins to each of your hair strands. This instantly gives your hair extra strength against manipulation and fills in the broken spaces on your hair strands. While the protein is on the hair, it is least likely to break from manipulation. This enables you to retain more length. Thus reaching your length goals faster.

Who should use this type of treatment?

• Those with moderate to severe breakage.
• Those with damaged hair strands.
• Thin hair strands and fine hair strands.
• Use before applying hair extensions. This helps to protect the hair while under the fake hair. 
• Those who heat straighten, color or relax their hair. 

What is the difference in a protein treatment and a protein conditioner?
A protein treatment such as the Aphogee 2-step, provides you with superior strength. Most protein conditioners only provide you with mild protection. Protein conditioners are for mild breakage and preventing breakage.

The Aphogee 2-step can be used once every 4 to 6 weeks.

This treatment is temporary and it wears off daily. 

Always deep condition after this treatment. 

The product recommends using their shampoo and balancing moisturizer.
However, I found those products to be lack luster and not enough moisture for Afro curly hair

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

1. Aphogee 2-step protein treatment
2. A clarifying or deep cleansing shampoo
3. A moisturizing deep conditioner
4. Hair clips
5. Pure honey
6. An applicator bottle with nozzle
7. A hooded dryer
8. 1 large towel
9. 1 small towel in a bowl of warm water

PHASE TWO:  THE SHAMPOO 

1. Allow medium temp water to run over hair for 30 seconds.
2. Thoroughly shampoo hair with a clarifying or deep cleansing non sulfate shampoo.
It is very important to cleanse the hair well, so that the protein sticks well.
3. Lather, rinse and repeat. (2 lathers)

For easier application, pour the aphogee 2 step treatment into a bottle with a nozzle.  

Fill a small bowl with hot water. Use it to dip your fingers in should they become to sticky.

PHASE THREE:  THE APPLICATION 

(read bottle instructions before applying)

1. Apply the treatment in sections, making slim parts, being sure to cover each strand.
2. Smooth product from roots to tips.
3. Work quickly because the product is very sticky and dries fast. 
4. Use the small towel in the warm water to wipe your hands as you work.

Once the hair hardens do not manipulate. 

5. After you have saturated your hair with the protein, sit under a hooded dryer until the product dries hard onto your hair. About 15 minutes.
Do not cover hair with a plastic cap while under dryer.
6. After the product has hardened on hair, rinse out with warm water. 

Rinse until you no longer feel anymore of the protein on the hair.

PHASE FOUR: RESTORING MOISTURE

1. You can now apply the aphogee balancing moisturizer or you can deep condition your hair with a moisturizing deep conditioner. 
Apply the balancing moisturizer according to the directions on the product.
OR
Mix 1 tbsp on honey with the desired amount of your deep conditioner. Cover hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 10 minutes.
2. Rinse with cool water
3. After conditioning, spray hair down with the Aloe Vera pH balancing Spritzer.
4. Do not remove moisture from hair.
5. Apply your leave in conditioner and oils and style

Clarifying your hair

Clarifying the hair involves using a stronger than normal cleanser to remove product build up from your hair.

Order here!

5 REASONS TO CLARIFY:

1.  If you do not wash your hair on a weekly basis

2.  If you use gels on a regular basis

3.  If you use petroleum or silicones, on a regular basis

4.  Clarifying before your protein treatments helps to ensure that the protein adheres to your strands better. 

5.  If your hair was styling good then it begins to not style as well, doing a deep cleansing could help to revive your hair. 

PLEASE NOTE!

Deep cleansers and clarifyers have a higher PH than your regular shampoos. 

Clarifyers cleanse the hair deeply. This includes stripping the hair of its natural oils.

For this reason extra care should be taken to deep condition well after using a clarifying deep cleanser.

Here are my tops pick for clarifying deep cleansers. 

Shea Moisture black soap shampoo

Jane Carters Hydrating Invigorating shampoo

As I am clarifying conditioner

ORDER HERE

Natural choices:

Moroccan red clay *(PH 8)

Bentonite clay *(PH 8-9)

Black soap *(PH 9)

Castile soap *(PH 11)

*the PH is an estimate it depends on how your natural product is created

Cleansing your hair with black soap

If commercial shampoos are giving your hair a hard time, you can easily make your own natural shampoo. Pure Black soap makes a great natural shampoo base. Black soap is made from a combination of coco pod ashes, plantain skin ashes, palm oil, tea tree oil or shea butter. Makers use a different combinations of those ingredients. 

Purchase original black soap HERE

It is soft, melts faster than traditional soap and is brownish in color.    

Black soap is great for deep cleansing of your hair and body. Great at removing product buildup and dandruff. Although it is all natural, it is not a mild cleanser. I would recommend using it nor more than once per week in the place of your commercial shampoos.  

PLUS: COCONUT MILK
ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

For these recipes I used liquid blacks soap, for convenience. You can purchase original black soap and shave off pieces and make your own liquid black soap, if you prefer. 

THREE NATURAL BLACK SOAP SHAMPOOS

Each maker creates their black soap in a different way. Just because it says "black soap" does not mean it is pure. Read your labels. 

Great deal on whole black soap or liquid black soap>>> HERE

Reviving your hair

HAS THE SUMMER HEAT BEEN TOUGH ON YOUR HAIR?

DOES YOUR HAIR NOT STYLE AS WELL AS IT USE TO?

HAS IT BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE YOU HAVE TRIMMED YOUR ENDS?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then it is time for CoilyQueens Hair Rejuvenation Therapy.

TIME TO REVIVE YOUR HAIR!!!

CQ HAIR REJUVENATION THERAPY CONSISTS OF 3 PARTS

Supplies needed:
Clarifying shampoo
Deep conditioner
Protein treatment
Hair cutting shears

1.  CLARIFY: It is very beneficial to clarify the hair of all product. We all need a deep cleanse every now and then. We love showers but every now and then you want to sit in the tub for a nice deep soak and cleanse. Well think of your hair in the same way. Clarifying will remove any hard to remove product. This will enable your deep conditioners and products to work better. Your protein treatments stick to the hair better. You will find that your hair styles better after a deep cleansing. Enhance your cleansers with 1 tablespoon of ACV to the amount of shampoo you plan to use. 

    TOP DEEP CLEANSERS

• As I am clarifyer
• Moptop mavin clarifyer
• Shea Moisture Black Soap Shampoo

DO NOT CLARIFY WITH BAKING SODA EVER!
BAKING SODA IS ABRASIVE AND DAMAGING TO THE HAIR CUTICLE!

2.  TRIM: Trim at least 1/2 inch or more off of your ends. The ends are the oldest part of your hair. Your ends will looks better and grow better if you keep a regular trim schedule. Styling and manipulation leaves the ends frayed and sometimes they split. Regular trims help to combat the manipulation and old ends. 

3.  PROTECT:   If you have not kept up regular protein treatments this is the best time to protein treat the hair. You want to use a good quality protein, that adheres to the hair and makes it stronger. Using protein in the right way will help you grow your hair to waist length and more. CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROTEIN TREATMENT

THE CQ HAIR REJUVENATION THERAPY PROCESS

• First clarify your hair with one of the recommended cleansers. Cleanse using the two lather shampoo process.
• Protein treat your hair according to the product directions
• Deep condition the hair
• Two strand twist the hair in medium sections. Find your thin frayed ends on each twist, trim those with cutting shears for the hair. Take your time this process is really simple.
• Now your hair is deep cleansed, strengthened, conditioned and trimmed. You should notice that your hair styles much better. Your hair has more sheen, softness, strength and life.
• Mark your calendar and repeat again in 4 months. 

How to work clay into your hair care regimen

Answering all of your questions about clay


 
You have  read about how awesome clay is for the hair.  You would love to try it, but you have no ideal where to start.

Where do I purchase clay?
>>>You can find clays at your local health food stores. You can also find good values on amazon.com
     Here is a great deal on bentonite clay!
     Great buy on Red Clay!

I have seen several kinds of clay which one do I start with?
>>>Red clay aka Moroccan clay, green clay, rhassaoul clay, kaolin clay and bentonite clay. Your jar of clay will tell you the origins of the clay. As a beginner working with clay it is best to start with bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is great for the face and hair.

How do I use it on my hair?
>>>Create your clay mixture and mix into a thick conditioner consistency. Then slather it on the hair being sure to cover all of your hair. Cover hair with plastic conditioning cap for 1 hour. Then rinse with warm water until all clay is removed.

A popular brand of Red Clay! Buy now!

Go ahead and do a face masque with whatever is left from your hair masque. Clay mixes should be made when ready to use.

Cover with a self heating conditioning cap for 1 hour or more.

I purchased some clay, but the jar does not say it can be used on the hair.
>>>Look at the contents of your clay, if it says any of the clays listed above and that you can use it on the face then you are fine. The popular brand of bentonite clay I use does not have instructions for using it on the hair. However I have used it on my hair for years. Be sure your bentonite clay says calcium bentonite. 

Do I have to use apple cider vinegar, in my mix?
>>>The acv helps to lower the PH of the clay, so it is highly recommended to use acv in your clay masque.

How often can I use clay on my hair?
>>>I recommend once per month, however you can use it once a week if you desire. Some people let clay washes take the complete place of their shampoos. Clay cleanses deep but without stripping the hair. If you clay mixture is prepared correctly it will cleanse and condition in one step.

How long do I leave it on my hair?
>>>Cover with a plastic conditioning cap and leave on 1 to 3 hours. 

Do I sit under a dryer?
>>>No it is not recommended. Remember you are working with clay you do not want the clay to dry tight onto your scalp. This will make it hard to rinse off.

Do I still use shampoo after I use clay?
>>>No, the clay is your cleanser. No need to double clean, because that will only take away any conditioning the clay has done for your hair. 

A smooth mix of red clay

This mix is kinda lumpy, you want to mix until creamy like above.

Do I deep condition after a clay treatment?
>>>If your clay mixture is made perfectly for your hair you will not have to. Clay cleans and conditions in one step. However if you find that the conditioning from the clay is not enough you can proceed with deep conditioning. Remember you should be applying a leave in conditioner after every cleanse. So you will have continuous conditioning.  

In addition to cleansing and conditioning clay washes also make your curl pattern more pronounced and your hair easier to untangle. 

For more information about clay washes go here.

Do you have more questions about clay and using it on the hair? Ask below please.

The one thing you should never use on your hair!

 

Sodium Bicarbonate aka BAKING SODA!

Baking soda

Have you read of people with low porosity hair washing their hair with baking soda? Maybe you have heard of a hydration method which suggests applying baking soda to your hair to lift the hair cuticle so you can receive deep moisture penetration from your products?   There are people who wrongly believe that water nor moisturizers, penetrates their hair enough to receive adequate hydration. However using baking soda to lift the hair cuticle is very damaging to the hair.  Baking soda is abrasive and it tears the hair cuticle. Baking soda has 150mg of sodium per 1/8 tsp. Sodium is drying to the hair. Anything that is drying is not good for Afro curly hair.  

Whether your hair is high or low porosity water will always penetrate it. Most commercial products are not formulated to penetrate the hair shaft, nor do you want them to. Using backing soda to lift the hair cuticle is not necessary, warm or medium temperature water will lift the hair cuticle. This is why the CQR method recommends rinsing your shampoo out with medium temperature water, this gets the hair cuticle in a position to receive the deep conditioning step. Sitting under a hair dryer while deep conditioning also opens the hair cuticle, so your hair can receive the amazing benefits of your deep conditioner.  Continuous use of baking soda on the hair will dry your hair out and make it break.

Dry brittle hair hey no fair!!!

Some people use baking soda as a natural way to clarify the hair.  Baking soda is a poor choice, for clarifying the hair, because  it does not successfully remove all product buildup. When you need to clarify there are lots of good clarifying shampoos, soaps and clays to choose from. Nikki's Naturals sells an awesome black soap that is great for clarifying the hair and cleansing the body.  As I am products has a good clarifying shampoo that is properly PH balanced for the hair. Bentonite clay or red clay is also great for deep cleaning the hair. The CQR recommends using a clay wash once a month to remove build up and to give your coils a boost.

Order your good quality shea butter and black soap HERE!

For clarifying or removing buildup

Bentonite clay---Order here!

Red clay---Order here!

Black soap----Best black soap here!!!

As I am clarifying shampoo

Shea Moisture black soap shampoo

Castile soap

Common mistakes naturals make (pt.2)

Seven errors related to cleansing and strengthening

1. Using foods such as eggs, avocados etc as a protein treatment.
Protein is meant to stick to your hair strands and add strength. This extra strength keeps your hair from breaking so easily when manipulated. Food is not small enough to adhere nor penetrate the hair strands. Therefore food cannot function as a protein treatment for your hair. Eat your proteins instead, they benefits you greatly by helping you grow stronger hair. When you use eggs, avocado on your hair they function only as softeners and NOT strengtheners. 

2. Not washing your hair weekly.
Hair is apart of your body, therefore it should be kept clean. Daily you collect, sweat, excess sebum, pollutants, dust, germs, products on your hair. Hair also holds an odor from your sweat mixed with pollutants. For these reasons you should wash you hair no less than once per week. Hair grows best on a clean scalp. One of the main causes for slow hair growth is not cleansing it enough.

3. Co washing with conditioner STILL!
Hair conditioner does not clean your hair. Yes it feels good because the conditioner is just building up on your strands co wash after co wash. Unless the bottle states conditioning cleanser or that it can be used to cleanse then it is not a substitute for shampoo. Choose a sulfate free shampoo, conditioning cleanser or a co wash product meant for cleansing. 

4. Not drinking 64 ounces of water or more daily.
Our body needs water. If you want your hair to grow out nice and healthy drink at least 64 ounces per day. Many suffer from hard hair, splits ends, mid shaft splits, this comes from dry hair. To look and feel our best we need water in and water on our body. We need water for better blood circulation. Healthy circulation keeps the blood flowing correctly to the hair follicles, stimulating new hair growth.

5. Being afraid of protein treatments
Your hair is over 90% protein therefore it is not sensitive to protein. Protein on the hair is suppose to feel different. Most people are not applying the treatments according to the instructions on the product. then they blame the protein. So someone says you are protein sensitive and you take it as facts. You must know how to properly deep condition your hair. If your hair is fine or breaking a protein is your best bet in most cases. Do not overlook protein it is vital to growing your hair longer and stronger. There are many different protein treatments you can choose from, look for the ones which say hydrolyzed keratin within the top 3 ingredients. Animal proteins are the strongest when dealing with breakage. Opt for milder protein when you are preventing breakage, before it happens.

6. Not following the instructions on the product.
I often get asked how to use a product I always say follow the instructions on the product unless you are using the product differently than it is intended to be used. The instructions are on the bottle for your benefit. Many complain about certain products without considering they did not use the product according to the instructions. Please take time to read the label, that will keep you from misusing the product.

As I am Curl Clarify Shampoo 5.5 PH balanced for your hair health.

Red clay hair and face wash.

7. Clarifying your hair to frequently
Unless you use lots of grease or silicones, your hair should not require a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying to often will lead to dry brittle hair. Once a month should be enough. Instead of using harsh clarifying shampoos try a mud wash or black soap shampoo. Clay washes deep clean the hair without leaving it tangled and stripped. Clay washes condition as they cleanse. As I am has a PH balanced clarifying shampoo.

Good quality black soap you can create up to 5 times the amount of shampoo by diluting this formula.

FIND AUTHENTIC BLACK SOAP AND GOOD QUALITY SHEA BUTTER HERE 

DIY Scalp PH balancing serum

Slow  hair growth?
Do you have a dry itchy scalp?
Irritated scalp?
Product builds up easily on your scalp?
Currently wearing braids and need a scalp refresher?


This CQR Scalp PH balancing serum will take care of those issues and more.

Use the serum in three different ways:
1. Use twice a month to prevent build up on the scalp
2. Use once a month to help clarify the scalp.
3. Use weekly to keep follicles clear, while wearing braid extensions.

Ingredients:
Fresh aloe vera plant from the grocery store
Jojoba oil
Sesame seed oil
Tea tree oil

Squeeze 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel from the leaf
Add 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil + 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil + 1/8 teaspoon tea tree oil. 

 
 

How to use:
Use this serum on freshly washed hair. After you have rinsed out your deep conditioner, apply CQR scalp serum to your scalp and massage gently. Do not rinse out. Proceed with your leave in conditioner and styling. The tea tree oil can have a strong smell to some people, but once you apply your leave in conditioner, that will mask any scent from the serum.

How it works:
The aloe vera gel is soothing and continues to work at PH balancing the scalp. When the scalp is properly PH balanced, it is less itchy, less irritated and hair grows better. 
Jojoba oil, removes cholesterol and balances your sebum. It moisturizes and nourishes the scalp.
Sesame seed oil: prevents infections of the hair root. Treats hair thinning, relieves scalp irritations, and gets rid of dandruff flakes.
Tea tree oil is antiseptic, anti fungal, anti viral. This oil is helps you be proactive in stopping scalp infections which can lead to hair loss.

You can find aloe vera leaf at any Mexican or International grocery store. You will find it in the produce section. The aloe is huge. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. I recommend slicing it in 2 to 3 inch squares, putting it into a freezer bag and freezing. It freezes well. This serum calls for fresh aloe leaf, not the aloe vera gel you buy in the store already bottled.