Quick Tip #2 My Pre Poo Routine

[This YT vid was filmed in HD; however the vid is still processing, so quality kind of sucks for now]

I always talk about doing anything and everything related to your hair in sections. It is much easier that way. Whether natural [keeps those coils from tangling/snapping], or transitioning [keeps the hair from matting/breaking] you will definitely start to notice a difference in length retention once you utilize this technique.

I detangle in sections!
I shampoo in sections!
I condition in sections!

This quick tip video just gives a basic over-view on how I do my pre-poo routine. I switch back and forth between the mixture demonstrated in my video, and the one from this post [there is also a pretty snazzy ayurvedic recipe]; I do the latter when I have more time. 

Here's a overview on how adding a pre-poo step in your regimen can be beneficial to your hair;

Simply put, using shampoo [especially shampoo's formulated with sulfates] strips the hair of it's natural oils [sebum]. Sebum is very important because it plays a vital role in protecting the protein structure of the hair. Doing a Pre-Poo/Pre-Shampoo Treatment preps the hair by adding moisture, therefore minimizing [in most cases eliminating] the harsh effects of shampoo. 

I used the following products in my video:
Vatika Coconut Oil [this stuff is AMAZING; actually it is better than amazing]
Navratna Oil [This is an Indian Oil I purchased from Pioneer Cash & Carry in Artesia Ca; You can sub your favorite oil if you can't find this one]
Lustrasilk Shea & Mango Butter Conditioner

You may also notice I lightly detangle AFTER adding the oil:
I find it best if I detangle my hair with some type of lubricant; as it acts somewhat like a protectant. I also like to lightly detangle while my hair is dry; it makes the detangling process much smoother later [as you know your hair is at is most fragile point when wet; get those major kinks out while dry, and it should be smooth sailing after your wash].

Quick Tip Video; Xtreme Deep Conditioning Method

I wanted to film a series of "quick tips" to touch on certain elements of my hair regimen. So here is the first installment.

Let me first mention that I only do this Xtreme Deep Conditioning method after a Henna Treatment, OR Sebastian 2+1 Treatment [2 parts moisture, 1 part protein] only. If this treatment is done too often, it can cause your hair to be over-moisturized. This treatment should not under any circumstances take the place of your normal deep conditioning regimen.

I found out about this deep conditioning method growing up as a salon baby; as I would witness stylists create "special ad-ons" which would run anywhere from $15-30 per session. These are usually treatments that are marketed towards repairing severely damaged hair. Most of these procedures you can do in your own home, this is one of them.

They actually sell "2+1 irons" for this purpose, however you can use flat irons covered in foil as demonstrated in my video. - This treatment does not straighten the hair, or loosen the curl pattern.

To Deep Condition: 
I start off with a clean, old plug-in flat iron [mine was about $25.00]
Cover the flat iron w/clean foil
Apply conditioner liberally throughout sectioned hair
"Flat iron" each section on the lowest setting [mine is usually set to 250]
After flat ironing each section; let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with cold water to seal moisture, and close the cuticle.


Benefits:
Steam/heat is used to open the cuticles, allowing hair to fully absorb the vitamins and nutrients in your conditioner.
Rinsing in cold water helps seal moisture deep into the hair shaft
Reduces deep conditioning time
Imparts an incredible amount of sheen and softness

Precautions:
As mentioned in the video, this treatment should be done in monthly intervals [6-8 weeks is my schedule]
Flat iron should be on the lowest setting, and covered in foil