Back to this thing. I'm attempting a life Change.

Hey there bloggers. So I originally had to set this thing up for a class I had. Now I actually want to use it.

So anywho, I'm trying this thing called "no-poo" AKA "Curly Girl". I think it's working out pretty well so far. I start about a week and a half ago.

If you don't know anything about CG (Curly Girl) the basics of it are no sulfates and no silicones. But that there my friend is just the bare basics. First of all, I basically cut out shampoo because shampooing too often with a shampoo that contains sulfates strips the hair of natural NECESSARY oils. So, you may think that is slightly gross. It isn't. You CO-WASH your hair. Short for Conditioner-wash.

To co-wash you basically have two different conditioners (condish). The first is the "washing" conditioner - alot of people use VO5 or suave Naturals. Right now I use Suave Juicy Green Apple. It smells delish. And the point of this first wash is that you scrub into your scalp, like you would a shampoo but with more effort. I rub my scalp and don't let too much get onto the length of my hair. Scrub, scrub, scrub with the pads of my fingers - section by section of hair. Rinse. And rinse well. By doing this you are cleaning impurities from your hair but not the much needed moisturizing natural oils.

That was only step 1. Step 2 requires a thicker, richer, more protein filled condish. I am using LUSH's Retread which is creamy and thick like yogurt. It smells slightly of jasmine and I highly recommend it. YES, it does have a small amount of sulfate in it - but there are rules you can bend but not break in CG. I think it is relatively okay to use this condish because it isn't as strong as it would be in shampoo form where it is one of the first 5 ingredients if not the first or second.

So, with my LUSH Retread I slather on a handful (yes, it is expensive but I am a product junkie). This second condish you just slather onto your hair and I let mine sit for 3-5 minutes. Then you RINSE your hair now when I say rinse I say that very lightly. You still want to have this second condish left of the ends of your hair when you get out of the shower, especially if you have really dry, brittle, frizzy, fluffy, undefined hair that should be pleasant and curly. Therefore, I find that 2-4 seconds, SERIOUSLY, is a good rinse time for each side of my head.

Good, so we rinsed. NOW, you need to have a leave in product. I myself use Grapeseed oil - straight out of Whole Foods oil aisle. Alot of people use EVOO aka Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I find that this is slightly greasier than I want my hair to be but it does work when it comes to moisturizing - just be sure not to put your hair near any flames or fabric that you don't want ruined. You don't have to soak your head in the product a small amount will be just fine, just enough to coat all of your hairs. I also scrunch it into my curls to make sure I get the best results. Some people choose to use creams or pomades or balms. Anything that says petrolatum or mineral oil - RUN AWAY. Do not put these things in your hair or you will need a good sulfate shampoo to get this out. It coats your hair to keep moisture out then what moisture is inside dries up after a while leaving your hair droopy, straggly, or just plain gross looking.

After applying product you can choose to let it air dry or "plop". You can either YouTube "plopping" Latina4u55 has a great video on how to plop your hair, located here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iEUvUzO0q0

I do need to make this minor disclaimer that if you try this do not expect to see instant results. There is a transition period for your hair to become acclimated to this new routine. For some people it takes a few days to start seeing results, others it could take a couple of weeks. Just stick to it - it's a good way to keep your curly hair happy, healthy and beautiful. Be happy you have curly hair - flat irons kill hair.

So I hope you are ready to go on my journey of CG-ness with me.

Before CG: Talk about CRAZYYYYY

After 1 week CG: Definitely a difference!

After 2 weeks CG: This is today. How exciting. Way more definition.