I washed my hair on Friday night and did several things differently.

First, I pre-poo’d. This was the first time I’d ever done that. I used olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil and some honey and massaged it into my hair. There was no measuring and no rhyme or reason to my madness. I pretty much used whatever oil I could get my hands on. I meant to leave it in for 30 minutes, but I got all caught up reading Curly Nikki that it ended up staying in for about an hour and 15 minutes. Then, I prepared to no-poo.

I used to wash my hair in the kitchen sink. I hated (and still do) washing my hair in the shower for several reasons. Being that I washed my hair in the kitchen sink, I deep conditioned every time I washed it. It was just easy. You put the conditioner in and go about your business for a while. By washing in the tub, you have to set aside time just for deep conditioning… or take an extra long shower.

I analyzed the whole washing my hair in the kitchen sink and realized that it’s not designed to work well. I’m hanging my head over one way to wash and condition it. I would spend time detangling it while the conditioner was in and the water was running on it. Then, I’d stand up and flip my hair over the other way creating a whole new set of tangles. Counterproductive! Now I see why everyone washes their hair in the shower. I hate it, but I do it.

So I’ve been washing my hair in the shower and detangling it while the conditioner is in and the water is running on it. It works out so well! I was able to comb through it very easily. Today I decided that I’m not even going to comb it. I detangled with my fingers and all was well. I’d usually comb through it again when I get out of the shower. Not today!

I sectioned my hair in three. One section in the back and two in the front. I was careful about using a water based conditioner first, then sealing my hair with olive oil. I sectioned each piece with my fingers and twisted my hair for my TnC.

This is the first time in the history of hair washing that I didn’t use a comb! I was gentle with my hair and I feel like she really appreciated it.

Regardless of how my hair comes out, as far as styling goes, I know it’s going to be moisturized and healthy if I keep it up.

For the Kim Cole’s Grow Out Challenge, there were two main rules:

1.” The first step to obtaining BIG, healthy hair is to get a trim—each participant will rid themselves of damaged, split, or broken ends.”

2. “Next, each participant will devise and stick to a healthy hair care regimen, which will consist of a balanced diet and sufficient water intake, gentle handling, minimal heat usage, regular deep treatments, and daily moisturizing.”

I trimmed my hair on May 29, 2010. I knew I needed a good trim, so I took off more than I normally would. It’s only now that I’m looking back at pics that I realize just how much I took off! It needed to go though. No regrets!

Two strand flat twist – BEFORE