Hi all! It’s about that time again — updating my regimen. The biggest thing that you’ll notice is that I’ve cut out a lot of products. Let me break down the regimen for you as it stands right now:

Shampoo (weekly) – OK, I’ve realized, begrudgingly, that I need to use shampoo. I wish I could be like some folks on the blogs who never shampoo, but it just doesn’t work for me. I’ve found a great liquid shampoo and a shampoo bar (I will be testing two more) that I like, so I’ll use them for now:

• Country Rose Soap Co.’s liquid shampoo
• Henna Sooq Moroccan Clay shampoo bar

Conditioner (weekly, after every wash) – I haven’t settled on a conditioner just yet. As I try out different conditioners, I’m finding ones that work better — or are locally available. So, I’m still searching for my ride or die wash out conditioner. These two I’m testing right now and liking:

• Aussie Moist conditioner
• EO Rose & Chamomile Protective Conditioner

Leave-in conditioner (weekly, after each wash) – I’ve found my ride or die and an alternate:

• Giovanni Direct Leave-in Conditioner, Weightless Moisture
• Herbal Essences Leave-in Conditioner Split End Protector

Deep Conditioner (monthly) – I’ve been remiss, I haven’t been deep conditioning like I should be. I had used Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask and Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery Treatment and they were both OK, but because of my decision to stick with more natural products, I’ve chosen not to re-purchase either of them (and Miss Jessie’s was darned expensive). Not every product I have is all-natural, but I’m going to use up the products that I have that aren’t natural and try not to buy them again…but it’s hard if they work and are inexpensive. Anyhow, here’s what I’m using:

• QP Elasta DPR-11
• Miss Key’s 10 en 1
• My super moisturizer

Treatment (four to six weeks) – Henna! I’m loving the henna. I’ve figured out what works for me and what doesn’t. I’ve also introduced henna into my regimen. I’m keeping a close eye on my curl pattern because while I don’t mind a little curl loosening, I’m not willing to give up all my kinks and curls. I do love the colour it leaves on my hair — I still have to post some pictures so everyone can see the colour — but if I do see my curls loosening too much, I’ll have to switch over to cassia or mix it up with something else so that my hair stays the way I want it to.

• Yemeni henna mixed with amla powder

Co-wash (after henna treatment) – I rarely co-wash anymore — only after I henna. I found either my technique sucked or my scalp just hated it. My scalp is extremely sensitive, so I have to listen to it. It likes a moisturizing shampoo and that’s what I’ll give to it.

• Suave Naturals Fresh Mountain Strawberry and Refreshing Tangerine

Scalp oil (twice a week) – I should be doing this more regularly since I’m in this castor oil challenge, but twice a week is as often as I can do this. My scalp needs oil and I give it to my scalp. Done.

• Jamaican Black Castor Oil
• Castor oil/olive oil mix

Moisturize (daily) – This is easy: Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Cream. I love Carol’s Daughter’s Hair Milk and Blended Beauty’s Happy Nappy Styles, but Cantu is cheaper. BUT, I am trying to go more natural in my products, so I’m facing a conundrum.

Sealer (daily) – Easy again: Castor oil/olive oil mix or Carol’s Daughter’s Lisa’s Hair Elixir. Carol’s Daughter’s products are harder to get, so I probably will stick with my oil mix once the Hair Elixir is done.

Styler – Ampro Pro Styl Clear Ice gel, but I rarely use any type of gel because it makes my hair feel hard and I don’t like that. I am interested in trying out Kinky Curly Curling Custard, but I fear the price. So, if I do need gel it’ll probably be Ampro Pro Styl or one of the other gels that I have in my product box because it’s not something that I’ll use regularly.

I’m still a bit of a product junkie, but I like knowing what works and sticking to that instead of trying different things every week. That’s it! If need be, I’ll change things up as necessary.