Quick Hair Tips

My #ProtectiveStyleChallenge ends September 30th. If you've been following my personal account on Instagram, you'll know that I've been wearing my hair in protective styles, exclusively, for the past two months.  Yes, since August 1st!

My next tutorial will be on my #AndroidBun, which is my take on Janelle Monae's classic updo.

I've also been experimenting with recoloring my roots with henna and indigo every 10 days, because my hair grows in pretty fast. Henna and indigo are permanent hair colors, but your new growth will always need coloring.

Day #1 - WashDay/ #HairSpaDay (4 hours total)

On this day, you detangle, wash, condition and stretch your hair using our #L2Stretch method. Then set your hair in a #10TwistBun

Days #2 & 3 Wear your #10TwistBun 

Night Routine Day#3 -#MidweekMoisturize & Style for #HighBun (1hour)

Moisturizing on this day may not feel necessary if your hair has normal porosity and especially if you use our "Love Me and Leave-In Conditioner", but it's important to do so every 2-3 days.

To prevent "scalp itchies" (which is caused by microscopic dead skin cells that build up on all parts of our skin, even our scalp) I lightly spritz my scalp with "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier (ACK). ACK has a pH balance of 4.0 which is identical to aloe vera juice. It also contains soothing aloe vera, tea tree oils and vegetable glycerin (a humectant that attracts water).

On my ends, I lightly spritz "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier and allow them to dry for a minute or two before resetting my style to a #HighBun.

Days #4 & 5 Wear your #HighBun

I keep my style fresh by wearing a satin scarf at night. For sleeker edges, I apply Smooth Operating Aloe Gel, brush gently with a toothbrush and then set with a Spandex Band for 15 minutes.  

Night #5 #MidweekMoisturize (5 - 20 minutes)

Re-moisturize your hair with "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier and set your hair in a protective style. I usually rock an #AndroidBun (tutorial coming next week!)

Days #6 & 7 (5 - 20 minutes)

If you didn't do so the night before, you can place your hair in a protective style and smooth your edges for a more sleek look. It is completely optional and just depends on your own personal preference. 

Congrats! You've made it through the week! :-)

Total time: 6 hours for the entire week

Nutrition is a critical part of growing the fullest, strongest hair possible. But if you don't provide your body the amount of vitamin and minerals it needs to function, it will prioritize supplying your organs over your hair and nails.

I take a daily iron supplement to ensure that I'm getting all of the RDA (recommend daily allowance) iron I need. I've been using this brand for nearly two years.  At 18mg, it is the perfect amount for women under the age of 55. Since iron is absorbed best by the body when paired with vitamin C, I drink a glass of apple juice or coconut water when taking it.

This post is not sponsored and this item was purchased with my own money. There are affiliate links included. - Kim Love (Owner of LUV Naturals)

Your RDA of protein depends on your weight and level of physical activity. As a rule of thumb, adults need .8 grams of protein for each kilogram they weigh (or .0.36 grams for every pound).

But you don't have to break out your calculator! You can simply use the USDA link below.

Protein Calculator:

https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/interactiveDRI/

Recommended for ThrivingMaintainer, #Maintainer hair paths (Unsure of your hair path? Click here to take our Hair Quiz!)

Day #1 - WashDay/ #HairSpaDay (3 - 8 hours total)

On this day, you detangle, wash, condition and stretch your hair using our #L2Stretch method. Then set your hair in #BantuKnots

Days #2 & 3 #BantuKnots (20 minutes)

Remove your scarf and gently unravel your bantu knots. For a video tutorial on #BantuKnots, click here.

Night Routine Day#3 -#Moisturize & Reset Bantu Knots (5 -10 minutes)

Moisturizing on this day may not feel necessary if your hair has normal porosity and especially if you use our "Love Me and Leave-In Conditioner", but it's important to do so every 2-3 days.

To prevent "scalp itchies" (which is caused by microscopic dead skin cells that build up on all parts of our skin, even our scalp) I lightly spritz my scalp with "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier (ACK). ACK has a pH balance of 4.0 which is identical to aloe vera juice. It also contains soothing aloe vera, tea tree oils and vegetable glycerin (a humectant that attracts water).

On my ends, I lightly spritz "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier and allow them to dry for a minute or two before resetting my bantu knots. 

Days #4 & 5 (5 - 20 minutes)

Remove your scarf and gently unravel your bantu knots. For a video tutorial on #BantuKnots, click here.

Your #BantuKnots can be worn for the next two days.  

Night #5 #Moisturize (5 - 20 minutes)

Re-moisturize your hair with "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier and set your hair in a #TuckandRoll style.

Days #6 & 7 (5 - 20 minutes)

If you didn't do so the night before, you can place your hair in a #TuckandRoll style and smooth your edges for a more sleek look. It is completely optional and just depends on your own personal preference. 

Congrats! You've made it through the week! :-)

Total time: 3.5 - 6.5 hours for the entire week

Recommended for #Thriver, #ThrivingMaintainer, #StrivingMaintainer & #Striver hair paths (Unsure of your hair path? Click here to take our Hair Quiz!)

Day #1 - WashDay/ #HairSpaDay (3 - 5 hours total)

On this day, you detangle, wash, condition and stretch your hair using our #L2Stretch method. Place your hair in a #10TwistBun and tie it with a satin scarf for bedtime.

Days #2 & 3 #10TwistBun (15 minutes)

Remove your scarf, smooth your edges with a spandex band, "Smooth Operating Aloe Gel" and you're set for the next 2 days! (Repeat these steps in the morning as needed).

Night Routine Day#3 -#Moisturize (5 -10 minutes)

Moisturizing on this day may not feel necessary if your hair has normal porosity and especially if you use our "Love Me and Leave-In Conditioner", but if you're on the #Thriver hair path for maximum hair growth, it's important to give your ends a little spritz every 3 days. Do this at the end of the day, right before bedtime or whenever you wrap your hair for the evening.

To prevent "scalp itchies" (which is caused by microscopic dead skin cells that build up on all parts of our skin, even our scalp) I spritz my scalp with "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier (ACK). ACK has a pH balance of 4.0 which is identical to aloe vera juice. It also contains soothing aloe vera, tea tree oils and vegetable glycerin (a humectant that attracts water).

On my ends, I lightly spritz "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier and allow them to dry for a minute or two before pinning them back away in my bun. Now my hair is good for another 3 days!

If you are changing your protective style, take this time to unravel your twists and create a #BallerinaBun before bedtime. Protect your hair with a satin scarf.

Days #4 & 5 (5 - 15 minutes)

If you didn't do so the night before, you can smooth your edges for a more sleek look. It is completely optional and just depends on your own personal preference. 

Your #BallerinaBun can be worn for the next two days.  

Night #5 #Moisturize (5 - 20 minutes)

Re-moisturize your hair with "Aloe Citrus Kisses" hair acidifier and set your hair in a #LowPonyBun hairstyle.

Days #6 & 7 (5 - 20 minutes)

If you haven't already done so, you can set your hair in a #LowPonyBun before you leave. 

Congrats! You've made it through the week! :-)

Total time: 3.5 - 6.5 hours for the entire week

I'm proud to say that I didn't have to clean up to shoot  this video.  :-) My drawers have remained this neat over the past few years because everything has a place.

Keeping my Ouchless Bobby and Hair Pins separate comes in handy when I'm rushing to put together a quick 2 minute style.  I can grab exactly the tool I need.

You can find these acrylic organizers by clicking here.

Long 9"x 3"x 2"

Small 3" x 3" x 2"

Last week, I covered my top 5 tools for #HairSpaDay.  This week, I'm sharing my top 5 styling tools.

1) Magnetic Rollers - for stretching my hair immediately after a wash.

More specifically, our purple X-Jumbo size. I used to use the orange Jumbo size, but I've found that I can save time by just using the purple ones. Click here to purchase.

2) Banana Clip

This has been my essential tool for the past 8 years. It's so versatile and can be used for quick high buns, low ponytails, frohawks, you name it! Click here to purchase.

3) Spandex Band 

This magical band works wonders for safely setting your hair's edges. I use this Spandex Band along with Smooth Operating Aloe Gel and sometimes a soft bristle toothbrush for a sleek, neat finish for any hairstyle. Click here to purchase.

4) Satin Rollers

The secret to achieving a finished, non-frizzy hairstyle are well curled ends. These satin-covered foam rollers can be worn at bed without disrupting your beauty rest. Click here to purchase.

 5) Hair Pins

And last, but certainly not least, my hair & bobby pins. Hair out of place? Parts showing? Emergency updo? There are very few problems they can't fix! Click here to purchase.