maintaining my blonde type 4 afro | hair as art ep 17
Yes, you read the title right. I made a bold move and died my type 4 afro blonde. I got my hair done by Kaicee at Coily Collective in nyc and it was worth it! Wow such an amazing job was done. Most importantly – this is probably the best my hair has ever felt in my life. So it’s time that I give y’all the secrets that my hairstylist taught me when it comes to maintaining my blonde type 4 afro.
1. Shampoo
I used the Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo. I know you’re probably wondering.- What is the difference between Acidic Bonding shampoo and others? The Acidic bonding shampoo is for those of us with tighter curls like type 4 hair. It is silicone free and contains avocado oil and shea butter for better hydration
2. Bond Builder
A bond builder is a hair treatment that restores broken bonds in our hair to help restore our hair strength and elasticity. I use the K18 leave in molecular repair mask. I LOVE THIS MASK!! MY GOSH! It makes my hair feel so soft so when I saw my stylist use this I was excited.
BUT she mentioned that we should be using this product differently than how others use it. The instructions say we should put the product in our hair and move on with life. But for us, we should actually let the product sit in our hair for about 4 minutes before proceeding to the next steps.
3. Moisture Mask or Conditioner
After applying K18 and leaving it in for 4 minutes, I do not wash it off. I apply Briogeo Superfoods Avocado Moisture Hair Mask or Redken Acidic Bonding Conditioner. When I apply these products I start finger detangling and using my detangling brush.Then I leave it in my hair for 10 minutes and rinse after.
The purpose of this step is to apply moisture to my hair. My stylist recommended that in the first few weeks I should use the moisture mask instead of the conditioner. Later on, I can use the conditioner instead of the moisture mask but regardless she recommends using the moisture mask at least once a month.
4. Wash & Go
After washing the moisture mask or conditioner off, I apply the Mizani True Textures Coil Stretch Cream as a wash & go styler. I apply this product like I would apply conditioner to my hair by adding the product to my roots and all over my head. I also use a detangling brush to make sure my hair remains detangled and to make sure the product is applied throughout my head. This step, is easier to do in the shower because I also want to make sure I apply this when my hair is wet and sprinkle some water occasionally to keep it wet.
After adding the product, it’s important to dry under a hooded dryer. If you are unsure of the wash & go process, check out my blog here where I go over the steps more in depth.
(Note: don’t be like me and confuse this product with the next product. Yes I made this mistake a few times hehe).
5. Leave In Moisturizer
After drying, I apply the Mizani Hairdress Coconut Souffle for added moisture. The next day, if my hair is pretty matted, my stylist recommends going in the shower to get some steam going in my hair and then adding this product for moisture afterwards. I LOVE this product so bad. Makes my hair feel soft.
I hope this process of maintaining my type 4 blonde afro helps you take care of your hair! Now – go have fun with your hair, friend 🙂
