I decided to try flexi-rods on my natural hair this weekend and here's the process and products used by my stylist:

Step 1. washed with Miss Jessie's Creme De La Curl and Creme De La Curl.

Step 2. deep conditioned with Miss Jessie's Recovery Treatment as I sat under a steam dryer.

Step 3. Detangle and curl hair using blue flexi-rods in spiral pattern . The stylist used a little foam setting lotion to help hold the curl and papers for smooth ends.

Step 4. Set under dryer for 1 hour until hair was dry. Curls were a little soft so she lightly spritz them.

Step 5. Separate curls by dividing each curl into 3 to 4 sections. This gives your look volume and allows you to hide any parts created by the rollers. The stylist placed a small about of Miss Jessie's Buttercreme on her fingertips as she was doing this to add moisture.

This is supposed to last 1 week, 2 if I am careful when I sleep. Throughout the week I will sleep with a bonnet cap or satin pillow case. You can finger curl any curls the are getting frizzy by using a light moisturizer. Just be sure your are going in the direction of the curl.

Here's the end result two days later.

I like the outcome, and this is definately a style I will rock in the winter when I can't wash 'n go as much. I also think this style will be cuter as my hair gets longer. I'm loving my natrual hair color in this picture.

As for the products used... I'm not sure what it was, maybe the shampoo, but my scalp is hella dry and flaky.

I’ve noticed a lot of women are struggling with keeping hair breakage at bay. I cannot stress enough the importance of pumping your hair full of moisture. When hair is moisturized it has a great elasticity and has a greater ability to stretch. Ever wonder what that popping sound is when you are combing your hair? It’s your hair snapping or breaking and it’s not withstanding the strokes of the comb.

Women with ethnic hair, meaning hair that is wavy to kinky in texture and naturally dry, can generally combat breakage if they are able to grasp the moisture/protein balance. I recently ran across a great article that really breaks down when and why you need a moisturizing conditioner and when your hair needs protein (often called re-constructors). The author includes great scenarios to help illustrate what you should look for when assessing your hair. If you've ever had a question about conditioning hair I highly recommend you click on the link below.

Learn more about hair conditioning regimens.

I’m finding that there are quite a few ladies that are forgoing chemical strengtheners and embracing their natural hair. Reasons range from a quest for healthier hair to saving money. I chose to leave the relaxers alone because I was developing an extreme case of dry and itchy scalp that was more painful than uncomfortable. I started out taking a break and wound up embracing a new lifestyle. Learning to care for your natural hair can be quite frustrating but view it as a journey to a new you. There will be times you will feel like running back to the creamy crack but chalk it up because the end result is unbelievably freeing and rewarding. I did my Big Chop (cut off relaxed ends) after a year of transitioning. Here are a few things I learned along the way.

Transitioners: you are growing your relaxer out. Your hair has a distinct line where the natural hair meets the relaxed hair, the line of demarcation. This line is extremely fragile and should be treated as such.

Recommended care routine: get in the habit of adding moisture to your hair, when you do the big chop this will be essential. Skip the shampoo and wash your hair with conditioner about once a week, deep condition often and use a sulfate free shampoo once every two weeks.

Recommended styles: Any style that minimized combing is best since combing stresses the line of demarcation. Flexi-rod set, braids, twist, bun, and even a wash ‘n go if you have a medium curl pattern. After your new growth gets more than and inch or two long I wouldn’t recommend flat ironing in an effort to blend hair, you’ll find yourself doing it too often.

Products I relied on during my transition. These are not the same products I am currently using.

Brushes & Combs by Sally Beauty
Blow Dryers & Irons by Ion