I did a previous post doing a short review on the OX products since I was using them for a while and introduced them to the store. Many persons have since been asking (almost every other person that meets me) about what I use in my hair and how I use the products for maintenance and care.
Your hair can grow, and it wants to grow, every hair type, texture and kind. It needs your help. Damaging treatment (excessive heat), and hairstyles (braids and weaves) all hinder your hair's progress. I will often hear people say "my hair has been this length for years, it doesn't grow". Yes it does. But it is breaking at the same rate it is growing, hence the reason it seems stagnant.
While routines may vary and everyone's hair structure is different. I can almost 100% guarantee that what I do works. The products are 100% natural (nothing beats that!) full of essential oils that are known for scalp stimulation and hair regeneration. That means it can work for you. It's not a chemical mock up that might work for some and not work for others. Natural remedies are the best!
Firstly, my hair is processed, relaxed to be exact and that works for me. I also wrap my hair EVERY night using a satin scarf. Add some OX to the mix and it's a winning combo. I have little to no breakage, the usual shedding (hair turnover and regeneration) and I do a trim maybe every 6 months (YES! and it doesn't look anyway in between).
Left: Taken in July after a relaxer; Right: After a relaxer in September
I do a relaxer about every 2.5 months at which time I usually have about an inch of new growth. In between relaxers, I wash once a week using a moisture rich shampoo and conditioner. After washing, and I try to lather only twice. More than that and you run the risk of drying your hair out. If you have a problematic scalp (which I do), a little jojoba oil (actually A LOT) on the scalp the day before you wash will moisturise and loosen any build-up.
It also imparts enough moisture to make your shampoo less harsh. After shampooing, I use the
OX Pre Conditioning Treatment, which as it says is a treatment you use before conditioning. This product contains vitamins, essential oils, humecants etc. All which are nourishing the hair. It makes the hair stronger and thicker. Breakage will be minimised because of the strengthening properties.
This product is very thick and goopy. This is applied to evenly coat the just shampooed still wet hair. If you have a problematic hairline too, get it on there. The clove oils are excellent for scalp stimulation and will help with regrowth. Depending on the amount of damage and the level of treatment needed, you can leave it on between 3-15 minutes.
To minimise the amount of tugging on my hair when I apply it (because it is really sticky), I more often than not, mix it with my conditioner (that also makes it last longer too!). OR my favourite method - a mix of 4 oz treatment to approximately 20 oz of conditioner (a big bottle) and it works just fine! I apply this conditioner/OX mix after shampooing and leave it for about 3 -5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. When rinsing my conditioner, I comb out under the shower/ running water. Because my hair is long, the water helps with the de-tangling so there is minimal tugging on the hair.
The next step is applying the
Rejuvenating Mist. This mist is a lightweight spray that has in the base essential oils again, vitamins and lots of other good stuff that restores your hairs PH balance and eliminates frizz. (I personally like to mix it with the
OX Serum as its great for heat styling. I put the serum in the mist bottle and apply, and when I blow dry, there is no need to flat iron. My hair is THAT sleek.
SO, we have washed, pre conditioned, conditioned and towel dried. When applying the
Rejuvenating Mist and
OX Serum, I use a large wide tooth comb to section my hair in about 6-8 parts, and saturate completely with the mist. The hair is sectioned so that when you blow dry, heat is applied only where needed and not the the entire head of hair. I blow dry on MEDIUM. It takes a little longer, but your hair will thank you. Minimal heat is all you need.
After the hair is dry, apply a bit of
OX Oils Maintenance Blends paying special attention to the hairline and scalp if you have problematic scalp. This oil contains clove oils, rosemary oils, jojoba oil and more. A bit more serum is also added to the length of the hair to smooth it. I do this in sections to ensure that it is distributed evenly. The serum is oil based (but super light so that your hair still moves) and the best part is that it is silicone free. Silicones have a tendency to dry out hair overtime even though they impart excellent shine upon application. I then use my dryer on medium heat again to run through for about 1 minute to make sure the oil and serum are properly absorbed.
I then wrap my hair using a
satin scarf. Satin and silk are much better materials for wrapping hair than cotton because of the smooth surface and non absorbent nature. Hair retains moisture and looks really sleek and shiny. Alternatives to a scarf are satin or silk pillow cases, s
atin bonnets or a
satin wraps. If I have somewhere to go, I make sure my hair is wrapped for at least 12 hrs (6pm - 6 am) so that it is really sleek and shiny. If I do that, there is no need to flat iron, which means less heat for my hair. Alternatively, If I do need super straight hair and I don't have time to wrap, I will flat iron on MAX 350 - 375°F, (You not need to use the highest setting as this will cause breaking), using a bit of
OX Serum on the ends for heat protection.
I hope this really long epistle is useful to someone who is in limbo about caring for their hair, be it relaxed, natural, straight, wavy or kinky. You can have healthy hair, treat your hair right, no excessive combing, tugging, brushing, glue in, anything that can compromise your hair's structure and you will see a big difference! Last but not least, drink lots of water! Eat healthy, hair needs nutrition just like your body does.
If I missed anything, PLEASE feel free to ask a question, I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback and even your hair care tips and tricks and what works for you, and what doesn't.
*There is also a
YouTube video on the OX routine that you can view
HERE.
Significant Details: Jamaican distributors of NYX Cosmetics, Sleek MakeUp, Elf Cosmetics & fine fashion accessories for men & women.
Unit #11 - Lee Gore Business Centre, 31 Upper Waterloo Road, Kingston 10. Open Mon - Sat; 11 am - 7pm. 876-620-9309
