Conditioner Only Method

[morenae]

I took a risk today and styled my hair with conditioner only after reading the Curly Like Me book by Teri LaFlesh (aka tightlycurly.com / biracialhair.org).

I've always been skeptical that it just would not define my curls enough or  provide enough hold. But after trying the method, I think this may work for me.

I used a combination of some left over Curls Coconut Sublime and Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol to style my curls after shampooing my scalp and gently co-washing the length of my hair. I shingled in TONS of the conditioner as recommended - curl by curl as I usually do. Then air-dried. The immediate results were just as good as any other styler I would use and I am happy with it.

Now the true test will be how the hair holds up to day-to-day wear. I only style my hair once a week, so this baby has to last. We'll see....

[pixie]

How is the book?

[morenae]

How is the book?

It's a good read. Thankfully she issued a Kindle version and I downloaded it last week for $9.99. It's an expanded version of what she has on the website. For an experienced "natural hair handler" the information will be review - a healthy affirmation of what you already know and a reminder to keep on keepin' on. Maybe a new tip or two. The product recommendations will be interesting too.

For the newbie it will be a godsend. She lays a good foundation on the structure of our hair and it's vulnerability. And gives 7 in depth tips on how to shampoo, condition, and style to prevent breakage and encourage healthy growth. I wish I would've had this text when I growing up.

The most moving parts of her book are her person anecdotes as a child and young woman struggling with her hair - from the hot comb to the relaxer to dreads, texturizers, you name it. Days at the beach, running from the rain, etc. Some parts even make you cry. Lots of photos of her hair. Definitely a part of the text that many people will relate to.

[pixie]

Thanks for the review.  I'm a Kindle-lover, too.  I don't consider myself a newbie, but I still often feel lost with my hair so it sounds like it might be a good read for me.  Did you download from her site or from Amazon?

How is the conditioner-only method working for you?

[pixie]

So, I stopped being lazy and checked Amazon for myself.  Seriously, I was already on the internet.
I didn't realize that Chicoro has a book out too.  It's not in Kindle form, but it looks like she published it herself.
Love it!

[morenae]

So, I stopped being lazy and checked Amazon for myself.  Seriously, I was already on the internet.
I didn't realize that Chicoro has a book out too.  It's not in Kindle form, but it looks like she published it herself.
Love it!

Yeah Girl! I have her book too. Yes, too bad it's not on Kindle. It's a great read too. A bit more heavier in spirit that Terri's book in that she discusses the handling of hair almost as it's a spiritual transformation.

[morenae]

Update on how the conditioner only method worked out for me.

My curls lasted me through the week. I was able to still wear it out by day 3/4 with medium frizz on the top and sides, and some decent curl definition remaining on the ends. By day 5 it needed a good spritz and a light reapplication of leave-in.

Overall, I was happy and it made me reconsider how much money I waste on stylers, EXCEPT for an important feature that solidifies my undying love of Kinky-Curly - it did not prevent knots and tangles.

It's what I call "glue power" - the way a styler seals each curl so that it doesn't tangle and knot with other curls. This is becoming more and more important to me as my hair gets longer and more wild. Although my curls were defined, moisturized, and sufficiently weighed down, my they weren't "glued together" and protected as I prefer them to be. When my curls are well sealed, I lose less hair to knots and tangles.

So all in all, the conditioner only method rates "better than ok" with some reservations.

[pixie]

I decided to skip Fast Food Nation for a few days and got Teri's book. 
Her hair history was almost painful to read, but really interesting.  I liked where she discussed how your hair breaks down scientifically.  It's one thing to talk about how unique everyone's hair is, but to have it put in scientific terms hit home more for me. 
As for the conditioner only... I tried it today with my Kona Hawaiian conditioner (good stuff), but, just as every head of hair is unique, mine ain't like Teri's.  Most of my coils are about coffee stirrer sized.  The front is looser, but I don't have time to individually work with every coil like she does.  I worked with some of them, and I liked the look but it would take too long to do my entire head.  Even if it was just once a week. 
The good thing that happened is that I ended up leaving more conditioner in my hair.  I've always wimped out at the at minute and rinsed too much out.  My hair is still pretty frizzy, but her book has inspired me to look for what works for me instead of constantly trying to make someone else's way the road I follow.

[alaskanmama]

Hey ladies, I have ebook by Sony can I still download the book? To figure out what you did Morenae do I really have to download the book, cuz I am not understanding the method explained here?

[morenae]

Hey ladies, I have ebook by Sony can I still download the book? To figure out what you did Morenae do I really have to download the book, cuz I am not understanding the method explained here?

The Sony ebook does not support the Kindle format. Don't know if she has made the book available in other electronic formats (maybe you can email her about that).

Do you mean "here" as in how I explained it or "here" as in on her site?Honestly, you don't really have to buy the book to get info on "the method". She shares that information quite liberally on her site with the same pictures she has in the book. So if you're interested in how she applies the conditioner, just check out the site and save your money. But if you're curious about her personal hair story and how she breaks down the science of our hair, then the book is well worth it ( electronic and/or paperback).

[gmw]

Lawd I wish this method would work for me, but I have dull hair already, and this conditioner only method makes it worse. The only thing that seems to work for my hair is KCCC. I still have not tried UFD, but for now, I am with KCCC.

She has updated her products to include cone-free conditioners... so that is really good. Overall, STILL, this does not work for me. As the old adage goes, "everything aint for everybody."

[Toneahh]

So...I tried the Conditioner Only Method. Fiiiiiinnnnnaaaallllyyyyy and so far I love it. I must admit it was quite a bit of work. The smoothing of every coil was taxing, but the results in curl definition was worth the work. The only complaint was the time is took to dry. My hair was wet for the whole day and the fact that I can't keep my hand out of my hair was problematic. Other than that everything about it was great. My scalp feels so much more moisturized after using the conditioner instead of a shampoo. I am on day 2 now and hoping that it will last 5. I will let you all know how it goes.

[jeamaria]

I like her descriptions of washing the hair and smoothing the hair, etc., but on a thick head of tight curls the method takes forever and a day.

I find that as long as my hair is detangled, I don't need the tiny sections, especially if I am working with a product that has great slip and sealing powers.

I also need that "glue effect" morenae mentions, my hair is too tangle prone for conditioner only. I didn't use gels for most of this year, especially after cutting my hair but now it's longer and more tangle prone, they are back in use once again.

[J-Skivv]

Yeah, I love tightlycurly.com, but I had to slightly revamp her method to make it work for me. I'm not willing to separate curls and my hair likes gels. But I must say that Terri's site was a turning point for my hair. It'll be interesting to see how it works once I decide to grow my hair back out.

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