Some things I have down to a science and others I just mimic what I see. Using multiple leave-ins is more about the latter (with a little bit of trial and error). The first situation where I started experimenting with using multiple leave-in was with flat ironing.
Flat Ironing.
If I was going to be a DIYer, I had to improve my flat ironing skills otherwise I knew I'd remain dependent upon a stylist. I quickly learned that a big part of having a successful session with the flat iron is the type of leave-ins that you use. I mimicked lots of combinations that I saw from ladies on a hair journey. And finally settled on this combination: Moisturizing Leave-in Treatment; Serum/Heat Protectant; and Glossing Spray. My favorite combinations is
GVP Conditioner,
Chi Silk Infusion and
Proclaim Glosser. But I've also done:
Roux 619 Leave-In Vials,
GVP Potion 9; and
Proclaim Glosser. Both give me good results, but the first combo gives me better results.
- Moisturizing Leave-in Treatment - restores the moisture to my hair (I likely won't be moisturizing daily, so added a little extra on wash day helps to get me through the week).
- Serum/Heat Protectant - (1) seals in the moisture, (2) smooths the hair strands making it easier for the heat tools to glide down my hair; and (3) forms a barrier of protection from the high temperatures.
- The Glossing Spray - Adds shines and ensures that I'm left with a silky smooth finish.
Roller Setting.
Once I saw success with my flat ironed hair I decided to re-evaluate my roller setting leave-ins. After a lot of trial and error during
Ebony's Roller Setting Challenge, I found
my perfect combo. Now, I always use a Protein Heat Protectant and Moisturizing Leave-In Treatment. And my favorite combo is
Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer and
GVP The Conditioner.
- Protein Heat Protectant - (1) adds structure and strength, which I feels helps to prepare my hair for the manipulation; and (2) adds protection for my hair against the heat of the hooded dryer.
- Moisturizing Leave-In Treatment - adds moisture more to my strands.
Air Drying.
This combination was derived from mimicking the general products used by other hair journeyers. For the most part I noticed that most people use a Moisturizing Leave-in Treatment, a Serum and an Oil. I modified it to a Liquid Moisturizing Leave-In, a Creamy Moisturizer and Oil (or Serum...depending on how I'm feeling that wash day). So, I'll use the either:
- Roux Treatment & Shine 619, Darcey's Botanical Coconut Lemongrass Transitioning Creme and Vatika Enriched Coconut Oil; or
- Roux Treatment & Shine 619, Elasta QP Recovery Moisturizer and Elasta QP Glossing Serum.
While the reasons listed above are a bit cookie cutter, I do think that the type of leave-in that you use does impact the results you get. Plus sometimes one product just doesn't do enough. So, the main/real reason why I use more than one leave-in treatment is because my results are so much better when I do. And I do what my hair likes. :)
What are your favorite Leave-In Combinations?
Labels: Air Drying, Flat Ironing, Mixologist, Reader Questions, Roller Setting
If I was going to be a DIYer, I had to improve my flat ironing skills otherwise I knew I'd remain dependent upon a stylist. I quickly learned that a big part of having a successful session with the flat iron is the type of leave-ins that you use. I mimicked lots of combinations that I saw from ladies on a hair journey. And finally settled on this combination: Moisturizing Leave-in Treatment; Serum/Heat Protectant; and Glossing Spray. My favorite combinations is GVP Conditioner, Chi Silk Infusion and Proclaim Glosser. But I've also done: Roux 619 Leave-In Vials, GVP Potion 9; and Proclaim Glosser. Both give me good results, but the first combo gives me better results.
