Shampoo
Put a small amount of the cleanser of your choice in the palm of your hand. Distribute it well to your scalp in each section. You want to focus on the scalp when it comes to cleaning your natural hair.
That’s where majority of the buildup is found. Be sure not to use your nails to scratch your scalp, and wash your hair in a downward motion using praying hands. Especially for us kinkier texture naturals, it causes fewer tangles.
Now rinse. Make sure when rinsing each section you rinse thoroughly. Do not place conditioner over the shampoo and then rinse that is reversing when you just did.
You already pre-pooed so you can comfortably rinse the shampoo without your hair feeling stripped. Be sure to allow the shampoo to rinse downward and use your finger to work it through and out. Lift the hair a bit from the scalp if you have long and thick hair. Rinsing is a crucial step to remove all residue, particularly from shampoos that contain a motherload of synthetic chemicals.
Condition or deep condition
For us with kinkier textures or with dryness we definitely want to deep condition now. Do not apply commercial conditioners directly on your scalp unless they specifically instruct you to do so.
You’ll want to use these products on the hair where they’re needed. Depending on the length of your hair, work a small amount into your hands and apply from tips upward.
You want to coat your hair, not your scalp (unless instructed otherwise). Work it through your hair by stroking it downwards (praying hands method). After allowing it to sit the allotted time you use this step to detangle or do it under your shower while rinsing it out. Rinse thoroughly!
When done allow your hair to dry in the sections you already have set. Use a turbie or t-shirt and allow it to naturally dry.
When hair is damp (80% dry) and no longer dripping wet go ahead and moisturize via the L.O.C (liquid, oil, cream) method. You can do this step in whatever order your hair like. Most likely you will change the order of oil then cream vs cream then oil.
Since the liquid is already there (your damp hair from washing it), moisturizing allows your hair to sit for a little longer.
After you have “loc’ed” and your hair is still a bit damp (90% dry) you can style. Apply your styling product, using a little not a lot, and complete your style of choice.
Watch my live demonstration here:
If you are consistent with a good hair regimen you will see success on your hair journey. Treat natural hair as gently as possible, remember that hair is a fiber.
Just as you provide the kindest treatment to your finest clothes, so you should take this same tactic with your natural hair. Your hair routine doesn’t have to be a high-maintenance one, but it must be one that reap benefits your natural hair.
See the other articles in the back to basics series here >>