Everything that you own that is valuable to you, requires maintenance in order to thrive and last you a long time. Am I correct? Your car requires servicing and regular upkeep. The same applies to your home. If you do not have a schedule as to when things should get done and what should get done, then they will fall apart and look old and tired very quickly.
So, why should your hair be any different? Your hair is your crown. Your hair is a valuable jewel that grows out of your body and is to be cherished as well. So, having a maintenance routine is needed for your hair. Moisture is hair’s sister, mother, auntie, cousin and best friend. Give your hair what it needs by creating and following a Moisturize-Rich Natural Hair Regimen.
We do not have to make our regimen long and tiring and heavy on the pockets. You might be amazed as to how little it takes to maintain moisturized and healthy natural hair and scalp. How often you wash and moisturize is up to you and your hair. The goal is to keep your hair moisturized at all times.
Assess your hair products.
Regardless of the type of hair that you have, moisturizing elements such as water should be the very first ingredients in most of your products.
Other ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin and honey are also great to have in moisturizing products. Stay away from using shampoos with Sulfates and products that contains petrolatum and mineral oil*.
Separate the hair in sections
By reflex you fingers should start separating your into workable sections. Depending on your hair length, 3 to 6 sections is typically enough.
Working in sections will allow you to finish your steps easily and quickly and most importantly it allows you to reduce unwanted knots and tangles.
Pre-pooing
Some naturals really benefit from this step. This is where you use oils, conditioner or your detangling concoction to lubricate the hair and prepare the hair for the cleansing process.
Personally, I save my not so nice conditioners for this step to get rid of them. Adding oils to the conditioner gives it the detangling power I need.
Here you can finger detangle as you work the product/mixture into your hair. Pre-pooing tend to leave your hair supple and ready for the shampooing process.
Cleansing your hair
Before you squirt that shampoo into your hands read the label. Make sure that the shampoo is free of any sulfates. Sulfate cleansers really sucks all the natural oils from your hair and scalp which results in dry brittle hair and sometimes a flaky scalp.
Nobody wants that. So, find a good moisturizing shampoo that promises to clean your hair without leaving it dry. If you are lost as to what to try something you can try SheaMoisture Jamaican black castor oil* shampoo. It cleans your hair in one wash and leaves it feeling soft.
Condition your hair
This is when the moisturizing will begin. After shampooing, squeeze as much water out of your hair and add conditioner to each section. Try your best to not add product to you scalp – pay attention to the hair.
Choose a rinse out conditioner leaves your hair soft and offers a lot of slip.Herbal Essences Totally Twisted conditioner is a good rinse out conditioner that is super cheap but leaves your curls soft and springy. The slip is amazing which is why a lot of us natural girls stock up on it.
Detangle with care
Detangle your hair fully only when your hair is saturated in conditioner. The slip (or easy glide) of the conditioner in your hair should have detangling a breeze.
Detangle from the tips of your hair to the roots in that order. If you feel the comb or brush tugging, then stop and start over slowly from the tips.
Try finger detangling before you move on to the wide tooth comb* then move on to a smoothing brush like the Denman or Tangle Teaser.
Deep Conditioning*
Always try your hardest to do a deep conditioning session every wash day. Experiment with different deep conditioners that promotes moisture and strength. Or, make your own DIY deep conditioning* concoction.
You would be a amazed at what great products can come out of your kitchen. Mix some honey with your favorite oil and any conditioner and coat your strands with it. Sit for 30mins or so then rinse out. Your hair will be singing hallelujah.
Moisturizing
This is one of the most important steps in your regimen. The LOC Method is a great way to moisturize your hair. First, find a water based moisturizer that will effectively moisturize your hair and also help to retain that moisture.
A personal preference is Cantu Shea Butter* Coconut* Curl Cream. I ignore the fact that it is called a curl cream because it really leave my hair moisturized and if stays moisturized for longer. A cream based moisturizer is also ideal for these winters months.
Pick your oils
Whether you used the LOC method or simply moisturized and sealed, oils are a part of your hair regimen. You will also use oils for sealing, oil rinsing and hot oil treatments, so you will need to have a variety of oils to maintain moisture in your hair. Find what oil works best for you by experimenting.
Styling
Lastly, style your hair to suit you and please do rock out and enjoy your hair. However, be careful to not damage your hair while styling. It’s more beneficial to wear low manipulation or protective styles so that your hair can rest and grow and prevent breakage.
Comment below and let us know your moisture based regimen?
