3. Moisturizing and sealing
Also known as the LOC or LCO method, it is the ultimate rule NOT to break when it comes to healthy hair journeys. You absolutely have to moisturize and seal!
You won’t retain an inch of hair or have healthy hair if you do not moisturize. As women of color, whether African American, Caribbean, mixed or not, your hair needs moisture. Just as your skin needs a moisturizer to keep looking young, fresh and dewy, your hair needs that treatment as well.
So find a good moisturizer that works for your hair, just make sure that one of the first few ingredients is water to ensure proper hydration of your strands.
And after you give your hair that sip of moisture don’t let the environment take it away! Seal it in with any oil of your choice. It is recommended to use a light oil like jojoba* but you can adjust this rule to suit your own hair.
You can also make your own sealant. Use raw Shea butter and a mix of your favorite oils*…. whip those together and you have a moisturizing concoction that will have your friends demanding to know the recipe! *wink*
4. Air drying
Now this one took me a minute to master! When I first began my hair journey my hair used to clump together, look limp and lifeless after air drying, I just didn’t get it yet. But with practice and patience I have cracked the air drying code for my relaxed hair and now I can’t go back.
I have banished the longing I had to blow dry my hair to get volume and flow. Now I can achieve that with air drying and my hair has never been happier. Air drying when mastered is an amazing and powerful thing. Not only are you limiting the heat you are applying to your hair you also get full, healthy looking tresses, and to me that’s a pay day plus a bonus!
I love the “lion hair” that I achieve with air drying and my hair has become so much stronger for it, just try it for yourself sometime. Some ladies master it from day one and for others like me it’s a trial and error process but, as they always say “the race isn’t for the swift but for those who endure”. Don’t give up and your hair will reward you for your diligence.
Michelle M says
Do you do a hot oil treatment then deep condition?