How to Create a Simple Natural Hair Regimen
Author: Sheila, wwwafricantressesandtreats.com
Before creating a natural hair regimen, complete this check list:
- Discover the characteristics of your hair. Read More
- Buy products that suit your hair needs and will guide you while building your regimen.
Your regimen is the key to a successful healthy hair growth and it keeps you on track as to what needs to be done to your hair to make sure that it stays healthy. There are many options to pick from, and different techniques, but these simple steps will help you to create a simple healthy natural hair regimen.
1.Prepoo
It’s a pre-shampoo process that involves the use of natural penetrating oils to restore moisture to your hair and help protect it from getting dried out after shampooing. My favorite oil to use is Coconut Oil and depending on the condition of my hair, I sometimes choose to add conditioner for more slip, then proceed to detangle in sections. Read more on how to Prepoo and its benefits here.
Product Recommendation: Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil etc
2. Cleansing
This is an important step in your regimen that gets rid of all the dirt and product build up in your hair and scalp. The use of Moisturizing Shampoos or cleansing conditioners ensures all the natural oils are not stripped during this process. You can start off by doing it once a week (on your wash day either Saturday or Sunday) and see how your hair behaves. If it’s too dry then try using a shampoo once in two weeks and a conditioner in between. You don’t necessarily have to shampoo every wash. If your hair feels dirty and you need to wash twice a week then try co-washing mid-week. This means you can wash your hair with shampoo and rinse with conditioner on Saturday or Sunday and then wash your hair with conditioner only on Wednesday. Keep in mind that if you wash too often you will strip your hair of too much moisture which can cause the hair to slowly loose its ability to retain moisture.
Product Recommendation: Shea by Asal Shampoo bar, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, Naturaz Hair Moisturizing Shampoo(Read my review here), Creme of Nature with Argan Oil Sulfate-Free Moisture and Shine Shampoo, As I am Coconut Co wash Cleanser, Bentonite Clay
3. Conditioning / Co – wash
A co-wash revitalizes your hair. It adds the moisture lost while shampooing back to your hair. It’s important to do this after every shampoo wash. Some naturals who also wash their hair in between the week only use a conditioner to avoid losing moisture.
Product Recommendation: Suave Naturals, Tresemme Naturals, VO5 Conditioner, Aussie Moist, Herbal essence Hello Hydration, Alberto Balsam
4. Deep Conditioning (DC)
This is a favorite step in my regimen that involves coating the hair with a penetrating deep conditioner to restore its moisture, replenish its nutrients and help to strengthen the hair. This can also involve use of protein treatments and is mostly done when your hair feels dry and brittle( I protein treat twice or once a month. Some people are protein sensitive meaning their hair tends to get hard when too much protein is used ) It’s important to deep condition every week during your big wash day for 45mins – 1hour or overnight depending with the time you have to spare. You can also apply heat for extra penetration. You can even mix some of your favorite products and make your own deep conditioning (I.e. conditioners and oils).
Product recommendation: DIY mix (Conditioner, honey and Coconut oil), Aussie 3 minutes Miracle Moist, Beautiful Texture Rapid Repair, ORS Hair Mayonnaise, Shea Moisture Strengthen, Grow and Restore Masque
5. Moisturizing
After rinsing your DC, always moisturize your hair. To moisturize you will need a water based moisturizer i.e. Leave in Condition (LOC) and a natural oil of choice to seal in the moisture. Sealing is important to lock the moisture in your hair strand otherwise the water based moisturizer will evaporate and leave your hair feeling dry. I use the LOC method to moisturize my hair and always follow up with a styling cream or heavy butter to seal further. Read more about the LOC method here.
After you moisturize, use a styler of choice whether it’s a gel or cream to aid in styling and Viola you are good to go. Always make sure to cover your hair with a satin scarf or satin bonnet for bed.
Product recommendation:
Leave In
Shea Moisture Strengthen Grow and Restore, Cantu Shea Butter, DIY mix (water + Aloe Vera juice + Glycerin + Conditioner), Kinky Curly Knot Today, Giovanni Weightless Moisture
Oil
Kentaste Coconut oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Castor Oil
Cream/ Butter /Styler
Whipped Shea butter, Waridi Butter, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing smoothie, Beautiful Textures Curl Control Defining Pudding, Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream, Eco Styler Gel, Marini Naturals Curl Magic Curling Gel
Tip “Always read the label on the products to ensure it is free of Sulfates and Paraben.”
The products recommended are what I have tried so far and have worked for my hair. I will be doing lots of product reviews as I experiment with more products that I am yet to sample. There is a lot of information out there, Remember to find out what works best for you as one person’s regimen may not be suitable for your hair. Listen to your hair and tweak the products and techniques accordingly.
Special Thanks to Sheila for sharing this article with us. Please read more at Natural Hair