Reaping takes work and harvest takes time.
When it comes to natural hair, one thing I have learnt is that nothing is one size fits all and there’s no one way of going about taking care of it – don’t be fooled. Even though we all have different hair, changing a hair routine every 3-6 months can make a big difference in the texture, look, strength and overall manageability of your hair. You don’t ever want to reach a point where you want to cut or relax your hair that has the potential to be revived.
There is something to be said when it comes to the way natural hair is described, which is usually how unmanageable, dry, and just how unpleasant it is to have. What I have gathered is that natural hair is one of those things you need to give 100% to, and as a community, we all do the best we can, and that too is enough.
While reading the blog blackgirllonghair, I discovered that all we need is to understand our strands. It is now 13 months after my second big chop. The dryness of my hair was the reason I cut my hair again. I had significant insecurity and stress because we live in a society where even natural hair has become some sort of a competition perpetuated by societal norms. Second time around, I now know that with natural hair reaping takes work and harvest takes time.
What I Have Learnt:
1. In the evening before bed base your scalp using Aunt Jackie Knot on my watch and butter from Nilotiqa – you will find your hair deeply moisturized and restored when you wake up.
2. In the morning apply water, Cantu Leave-in- conditioner three times a week,
The Cantu leave-in may leave your hair looking greyish just add a carrier oil over it – a carrier oil can be coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, olive oil (find the one don’t mix all).
3. In your bag carry a moisturizing spray, which you’ll use every 3 hours during the day. If you don’t mind breaking the bank, buy the Mizani Milk spray; this works very or the Aunt Jackie Silkening Milk. I sometimes have a water spray if I’m avoiding product build-up.
4. I have been avoiding using Shampoo and only use it once a month since discovering the Apple Cider Vinegar rinse recently. Shampoo does an excellent job at drying out my hair, and the moment I stopped using it, the moisture in my hair lasted longer. Apple cider vinegar and conditioner do an outstanding job at refreshing hair ACV is a fantastic cleanser for hair and adds shine.
5. Continue to apply Shea butter on the ends of your hair strands daily – this is good for preventing the breakage element that plays when it comes to dry natural hair. I use the Native Child Shea butter
6. Coldwater rinsing is a no-no, if you have low porosity closing the hair’s cuticles and lessening the hair’s ability to let moisture in.
7. The importance of what Liquid, Cream, Oil (LCO) and Liquid, Oil, Cream (LOC) stand for and mean when it comes to the order which you layer your products as this affects the level of moisture in your natural hair.
I hope these few tips will help make your hair journey less tedious and your hair more moisturized.
PS: Don’t forget hot oil treatments and protein treatment in your hair routines.
I too am learning; therefore, don’t be shy to leave a comment or advice when it comes to this topic.
XO
Cway
With love from your chronic dry haired beauty who is also on a journey to understanding what works and what doesn’t.
