You’ve heard it before, over and over again — moisture is everything when it comes to natural hair health. Still, many naturals struggle with keeping their curls, kinks and coils well-moisturized. Perhaps you’re guilty of one of our 9 ineffective moisturizing practices. Check it out;
1. Moisturizing dirty hair/hair that has product buildup
The objective of moisturizing is to apply water-based product that penetrates the cuticle (outer layer) of the strand and infuse the cortex (inner layer) with water. If there is too much dirt or product on your cuticle, then there’s little chance that any moisturizing product you apply will make it to the cortex.
2. Using butters or oils as moisturizers
With the exception of a few oils, like coconut oil, that can penetrate the strand — oils and butters will sit on the OUTSIDE of your strand because they are SEALANTS, not moisturizers. Their purpose is to lock in moisture — not apply it. If your hair is feeling dry, and you apply a butter or oil, you are just weighing down dry hair, making it more brittle and susceptible to breakage.
3. Using water based products without sealing
Just like oils and butters aren’t effective as moisturizers, water-based products — and water itself! — isn’t effective at moisturizing unless it’s sealed in. Water quickly evaporate out of the cortex unless a sealing product is applied to the lock it in.
*Note: Spritzes are a great daily moisturizing solution as they contain water, which penetrates the cuticle, as well as oils, that seal the water in. While they aren’t heavy-duty enough to provide long-term moisturizing, they are great as a daily refresher, in between moisture and seal sessions.
4. Under-moisturizing
Just like your body can be thirsty way before your throat actually feels parched, natural hair can need moisture way before it feels crunchy and dry. Start by moisturizing your hair at least once a day. If, in the following hours, your hair feels wet and mushy, you can cut your moisturizing down to every other day. If it still feels dry, then you might need to up your moisturizing to twice daily.
5. Neglecting the re-moisturizing process after a shampoo
Shampooing is a bit of a paradox when it comes to moisturizing — you are dousing your hair with water, while also stripping your strands of dirt and natural oils that help lock in moisture. So, in a sense, your hair is getting dryer as it gets wetter. The squeaky, super dry feeling your hair has after a shampoo is lack of lubrication, and its critical that it be replaced. Be sure to deep condition after every shampoo and follow up with a moisturize & seal.
6. Using styling products as moisturizers
The primary purpose of styling products is NOT to improve the health of your hair. Just like the primary purpose of moisturizing products is NOT to sculpt and style your hair. There are some crossover products that can do both, but most will not. Liquid styling products might look tempting as a fill-in when you need a moisturizer but they might contain alcohols and mineral oil that will dry your hair out in the long run.
7. Focusing on roots instead of ends
Your ends are the driest part of your strands and most susceptible to breakage. The natural oils that your scalp secretes don’t travel down far enough to coat your ends, so it’s important that you are proactive in protecting them. Work moisturizing product into your hair from root to tip. Some naturals even limit their product application to the bottom 75% of their strands.
8. Over Moisturizing
Properly moisturized strands don’t feel soggy and wet, they feel supple and strong — even when they’re dry. Applying too much moisturizing and sealing product can leave your hair perpetually wet, making it difficult to style. Be even-handed with your product application. Not only will it make styling easier, but it will save your bed spread, couches, car seats, and anything else your hair comes into contact with.
9. Deep conditioning/steaming for hours
While there are a few treatments, like henna, that require long-term application, most deep conditioning treatments need 30 minutes or less. Many naturals feel that keeping treatments on overnight helps with softness and moisture, but an increasing number are realizing that 30 minutes (or whatever time the product instructions say) is just as effective as 8 hours. Keep in mind that the makers of your conditioner have tested the product, and know how much time it takes to be effective.
Are you guilty of anything on this list? What are some ineffective moisturizing practices that you’ve been guilty of?
My question is how exactly should I do the moisturizing/sealing process? I’ve tried to use the oils first and then the water-based moisturizer and my hair still feels dry and I’ve also tried it the other way around. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I’ve been transitioning from relaxed to natural for a year now and I haven’t had a lot of breakage, but I’ve been battling an extraordinarily dry scalp. I’ve basically gotten that under control, switched to a plan based shampoo, deep conditioned, used water spritzes before setting my hair into protective styles, but I’m still dealing… Read more »
I have very tightly coiled strands too. I spritz with water every day until my hair is damp, not wet. Then I put on a leave in condition or cantu shea butter. Then to top it all off, I coat my hair with coconut oil or mineral oil (baby oil) to seal. It totally works for my hair. My hair is normally in two strand twists about 80% of the time. Wearing your hair out can be more drying. I do this both in the morning and right before I go to bed. Make sure that you wear a satin… Read more »
Thank you. I do wear a satin bonnet every night ant the cantu shea butter was the product that I used to moisturize. It’s crazy because when I was 100% relaxed it worked perfectly for my hair. I never felt this type of tumbleweed feeling. LOL! I’m not defeated, just a little concerned.
Hi I just thought I would share with you my experience as yours sounds extremely similar to what I was going through. What I found to be the problem was too much protein, I too was using the Cantu Shea Butter for a moisturizer as well as deep conditioning with Suave Moisture Milk product which is a protein base as well. Now that I use all moisture enhancing products my hair is great! I can honestly say I now appreciate my natural hair. My last relaxer was November 2010 and I never really made time to learn my hair but… Read more »
I remember reading some time ago tha we should not use mineral oil.
It said tgat mineral oil takes the vitiamin A from the body.
MIneral oil is NOT good for your hair!! Google: damaging effects of mineral oil
Congrats on your transitioning journey thus far! I’ve been in it for 23 months and BC next month…
Here’s my technique: http://www.lillian-mae.com/transitioning-guide/sealing-properly-changed-my-life/
Hope that Helps!
I appreciate the link. Reviewing it right now.
Hi, I have really thick and curly hair so I can definitely relate. The best thing you can probably do is moisturize your hair in sections. I have my hair in twists or braids all the time because I really can’t deal with the stress of figuring out how to style my hair on a daily basis. Every night I section off my hair into 4 to 6 sections, spritz plain water in my hands rub them together and start from my ends to near my roots in a downward motion (the downward motion helps with closing the cuticle.) When I’m… Read more »
Keisha I thank you for taking the time out to help me with this. Blessedly I’m not seeing a lot of breakage and my hair seems healthy otherwise. But this has definitely been a journey of dedication, discipline, and constant knowledge. I am going to try using many of these tips and hopefully I’ll find a routine that works for my hair. Thanks again!
I have the same question. How DO you moisturize and seal?
I had the same problem until i used petroleum jelly to seal my hair and did a very light blow up. My hair was so soft & still moisturised. I think that the oils — castor, coconut & olive oil were making my hair to be crunchy.
To moisturize and seal: you moisturize with water/water based product first and then seal with a butter or oil. I would suggest you stay away from petroleum based oil butter like vaseline/hair grease/mineral oil. They are linked to cancer and who knows what else. You can coat wet hair with shea butter and that should work or you can use a water based leave in conditioner after washing and then seal that with oil (olive oil/coconut oil). I also would suggest NOT using Cantu Shea butter for moisture. It has something in it for hold and I found that any… Read more »
So what is a good water based product to try?
Perhaps Kinky Curly Knot Today.
I know that this is late, but I just wanted to add a comment. Always put the oil on last. It is not the moisturizer, but the sealant. Put the water based moisturizer on first, then seal with the oil. Otherwise your hair will feel dry because there’s no moisture in the strands. They will become dry and brittle and will feel rough.
Try massaging your scalp with Organic Virgin non refined coconut oil. It moisturizes your scalp, gets rid of dandruff and makes hair grow faster. It also fights off inflammation and infection so it prevents hair fall. That’s a long kept secret from Indian people and you see how think and dense their hair is. I started doing that and my scalp feels so much healthier and I notice my hair is growing quicker. Also try prenatal vitamins to nourish your hair from the inside out. Even if you are not pregnant.
In order to seal in the moisturizer in your hair, used a water-based product first, and then proceed with oil. If you have ever fried anything, you know that water evaporates quickly will hot (Flat ironing), but if oil is in the mix, the water stays in longer as the oil wraps around the water.
Guilty as charged! :o( I will be more mindful now since I bc’d this past weekend for the 2nd time in 3 years. I don’t plan to go back again.
Amen to #9. When I read about people who leave condish in for hours on hours I have to wonder why. It really isn’t any more effective than say 30–45 mins. Plus you can over condish your hair, affecting it’s elasticity.
I am with you on this, the GHE fad is a recipe for disaster.
I only DC with my steamer for 20 minutes and I an good to go.
boy have I been guilty of all things above. I’ve been transitioning from a relaxer for the last 6 mos with a short style. I do slickbacks and wear a twa when I can, so my hair often dries out through the course of the day. My biggest mistake is not sticking to my routine, then I fall right back to these mistakes. My job forces me to travel quite a bit, so it is hard to stick to a regular routine. Does anyone have any standard tips for the road?? I often can’t bring many bottles with, so I… Read more »
Iv only been natural for about 6 months on the 16th woop woop ^_^ … I think Iv watched every vid on YouTube know to man about natural hair, bought almost every product that would help my hair but even though I moisturize and seal my ends morning and night by the time I get home from school (cosmetology school <3) my hair be so dry. Iv tried wearing my satin cap and Beanie to keep my hair from being dry but that only makes my hair stay really wet and mushy feeling all day . I live in Florida… Read more »
Ashanti, what are you sealing with? are you using sulfate free shampoos? Do you use a leave in conditioner? So many variables that could cause dry hair. Other products could be the culprit besides the sealing.
I am also 3c/4a. I live in NY. Dry weather in the winter but I have no problems with dry hair. Maybe I can help? I think its important to examine all of the products you are using as well as your techniques.
I have tried it all. So what oils are bad. I use coconut, castor,avacodo, jojoba, and apricot oil. But at the end of the day my hair is scream for more moisture. I will admit that I do have a tendency to over moisturize. But I feel like I have no ideal what to do with my hair.
Candi, and others
I have discovered the best product for moisture,it is Hawaiian Silky Gel Activator it makes my hair very soft and after it dries a bit I layer it with eco-styler Gel this sets the curls and the activator aids in helping the eco-styler not being crunchy but very moist. The second day I just spritz my hair with my water mixture. I hope this helps it has helped me so much.
Yes the Hawaiian silky works so well for me.
Moisturize with water or a water based leave in conditioner, then seal with the oil. Just one oil will do.
Number 2 leaves me quite perplexed. What in the world should I moisturize my hair with then? I have been “natural” for so long but I feel like I have still so much to learn when it comes to maintaining healthy tresses. I believe I have 4a type hair. Please, help me out ladies 🙁
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0076.JPG[/img]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0076.JPG[/img]
Whoa that pic is huge but yeah you look like a 4a to me maybe even 3a in some parts.
well if u use butter and oils and u think ur hair responds well to that, there shouldn’t be a problem. if u do find that u have a moisture problem though maybe using butters and oils as moisturizers is the cause. what people frequently suggest instead are leave in conditioners or moisturizers whose main ingredient is water. Or water itself! spritz some on or rub some in (as the case may be) and just remember to use the oil to seal afterwards. Oh another good one is a water spritz with oils in it, a moisturizer and sealant in one!
aloe vera juice
Moisturise with something water-based, straight water, aloe vera, almost any hair conditioner with water as first ingredient.
Use something without water or something oil/butter heavy to seal in that moisture.
Wow! Your pic takes up the whole page…lol…your beautiful sista:-)as well as beautiful hair
I have thick type 4b/c hair and I moisturize daily with Cathy Howse’s UBH creme moisturizer and seal with a home made shea butter mix containing, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, with a few drops of Rosemary and tea tree oil to preserve the mixture. This routine has done wonders for my hair. I have only been sealing regularly for the last 6 months and my partner and friends cannot believe how healthy my hair now is.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Hair1.jpg[/img]
I have thick type 4b/c hair and I moisturize daily with Cathy Howse’s UBH creme moisturizer and seal with a home made shea butter mix containing, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, with a few drops of Rosemary and tea tree oil to preserve the mixture. This routine has done wonders for my hair. I have only been sealing regularly for the last 6 months and my partner and friends cannot believe how healthy my hair now is.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Hair1.jpg[/img]
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Hair1.jpg[/img]
Your hair looks great.
Guilty of 2,3,4,6,7 & 8. That’s probably why my hair is not growing.
I am getting more and more confused by the day reading all the do’s and dont’s with natural hair. sigh..
Try the l.o.c method. First, use a liquid. Either water or a water based leave in for a liquid. Next apply an oil or a mix of oils of your choice. Then a non water based cream, like shea butter or a butter blend to seal. For your hair to be moisturized effectively, you have to do it in layers. I’ve been natural for 4 years and I’m still learning also but this method has my hair moisturized. Also please pay attention to the ingredients you are using also this makes a huge difference.
pls wat product exactly do you use.names pls.i need help
Actually the products that you use really don’t matter as long as you have a water based leave in or you could use plain old water, a oil or oils and a sealant like a shea butter.
Good advice irisi.
Don’t let things like this confuse you. At the end of the day, you have to listen to your hair. I usually use things like this a loose guide line. Remember, there is no natural handbook about how to take care of ones hair. Everyone’s hair is different and can even respond differently to the same product or technique.
If your hair responds well to a “don’t” then just listen to your hair.
I am guilty of number 7 and number 9. Since I have locs, I feel like I should be focusing on my roots more, but then again I have had ends on a few locks thin out before. I have started to experiment with sealing the ends (even if it is said to be just “dead hair”) to see if the overall health will be noticed with this change. As for number 9, I am slowly getting over doing that. Lol, I just get caught up doing other things as I let my hair marinate that I don’t even notice… Read more »
BTMS and MUCILAGE! I’ve fallen out of love with BTMS and HEAVY mucilage as ‘moisturizing’ leave-in conditioners. At first I loved how leave-ins like KCKT and DB’s Coconut Lemongrass Transitioning Cream made detangling a luxury and made my hair soft as a cloud. I’d wet my hair, add the leave-in and seal and call it a day but later would experience hair and scalp dehydration. So I switched to wetting my hair, sealing and layering with leave-ins to style but it didn’t seem to help much. I eventually ran into a thread on LHC where a member complained that BTMS and… Read more »
I became cautious about BTMS a couple of years ago when after using a Darcy’s leave in my hair became exceptionally dry almost instantly. As for plant mucilage. I remember reading about a year ago that they are all, with the exception of aloe vera, which my hair loves, eventually drying to the hair. I now spritz with water or burdock root each day, thanks Keisha J for the tip on applying to hands first, and seal with almond oil.
Can anyone help? I’ve read so many articles about moisturizing here, but I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I have 4b with a tight, tight coil and I’m currently rocking a TWA (not at my own choice, unfortunately) so moisturizing in sections seems impossible. I try to moisturize at least once a day by making my hair damp, butting in cantu shea butter leave in condition and sealing with olive oil, but a few hours later (three hours — I’ve counted) my hair is dry and crunchy and greasy for the olive oil. What am I doing wrong? I sleep… Read more »
Maybe I should give a better list of all my products?
I shampoo with either Cantu Shea Butter Moisturizing Cream Shampoo or Proclaim Professional Tea Tree Shampoo. I deep condition with Motions Naturally You Deep Conditioning Masque My leave in is Cantu Shea Butter Repair Cream and I seal with either Africa’s Best Castor Oil or regular olive oil.
Is it because I’m using too many manafactured products? I’m really not sure why my hair is always dry.
It might be that shampoo is not effectively removing buildup, but just stripping your hair of everything else important instead. I have tried many different shampoos, even natural shampoos. I usually get a lot of buildup on my scalp, that’s why I was constantly trying different shampoos to get rid of it but nothing worked. Recently I switched to using baking soda only to wash my hair and scalp (GENTLY, I must add!) Apparently there was buildup on my hair as well, because I immediately noticed that my hair seemed to respond to moisturizers better and now moisturizing and sealing… Read more »
Miss Michelle maybe u should look at the ingredients on ur products. It’s possible that sulfates in a shampoo are drying u out. Or silicones in a conditioner are blocking moisture from getting in. Just a suggestion, though.
Thank you Sassy, I will most definitely do that! I think there may be sulfates in my hair, so I think I’ll take up co-washing again with a sulfate free hydrating conditioner. Thank you!
If you are going to be cowashing, then that Cantu is probably going to give you trouble as it contains at least one ‘cone and lanolin.
Thank you Ladybug, this definitely helped. I’m thinking that the olive oil may be sitting on my hair as well instead of moisturizing, so I’m going to switch to coconut oil and a new washing program and see what happens. Thank you very much!
Michelle,
I found that the Cantu leave in was not good for my hair, it hated it as you stated it left it dry. I now use either the Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, the shampoo and the leave in conditioner or the Hawaiian Silky Gel Activator which is also great creates a great deal of moisture along with a spritz of water.
I’m guilty of rarely moisturising between my weekly washes…and if I do,I don’t seal often.
TBH, I dont see a big difference between the sealed hair and the non sealed hair b/c I’ll need to remoisturize in a few hours anyways…
I stopped using oil to seal my hair and it’s been amazing. I do use oil as an overnight treatment, then I shampoo in the morning using Wen cleansing conditioner. I’ve been doing this for 4 weeks now and my hair stays soft and moisturized without any oil on top as a sealant. I found the oil was literal frying my hair from the sun exposure, thus causing my hair to feel dry and hard. I only use the overnight oil treatment about once per week but I shampoo 3–4 times per week. On the days I don’t shampoo, I spritz… Read more »
Oh this must be what is happening to my hair. I live in the desert. I have been sealing with olive oil and lately my hair has been very dry. I just started this process in June and it was not as dry last month but it has been very hot this last month.
I’m guilty of 1,2,3,4,5 (sometimes) and 7. I’m so ashamed lol but I have learned and now my hair is so soft and supple to the touch.
Has anyone tried the Curly Girl Method? I have tried this conditioner only method but I seal with a bit of castor oil rather than just the conditioner. I must say my hair feels good. When my hair feels dry, I revitalise it with a water/glycerin mix and the conditioner is re-activated. I co-wash mid week and then do either a full shampoo/condition or a co-wash/deep condition on the weekend depending on what my hair needs. Daily steaming in the shower also works well.
I’m quite happy with my moisturising method. I tend to wear twist outs a lot and I re-twist every night. When I re-twist I moisturise with a sprits made of water and glycerine (making my hair damp not wet) and also add a little Kinky Curly Knot today (my fav leave in conditioner). I then I seal with a mixture of shea butter, castor, olive and coconut oil that I make. And I repeat this every night. This keeps my hair soft and moisturised and also keeps my curls. I have been natural for 1 year 5 months and it took… Read more »
Hi dolls! When I read this article I realized that there were some things I was guilty of that cause my hair to break so I had a trim and since a few weeks now I’ve been trying to moisturize and seal my hair everyday with a a mix that I made: a spritz bottle that contains 80% of water 15% of coconut oil and 5% of essential oils. However, I’ve got some questions: I usually put my hair in braids extensions as a protective style so I would spritz them with the mixture everyday is it a right thing?… Read more »
SheaMoisture shampoo, Giovanni shampoo, kinky curly shampoo are pretty decent. I usually dilute my ‘pops in an applicator bottle. It helps get the poo directly on my scalp. I can’t say on the braid washing. But when I did my yarn braids I would wash them weekly or biweekly. And spritz with diluted leave in conditioner. I’m all for a simple routine and I have noticed that it has been working well. Too many products at the same time drove my hair crazy!!! Lol. Good luck and hope this helps.
Thanks a lot sassy! I will definately buy one of these shampoos. 🙂
Shea moisture was decent and the giovanni was ok at first but kinky curly has proven to be great for my hair. The shampoo has no sulfates but gets my hair squeaky clean every time.
no wonder why it’s expensive lol i thought it was a good product so you just confirmed, i’m gonna try it then. thanks 🙂
Yes you can spritz your braids every day if you wish or less. I really don’t wash my hair when in braids, but do what works for your hair
Paula, for some reason I don’t like washing my hair in braids too, I think it makes them look rough. how long do you keep your braids ? and do you spritz everyday? what are the effects on your hair? thanks darling!
Hello I have been natural going on two years now but what originally inspired me in the first place is my four year old daughter she has gorgeous hair and honestly all I ever do with her hair (without all of the research I do now) is wash it weekly massage oil in her scalp down her stands, moisturize and then I twist out braid it into a style that will keep for a week. My natural journey has been a different story! I have tried it all so many different blogs, ideas, products etc. This article messed me up.… Read more »
Brandi, About your coconut oil…if you are seeing white residue–you might have other “stuff” in it other than just coconut oil. I had a friend just 3 weeks ago ask me about this, and I looked at her coconut oil, and it was “refined” coconut oil. The type you want is “UNrefined, extra virgin, cold- or expeller-pressed” (and organic if you can). The good news is this that this kind is still cost-effective, and you can get some at vitacost.com (they have free shipping specials too) or on amazon. Or you can get it a little more expensive at your… Read more »
I’m using the vatika oil I’ve seen advertised on some hair blogs. I didn’t see if it was refined or not but you are right it contains other oils even some henna. I like the feel of the oil but besides water it is pretty much the only other constant in my routine. So it must be the culprit
You need to listen to what your hair is telling you. You can’t go based on what someone else says. If what you’re doing is wrong for your hair, you will know because your hair will tell you.Each person’s hair is different, and what might work for one person will not necessarily work for another. If your hair is growing despite what others say, keep doing what you were doing.
I’m not sure how valid some of the info is for most people. I definitely have to deep condition prior to shampoo times ( sulfate free of course) and I use a silicone free rinse out conditioner as my leave in with an oil mix to seal. I definitely have to deep condition overnight to get the softness I’m looking for. Otherwise it doesn’t happen for me. And yes I have tried going by the directions on the product. Lol. It is best I just learn your hair needs and do what it needs. No one can truly know your… Read more »
I have relaxed hair but this might work for natural hair too. I wash at least once a week, the longer I go between shampoos, the more brittle and dry my hair becomes. I leave conditioner on for 10 mins after washing, then rinse. I apply either Kerastase Oleo-Relax (oil), Josie Maran Argan oil, or some other thin oil to toweled, damp hair, then I sit under the dryer or blow out. I don’t add any directly to my scalp. My hair is silky soft after drying and doesn’t break. I imagine that natural hair that doesn’t undergo heat drying… Read more »
I have 4a/4b hair and i have to say the biggest help for me was eliminating products with PROTEIN. it never failed that any shampoo, moisturizer, conditoner, or oil (such as advocado) made my hair hard, dry, and THIRSTY no matter what I did or how much moisture i tried to put back into it. After i eliminated the proteins my hair felt so much softer!
Hi there, I am a 4b natural and ur comment caught my attention when you mentioned protein free regimen.I think I might be protein sensitive also,can u recommend any products?
Sorry I’m just seeing your comment. Well I like to do dry s with Shea moisture coconut curling smoothie (first ingredient is water!) and then Aubrey Organics ultra smoothing conditioner on top (lots of good oils). I hated the shampoo and yep it had protein in it. I also use evoo everyday in my water bottle or just extra sealing on ends. And right now I like the Jason’s moisturizing sea kelp shampoo and conditioner. I don’t think any of kinky curly’s products have protein. I really like knot today as a leave in on wash days. The key is… Read more »
Dry twists*
thx for the feedback. I did use the Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie.My hair liked it only for a while and then it started to dry out my tresses.I did use the Aubrey Organics White Camelia as a conditionner and leave-in at the same time and I looove it!! It’s kind of expensive here in Canada 🙁
right now I’m using giovani leave-in which I thnik contains proteins but my hair seems to be doing fine.heh…I’m confused!!
aubrey’s white camellia and honeysuckle rose both have protein.
Well then. My idea of moisturizing was slathering my hair with Garnier Fructis leave in conditioner or the occasional spray with water and oil. Guess I’ve been failing all along…face/palm
When I first went natural, I made mistake #2 (using butters or oils as moisturizers). It was fine when I was cowashing daily with a TWA but as my hair grew my hair was often greasy and on the dry side.
I was wondering what kind of moisturizers would you guys recommend? I just realized I have been gaining my potential hair growth and healthiness because every morning and night after co-washing I spritz my hair with water, aloe vera, and seal it with olive oil. What kind of moisturizers would you recommend that would be found at like Walmart, Target, or Sally’s that is good for your hair.
I do pretty well with moisturizing although I do sometimes moisturize on hair that’s “not so clean.” It’s when I haven’t had a chance to wash. I know a lady who leaves her conditioner on for hoooourrrrssss and she swears by it. I’m just now mastering my haircare so it’s definitely a learning process.
i agree w/ everything but #5. i almost never deep condition, and it hasn’t been a problem. at most, i need a protein treatment like once a year.
I’ve been natural for almost five years now and even after reading this blog for months I am still confused, and as a mother of five, I just dont’ have time to do half of what I read here. When I get my kids to bed and finish cleaning up and packing things for next day and it’s after 10pm, I don’t have time to section off my ridiculously thick, hair of many varied textures, and do anything, and I live in the caribbean, it’s mad hot here sometimes and satin bonnets make me sweat so I pull it off.On… Read more »
Hey, I live in the Caribbean too and my hair’s saving grace..honestly.. is protective styles which lend themselves easily to spritzing and sealing with oil every 2–3 days or so. I wash/co-wash ONLY on weekends. sometimes every two weeks. Even of I have braids, or crotchet weave (have totally abandoned regular weaves) I wash my scalp with the braid etc in, seal my own hair and moosey on. Get a old spray bottle my friend and dilute some leave-in conditioner. I am sure u can find 2 1/2 minutes if so much to lightly spray ends of hair and seal… Read more »
Thank you for putting this clearly! I am guilty of applying oil without properly moisturizing first… I will make my own spritzer with water and a little bit of oil in it for refreshment in between seesions 🙂
I will go for avocado oil or olive oil. DO you have any suggestion?
I personally believe that using too many products on your hair dries your hair out, sometimes I watch YouTube vidoes and the person puts on four or five different products, it’s too much even on freshly washed hair. I have found that the LOC method is great for me, I make my own hair products and noticed that if I put too many ingredients in a product my hair dried out and was unhappy. Keeping it simple is the key to keeping my hair moisturised. To retain moisture I hardly ever shampoo my hair and I DC weekly. I’m going… Read more »
hi ladies, I got a bit confused on the make sure u’re not moisturizing with butters and not creams part. I’ve been watching a particular YouTube channel and the lady applies bee mine curly butter or the unyevu butter by belle butters right before she does a protective style, then seals with pure aloe vera. now both say that they’re moisturizing butters so does that make them a sealant still?
@Myre real butters are not moisturizing. If it says its a moisturizing butter then its not pure butter like shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter etc. It is a mix of butter (small or large amount) with other ingredients like water, oils preservatives etc. If the ingredient list is long then it isn’t a pure butter or oil. They are talking about pure butters and oils as sealants. You can use premixed products but you have to experiment to see how they work best for you. You may not need anything after using them since they have butters mixed in… Read more »
thank u so much. I haven’t had a perm in years but I’m new to wearing my curls. my hair is soft like cotton, fine and frizzy. I finger detangle, cowash and apply knot today leave in, then aloe vera to seal. I have got a moisturizer yet. a lot of the natural/organic products contain coconut oil and I’m allergic = when I do two strand twists, my hair is still frizzy, ESPECIALLY my roots. how do I smooth them out? will the moisturizer do that?
I personally moisturize with a spritz made of glycerin, water and sometimes some oils or I just use a leave in conditioner like Giovanni direct Leave in and then seal with shea butter. I would think the aloe vera might smooth your hair out. Frizzy hair is normal usually though. Felicial Leatherwood (stylist to the stars) told me that my hair may be permanently damaged from relaxing because the cuticle doesn’t lay flat. I didn’t know that could happen. =-( Hmm not sure. Have you ever tried Kimmaytubes leave in conditioner? Many swear by it. She just applies it to… Read more »
bee mine curly butter and unyevu butter by belle butters are considered sealants instead of moisturizers even tho they’re called moisturizing butters?
Hi Everyone, Lots of wonderful suggestions here‑I was also misusing hair oils! I use Deva Curl products and I really like them so far. I checked the labels and the first ingredient in them is water-the No-poo, the Conditioner, etc. I also use their Curl Styling cream for curl definition(I think I am 4a). I am pretty it also has water as the first ingredient. My question-where in the line-up of moisurizing and sealing would the curl styling cream fit? Would it be between the these 2 steps? Would it be at the end????? I know somebody here has the… Read more »
Wow did not know this! But coconut oil isnt the only only one to penetrate strands and moisturize. ARGAN oil also does this, and it’s even quicker to absorb because it has more anti-oxidants than coconut or olive oil. I have one called Pro Naturals Moroccan Argan oil that I got online at Beyas and I’ve been loving it so far because argan oil is supposed to be really good hair food. It also tones down the frizzes and makes hair nice and shiny, plus it’s not greasy AT ALL and smells great!
Hey, I was wondering if anyone has any help for me. To start my hair is super dry..I could pour a ton of oil on top of my head and my scalp just absorbs it all leaving my hair dry and looking “dingy” for a lack of better words. (2) I’ll say a year ago I cut my hair short, if you picture halle berrys typical “short” haircut, but a tad be long/fuller in the back. My hair grew back full and my hair stopped at my shoulders. I got my hair again, but this time the back that I… Read more »
Just because coconut oil and olive oil are the only penetrating oils that have been tested, doesn’t mean they’re the only penetrating oils. There simply hasn’t been enough research to know in general what oils are penetrating, but according to one theory, any saturated or monounsaturated fat will be at least partly penetrating. So this would include any butter. Petroleum products like petrolatum and mineral oil are definitely not penetrating at all, but most natural oils are at least partially penetrating.
Hey everyone, I have just started my natural regime for 2–3 months now and I still don’t understand all the terms used. What do you mean by, seal and co-wash ?
The onle DO’s of natural hair care are: to keep scalp clean,moisturize,seal,protect ends,if possible use your fingers to comb and style your hair. Everything else is trial and error for each individual person. Some naturals use 4 to 5 products on they’re hair at one time whereas they may be too much for the next natural. Some can use coconut oil others can not. Olive oil is big with naturals but my hair does not like olive oil. What I have learned is that depending on the hair type determines a lot of the time what products to use but… Read more »
My hair love coconut oil and hates olive oil too, lol. I don’t have a “moisturizer” per se, but I use Kinky Curly Knot Today mixed with Jojoba oil and Castor oil as a leave in and my hair is very moisturized and soft all week.
When doing my hair routine, I find that my hair is most moisturized when I pre-wash. I do a pre-wash with Monoi oil (Coconut Oil w/ the tiare flower for fragrance), let it sit for about 15–20 minutes and wash with my SheaMoisture shampoo. The result for me is soft, detangled hair. Before I blow-dry I use Carol’s Daughter Choloat smoothing blow-dry cream. After I flat iron, I seal in moisture with some Olive Oil. My hair LOVES Coconut Oil, and Olive Oil.
Learn to love what you have and do your best to give it good care and make it look presentable without trying to make it look like other peoples hair The best treatment is tender loving natural trearment and care.
Just looking for some hair advice, despeatly!! I have fine, past my shoulders lengthy hair, that is sort of wavy naturally. I recently cut off about 5 inches and it is now past my shoulders a few inches, but I still have soo many split ends, and white dots on my hair that break off!! I get my hair highlighted every once and a while, and I don’t use much heat. I used to blow dry and flat iron my hair after every wash, but I stopped that entirely last spring. I have also been getting more frequent trims, and… Read more »
Greetings,
The white bulbs are from the hair strand breaking down from overprocessing (heat, chemicals, etc.) The proteins in the strands will break down and the hair will dry out causing white bulbs to appear. The white bulbs are where the hair is weakest at. You can consider protective styles and low manipulation as your hair grows out. Continue to use moisturizing and protein treatments.
Are you sure that the hair with the white dots aren’t coming straight from your scalp? Hair that sheds naturally have white dots on the end because they are from the root. HTH
Hey Megan, the white spots are keratin. I have that on my skin as well. They call it keratosis pilaris, which is an overproduction of keratin. Try to minimize your use of protein products. It makes it worse. The hair tends to snap off at those white dots. I hope this helps 🙂
Oh and Megan, many conditioners and shampoos contain protein. You really have to read with care. Try to wash your hair only twice or even once a week. It may feel yucky at first but the hair adjusts, believe me. Due to the overproduction of keratin one is more prone to split ends as well. Don’t forget, never rub your hair between the hands when you wash it. Scrunch the shampoo gently to the ends of your hair. Sorry about the english, not my first language.
i’ve come to the conclusion that the sealing process is not for my hair. it makes my hair hard and dry after i’ve put water and butter or hair lotion on it. i’m gonna stick with my tried and true conditioner as leave-in method. my hair stays moist following this. does anyone else’s hair dry out with the addition of oil?
Thank you for your comment, it makes me feel better. I was beginning to think that I was the only natural, whose hair didn’t like oils or butters. I spend so much money buying products that naturals mentioned on youtube or suggested on blog from their hair routines but hair sealing has never worked with me. I even tried co-washing but it left my hair dry as well. Now, I’m just wearing weekly protective styles, washing my hair weekly with terressentials, and making sure to detangle my hair with my oil infused comb because finger detangling never worked for me.… Read more »
Hello Natasha, my hair is like yours what I did was add glycerin to my African Shea Butter and oils. It keeps my hair moisturize.
Yeah i agree my hair isnt into oils or sealing. I use a little leave in before i apply my styling gel and call it a day. My hair looks good and its strong.
I don’t think my hair likes oil or butters either, after i wash or even co-wash and i put anything on my hair, it just starts to lock and give me so much problems. I find that dealing with my hair without anything in it is very easy. So what i have to do, is if i do anything at all, including adding oil to seal, it has do be done after I twist my hair up.
Please help! I read so much for the person who has some length to their hair, what about us who have short cuts who are trying to stay on track and get to that point where we too have length. I’ve been natural faithfully for 5 months. When I first went for the big chop it was easy to wash, mouse, gel, and go with some great curls (type 4b/c). Now that I have a good inch plus on top and and inch on sides its getting harder to maintain this curly style. It’s more kinky on the sides and… Read more »
Hi Le — first of all, it’s nice to see a woman with ‘life experience’ on the site. 🙂 I am in my mid-40s and I just did a BC in November after 25 years of relaxing my hair. It was a relief but sometimes I feel as if I waited too long to make the decision because now it feels like forever before I’ll see any growth. I have about a 1/2 inch of hair on my head as well, but I can only tell you what my current routine is, I don’t know if it will work for… Read more »
Hey, I have relaxed hair, but love this site & the tips I find on here (especially now that I’m trying to stretch my relaxers!) plus I’m guilty of alot of these listed! How can I deep condition my hair the best without a hooded dryer? That’s my only reason for leaving conditioner on my hair for hours, lol!
Love ittt
Ive been natural for about a year now. WOOP! WOOP! After going thru trials and tribulations, I finally found what works best on my natural hair. Ladies please rememebr when youa re workign with 2 different textures your hair will also respond differently to the two. You have to try a few before you find what works. Don’t become a product junky. Everything is not for everybody. I have consistently cut the perm out my hair for a year and it is all out. I pretty muched retained a bob cut thru the process. Now I am working on retaining… Read more »
I went natural a couple of months ago but my ends are really rough. At times it’s hard to even comb my hair. What moisturizer is really good for the ends? How do I exactly define natural curls?
I personally use water and then seal with olive or grapeseed oil for my ends, and it works great for me!
After reading this I honestly think that I need to wash and conditioned more than once a week or twice a month. Im going to try washing twice a week or may be even more. Because if hair cannot be properly moisturized because of product build up and moisture will not penetrate after using sealing products then may be regular washing might be more effective.I will moisturize and seal my hair in the morning and by evening its dry and crunchy. If the last thing you do after moisturizing is applying an oil to seal then wouldnt the next time… Read more »
In my experience, I have found that washing too much will definitely strip the hair of natural oils and dry it out more, which will lead to more breakage. I would say to use a couple of products (might take some time to find). Light products will not produce so much buildup and you won’t really need to wash to get rid of buildup. (I’ve been natural for 7 years btw 🙂 )
My hair just loves water, I co-wash a lot but I wash with shampoo about once every 4–6weeks, what i found last year is that with co-washing my hair was much more moisturized and i was able to see the texture of my hair better.
I realized that I need to wash my hair once a week. I normally co wash my hair weekly with conditioner (I’m currently using Treseme moisture conditioner), put olive oil on my hair, braid in in sections then put olive oil on my ends. I wash my hair with shampoo ( shampoo version of conditioner) once a month then follow my normal regime. Sometimes, I add tea tree oil to the wash or to the conditioner. Every 3 washes, I mix a deep conditioner with 1 egg and olive oil and let it sit for 30 to 45 mins. I… Read more »
I know people who shampoo and condition once a week, while co-washing (with just conditioner) during the middle of the week — giving a total of 2 washes a week. This method should give you the moisture you seek without stripping your hair. Also if you choose to wash more often with shampoo do a pre-poo with an oil like coconut or olive. To remove buildup and clarify gently I like to mix a whole egg with some suave conditioner and a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply that to my dry hair. I let that sit until it dries like… Read more »
How often should women wash their hair? Would it depend on hair type? I used to able to go two weeks with out much build up but now i get build up in the next two days.Im tryin not to do the two weeks thing but its not working.My face is breaking out and my hair seems like it doesnt soak in moister like it did when i got relaxers.
if you feel you need to do every two days, listen to your hair. No one knows your hair’s needs better than you will.
Thank you alot i definitely have a better understanding on this now,
[…] inclui informações e apontamentos (pois é, ficou 4 vezes maior! rs). Espero que gostem. Eis AQUI minha fonte de […]
I use Creme of Nature with Argan Oil moisturizer. I mean it says it’s a Oil Moisturizer, but it comes in a cream form. Is that a ineffective moisturizer or is that good?
Really useful information there. I too had dry hair & scalp. But 3 months back, I bought this Ayurvedic (Indian all-natural stuff) Vadik Herbs Brahmi oil on Amazon. And I am such a glad woman now. My hair are much softer, healthier, moisturized, and have even grown by some 1.5 inches. No more dry scalps or dandruff. The oil is coconut based so I warm it a bit and leave it overnight. I use it twice a week. The best thing I liked about this oil is it has no chemicals and mineral oil. This oil and your suggestions will… Read more »
[…] Blackgirlonghair.com, You’ve heard it before, over and over again — moisture is everything when it comes to natural […]
[…] inclui informações e apontamentos (pois é, ficou 4 vezes maior! rs). Espero que gostem. Eis AQUI minha fonte de […]
This may sound crazy but after struggling with maintaining moisture on my low-porosity, medium density, 4a, 3c hair I finally found a product that works for me.….. curl activator. I know, it wasn’t even on my radar as I was watching others use conditioners, oils, butters, styling products etc. which ended up being a total fail for me. At best, I would have moisturized hair for a day but by the end of the second day it would be dry. So, the trick to activators is using enough product in my hair to maintain moisture without me having to reapply… Read more »
Excellent article, highly informative!!!!
Wow. Definitely guilty of using oils as moisturizers!
I could not have said it better. I am a Hairstylist in Washington DC and I have be doing hair since the late 70’s.I love to educate my client about their hair and scalp needs.I do multi cultural hair, mostly curly and textured. Thank you for the information. Clients love to play hairdresser and mix their own concoctions usually using some form of sealant instead of moisturizer.
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I’m 47 & only natural for a little more than a year. All 4 of my daughters are natural now too. This is a article that’s given us a better understanding of what’s really needed for our hair. THANKS A BUNCH for this awesome site!
Be Well,
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Your 47, thought you was about 19!
You look AMAZING!
YOU’RE 47???
I’m almost ten years your junior, and I don’t look like THAT!
OMG your hair is beautiful.… what do you use for your hair?
Coconut oil has become my new best friends. I have seen a big difference in my hair since using it. Make sure you get 100% Extra Virgin Coconut oil. Don’t make the mistake I did of getting the coconut oil that contains petroleum jelly.
Wow, I am guilty of almost all of them! 1–5 and 9!! This has really opened my eyes to how I need to do my hair. Thanks for the info!
With the oil as moisturizer, my hair acutally grew when I flat ironed it every 2 weeks, deep conditioned, and then used argan oil during those two weeks on my hair… was I able to do that becuase argan oil penetrates the hair shaft? I love the stuff, my hair just sucked it right up and my hair never felt greasy.
A number of people still think that applying shea butter or some type of oil without water is “moisturizing” their hair. SMH. Water puts the “moist” in moisturizer. 🙂
[…] Via BlackGirlLong hair […]
Great article! I currently use a daily spritz mix of water and coconut oil then I use a shea butter,grapeseed, tea tree, olive oil mix. So I should be good cause that’s my moisturizer and sealer right??
hey i’m not an expert (i’m learning too) but i don’t think mixing oil and water in the same bottle is effective. as water and oil don’t mix. and they have opposite effects on the hair. as explained well in this post. the oil will prevent any water/moisture from getting into the hair as well as out. so spritzing with a mixture of both sounds counterintuitive, if you get my drift.
Great article and tips. I think that certain stylers work well for sealing in moisture. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie comes to mind. I love that stuff. It’s like hair crack!
Hi, I have An important question. Can someone PLEASE Tell me what is a good moisturizer for 4C Hair?!? I need help. Up until now I ‘moisturized’ with a water based leave in conditioner. (like Cantu Sheabutter leave in conditioner). But It’s a styling product. Also I used waterbased butters. As read in the article, they are NOT moisturizers. What is a good real moisturizer? I don’t mean ‘moisture butters, or leave in conditioners. I mean, besides water and aloë vera juice. What else is a good daily moisturizer without parabens, or petroleum, or silicones? Please help and inform? Starved… Read more »
I’ve found that equal parts distilled water, available at my pharmacy, mixed with vegetable glycerin, available at the health food store have been very helpful in moisturizing my hair. Adjust the measurements to your liking. I think it would be okay to just use tap water too.
Also, Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier is pretty good.
Ingredients: Deionized water, wheat germ extract, aloe vera, cetrimonium bromide, DMDM hydantoin, olive oil, gylcerol-(vegetable derived) silk amino acid, bay laurel extract, fragrance. No animal testing.
The fragrance is light and does not smell like chemicals to me.
Good luck, I hope this helps!
Thanks ever soooo much. I love having these replies. They help me So much. Will try the Mist Bodifier by TW next time I buy something. I also heard about the glycerine, water and aloë vera mixture. I have that so I’m on track. Any more suggestions on good hair moisturizers for 4B/C hair?
Suggestions are very welcome?
DutchGirl4C
I use the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter line… I’ve been using it consistently since January and it has really helped my hair retain moisture. I use the Deep Treatment Masque on my 4C hair as a leave in, moisturizer, and styler. Works well for me! I’ll be natural 4 years this October, but I did my 2nd BC Dec. 31, 2012 and here is how far along my hair has come…
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Goodness, just a few years ago I used to use crap like Biosilk when I came out of the shower, thinking that it was a nice detangler and softener and moisturizer all in one. So not for me! Now I have a bottle with water and veggie glycerine and spray that in my hair when I come out of the shower, and seal with a whipped mix of shea butter, coconut oil and some other oils. I noticed this mix also automatically starts defining my curls. If I want a bit of hold, I just use aloe vera gel. My hair… Read more »
This really is the worst write-up of all, I?ve study
sometimes i feel like there’s way too much to do with natural hair. lol, but these are good tips
Thanks for this article! I will definitely reccomend these steps & will be trying them! Well written & organized. (I’m Guilty of just about all of these things!) LOL
I use a spray bottle, I add some essential and carrier oils to a little mousturizing and also some protien based conditioner and add water. I use this while u wear my protective styles. I’m currently wearing crochet braids. I have also been greasing my scalp w doo grow thickener just to see if it works. It’s killing me not to be able to play in my hair, but I was over malnipulating it so I had to tie it up and outta the way.
Any thoughts on my spritz?
It sounds good. Add a tablespoon of vegetable glycerin to it. and some lavender. The glycerin helps attract moisture in the air and the lavender helps keep hair smelling fresh between washes.
Where can you purchase vegetable glycerin???
This whole time I have been using Shae butter as a moisturizer and wondered why it doesnt penetrate my strands. It just sits on top of my hair and it seemed like all it did was dry my hair out. Now I know what to do, in the morning I’m getting me some coconut oil, I already got the Shae butter.
Oils don’t moisturize. they seal. Get a good water base conditioner. and apply the coconut oil as a sealant
I use Shea butter but I mix my oils In it.(olive, coconut and grapeseed) should I put my oils on seperately? I usually spritz my hair with a water/conditioner mix first.
Do you have any suggestions of some water-based conditioners???
I myself swear to the Aussie Moist, or the Hello Hydration conditioner. They are not all natural, have some cones in them, but work for me.
I also hear Alaffia’s Beautiful Curls line has some all natural conditioners.
I couldnt find Hello Hydration or the Alaffia’s natural conditioner but I didnt get the Aussie Moist conditioner in a big 29 oz bottle for me and my mom
Definetely guilty of a lot of these curl infractions! The first one! Too much Product! YIKES! Using oils as moisturizers! UGH! I’m guilty! I have seen the light and have been using conditioner and oil mixed together to set my hair! Ends only! My hair has recovered and no longer feels crunchy! Great Article!
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“I have seen the light and have been using conditioner and oil mixed together to set my hair! Ends only! My hair has recovered and no longer feels crunchy!”
Really?!? Oil and conditioners? As a setting lotion that moisturizes too? Wow. So what kind of hairtype have you got? And why don’t you use it on the entire hair, instead of just the ends?
How long did it take for your hair to recover, and from what?
I’m a 4C, low po, fine haired natural. I have about 7 inches of hair and use it on my ends only because my new growth doesn’t respond to the mixture as well as the old parts. The new growth absorbs, but isn’t ‘set’ the way the older parts are. Currently my hair is still recovering from a bad encounter with a keratine treatment. Broke off most of it. And left me with limp hair and breakage and split ends galore! :-(. Really wanted to cry. But anyhow. I use a protein conditioner on the ends, leave to dry until damp… Read more »
Great list! It does bring up something that has always confused me. I understand about washing, moisturizing my hair (with water-based product) and sealing w/oil. Now, it also says to moisturize every day (4) but that you can’t moisturize dirty hair or hair with product on it (1). Basically, if I moisturize and then seal my hair, isn’t it still sealed the next day with the product and therefore won’t allow more moisture in?
Also, what is an example of a spritz? It sounds like a great compromise.
Do you know what’s a good spritz?
A mixture of Aloë Vera juice, water, glycerine, (if need be: an all natural leave-in conditioner), and a few drops of honey. Mix it all and spray yr thirsty hair daily with it.
Or,… The Taliah Wajid Protective Mist Bodifier, from the Black Earth line, seems to get real good reviews. Haven’t used it yet, but ladies have been raving about it for years online. Get it at Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NHOXYO
Thanks. I’ll give that mixture you recommended a try. Can I apply that the day after I’ve washed and sealed? I wasn’t sure if it would penetrate through the oil from the day before.
I don’t think it’ll have it’s ‘maximum’ effect on already oil sealed hair. But I still spritz away every morning and night before bedtime. I only seal my end, I don’t saturate with oil. 🙂 My hair’s just too thirsty! LOL! It will reach your unsealed strands and do it’s moisturizing work there. You’ll notice a considerable difference. Glycerine attracts moisture from the air/ environment and transfers it to the hairstrand. It’s a humectant, like honey. The more glycerine you add, the stickier it will feel. But you’re not supposed to touch your hair anyway, so.… I add 1/3, or… Read more »
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I found this board and I find It really helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to provide one thing again and aid others such as you aided me. luftballon pferd http://tiny.cc/wqlkyw
I really need some help. My hair is breaking badly. I have low porosity hair and I have been doing a low porosity regimen but that has not changed anything. I have already cut my hair and it is continuing to break. I believe that this was caused by wet stretching and combing/brushing a lot. I have been finger detangling only and nothing moisturizes my hair, nothing. I have tried bagging and that left my hair too soft, mushy and wet so it was overly moisturized. I cannot braid it at all now or even bun it because that seems… Read more »
Hi there. Don’t know how long you’ve been BF but your hair problems could be from giving birth and then BF. I don’t recommend you stop BF cuz your baby needs his food more than momma needs her hair LOL. I’m going through the exact same thing. My munchkin is 3 months and I’ve been shedding like crazy with dry, brittle, horrible hair about two months after I gave birth. Don’t despair, it’s only temporary although I’m sure it doesn’t seem that way now. I wash and condition my hair as normal then braid my hair in about six braids… Read more »
I agree w/Zena about the hair damage post-birth: my hair and skin did unbelievably well when I had my son 14 years ago–growing like a weed, healthy, thick, shiny, etc.–but right after, my hair began to thin out and break (and then Depo Provera ruined my skin). It’s one of the reasons I got my BC 5 months later. Some women experience the reverse: their hair and skin do badly during pregnancy and then bounce back afterwards, e.g., 2 friends of mine. Either way, your body’s been through spectacular changes and might need some time. As traumatic as it can… Read more »
Hey Naturalistas! I’m a 4C girl the kinkiest of them all but I’m having trouble of keeping it moistured and according to number 2 butters ain’t moisturisers but sealants I actually never knew that so does that mean Shea butter is sealant Bcoz that’s what I use (raw Shea butter from Ghana) but it doesn’t stay moistured for long. HELPP PLEASE!!! Thanks 🙂
I’m 4c with porous hair and shea butter on its own has the same effect, so I whip it with oils my hair likes, e.g., coconut oil and olive oil, and a few drops of glycerin. (Haven’t used tea tree oil, but it seems to work for many naturals.) I co-wash, DC, clarify with an ACV rinse, air-dry till it’s damp, then use the LOC method; it’s the only thing that’s ever worked for me over the years. Also, it’s important I twist in the whipped butter and oils when LOC’g and then retwist, otherwise it’s a no-go. Doing so… Read more »
Yes, Shea Butter works as a sealant. Whatever moisture you start with before applying the Shea butter is going to work well with the Shea butter…for a day or two. Once that original moisture dries out, it’s not easy to get moisture back under that layer of Shea butter. Even though I fell in love with the idea of using such a thick, luxurious butter on my hair, I had to admit that it left my hair dry. The best and longest lasting moisturizing process I ever had was to cleanse everything off of my strands, and then do weekly… Read more »
This was very informative, i’m still trying to figure out a few things like, what should you use as a moisturizer(product wise)? That’s the main thing I have trouble figuring out. What to use????!!
Any cream based product where the first ingredient is water will work. You just have to try a few things out to see what product your hair likes. Qhemet biologics burdock cream (forgot the exact name but it’s the cream in the jar with “burdock” in its name LOL) or Oyin handmade hair dew is another goodie. Herb N Life herbal spritz is a product that is insanely slept on but works freakin wonders in the hair of whoever I try it on…it’s sort of hard to find but I always call this one store in Massachusetts that always has… Read more »
Thank you so much!! At least I have a start, I live in the Caribbean so finding products isn’t easy pretty much have to order everything online.
Sorry about the *thumb down* phone icon is so tiny.
@ Zena if you dont mind can you list the name of the website that ships the herbnlife. Thanks in advance
Sure! The website is naturalvibes1.com. It’s kind of a bootleg website but I’ve ordered from them twice and have had excellent service from them. I believe their website is currently down but if you call them (the number is listed at the website) you’ll be good (my last order from them was via phone and they sent my stuff out that day!). You will LOVE the herb n life hair cleanser fyi..I don’t even know if you’re getting that but you should LOL. Denimpixie on YouTube has a review out on their stuff as well that should help you decide
Wow thanks so much for the fast reply and advice. I’m currently recovering from breakage do to braids and I decreased it by 90 % little to know breakage. I’m also wondering is it possible to be breakage free ?
Probably not LOL. Since the ends are the oldest part I think a little breakage is normal..esp if your ends are more than a few years old. Three years ago when I decided to go natural I used henna on a regular basis. I had like no breakage then! Lately I’ve been thinking about revisiting the henna esp since I now have insane post pregnancy hair…
I love using protein to moisturize my hair. People say is dries your hair out but the Nutress Hair protein pack and other products keeps my hair RIGHT.
So should the order be wash, condition, moisturizer, sealant, styling product? I’m tying to get this right because my hair always looks dry and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
Hi Nae, Your order of treatment seems just fine to me. Did you try rinsing out the conditioner out of your hair with cold water, instead of hot water? You could try leaving the washing with shampoo out of your regimen. Maybe just stick to co-washing/ deep conditioning. That helped my hair tremendously. What kind of leave-in conditioner or moisturizer do you use? Maybe one of the ingredients in it is drying out your hair? Or maybe it’s your styling product? Also I think a good moisturizer, (not greasy), is the Taliah Wajid Protective Mist Bodifier. I LOOOOOVE this product.… Read more »
Hey Yall, I could use some advice! I’m definitely struggling in this area. I started my transition 3 months ago and have struggled with dryness. About 3 weeks ago I did a hot oil treatment and it left my new growth hard and crunchy. Since then, I’ve tried washing it out with clarifying shampoo twice, but I’ve been unsuccessful. My hair feels soft and strong during the shampoo and deep condition process, but when it dries over night (after I finish twisting), it’s dry by morning and hard crunchiness returns to my new growth. I’m not sure what I should… Read more »
Hey Elizabeth. I saw your post and thought i give you my two cents, since i loove ORS conditioner and i love wearing my hair in twist. I have to ask, why the two conditioners? I only use the ORS for deep conditioning and my other conditioner as a co-wash. Never at the same time or day. Try this… 1. Pre Poo 2. Shampoo (only when needed. i only shampoo once a month) 3. Condition (rinse with cold water.) While your hair is still wet… 4. Use the Leave in condtioner (this and the water from he wash is your moisturizer.) 5. Seal with shea butter and… Read more »
It does; thanks!
Also please try and use a detangler that should help a lot with breakage and moisture
Hey y’all I think I’ve been moisturizing my hair or using the wrong products as moisturizer wrong because my hair is always dry now. Is soft after applying my products but finding out that butters and oils are sealants I’m torn now. What are some good moisturizers? Also what’s a good regimen to follow after co-washing? Thanks
Hi BGLH,
I really don’t know about the last one “Deep conditioning for hours”..
I make my own deep conditioners and i normally leave it over night.. So should i stop?
I agree with this list!
What I’ve learned is what you put into your body also affects the condition of your hair. This means food, drinks etc. All this plays a role in having healthy, moisturized hair. On my quest to embrace all things organic and natural, I’ve started a company that specializes in Made to Order, Organic skin products and baked goods. http://www.sweetlittlesomethings.net.
Im guilty of all of these from time to time lol. I have phases where i just leave my hair alone and neglect it, then suddenly im obsessed with it again and do loads of DT’s and stuff lol.
Its you BGLH!! every time i come on here to read 1 article then end up clicking on a million!
This site just makes me love all types of hair way too much lol.
I have found a product WEN by Chaz Dean that works very well on natural hair. I use this product for a cleansing wash. When my clients have to use a medicated shampoo for scalp conditions I use the medicated shampoo on the scalp and Wen on the mid shaft and ends. By doing this the cuticle is not blown open and the hair combs out well, very conditioned, feels silky, has volume and movability.
[…] inclui informações e apontamentos (pois é, ficou 4 vezes maior! rs). Espero que gostem. Eis AQUI minha fonte de […]
[…] feel a bit dry, that’s just its texture. The most important two things I can tell you are: 1. Do not moisturize dirty hair that is layered with product (it won’t penetrate the strand) and 2. Butters are not […]
[…] feel a bit dry, that’s just its texture. The most important two things I can tell you are: 1. Do not moisturize dirty hair that is layered with product (it won’t penetrate the strand) and 2. Butters are not […]
[…] The 9 Most Ineffective Ways to Moisturize Your Hair […]
Hey, I’m trying to go natural because I’m tired of the Creamy Crack. I haven’t had a relaxer since September and I recently took my braids down about a week ago. I was told Cantu was a good product brand for natural hair, before I spend all my money on this entire line and brand I was wondering if you have tired that brand.
I’ve been reading everyone’s posts and am trying to learn how to take care of my hair. I shaved it off and now have about 2 inches. What is cowash? My routine is shampoo with Taliah Waajid herbal wash, leave in conditioner, protective mist bodifier and then the african healing oyl. I then twist and wear a ball cap all week! I hate that but the length doesnt style cute. I also deep condition once a week with Shea Moisture deep treatment masque for 30 to 45 min. When I twist I use T.W. curly curl cream. What do you… Read more »
Sounds like you have a solid routine down. As far as the products, use what works for you! I’ve never used any of the products you’ve mentioned so I can’t comment on them but if they work for you then keep at it!
[…] Original article by: Black Girl With Long Hair […]
I just spritz with water before bed and when I wake up. I bought a semi expensive sealant and don’t know what to do with it. The text has useful oils but they don’t penetrate my hair. I’ve tried many ways to use it but, I’m not satisfied. What about hair lotions? Most provide moisture but I’m not sure how to use it. Do I just apply that product? Do I apply that product and a sealant? Do I apply when it’s wet or dry? Confused.…
I’m a bit confused by what you’re asking exactly. However, it sounds lik you’re doing everything correctly. Penetrating oils are still a typical oil except they just work their magic inside the hair shaft instead of on the outside. Trust me, if you’re using a pure penetrating oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or avacado oil then it is penetrating your hair. You can’t see with your naked eye, but it is penetrating.
[…] Need to fix that dry hair??? http://bglh-marketplace.com/2012/05/the-9-most-ineffective-ways-to-moisturize-your-hair/ […]
I have locs and for months I tried to figure out how to keep my mane moisturized. I finally discovered that miiing oils worked best for me.I now use a mixture of coconut and olive oil to keep my hair moisturized and happy. I also throw in a little Jamaican Black Castor Oil to thicken up the mix and help with growth. I pledged to never put anything on my hair that can’t be used on the rest of my body (except shampoo). All natural!
[…] souhaité partager avec vous cet article sur Black Girl Long Hair qui détaille 9 gestes à ne pas faire lorsqu’on veut maximiser son hydratation […]
I have to disagree with #6. My Shea Moisture transitioning milk leaves my hair very soft moisturized after I’ve used it. Then again, I use it after I wash out my deep conditioner, so I may feel some of that in there as I’m applying the product.
Shea moisture transitioning milk is a moisturizer
I know this is old, but that is considered a water-based product. If you used NOTHING but just butters/oils in your hair alone then you are only coating the hair. Hair is like a plant — it needs plenty of water to thrive — to grow; stay moist and hydrated. And like soil, butters/oils is nourishment for the hair that keeps water in while helping the hair stay strong and prevent damage. Your product contains a lot more than just shea butter. Water is listed as the first ingredient in your product. Therefore, it is moisturizing your hair. Even conditioners… Read more »
[…] last thing I want to share with you is this uselful post found on Black Girl Long Hair: The 9 most ineffective ways to moisturize your hair. Basically, a “what not to do” […]
I’m a little confused. So it is not enough to just moisturize, we need to seal it too? So, two different products? One for moisturizing and one for sealing the moisturizer ..
Exactly! You can use any oil you like and/or can afford as a sealant. You just moisturize with water or a water-based product then seal with an oil. If your hair is more on the rough/damaged end then apply a leave-in conditioner (you can dilute your go-to with water). But to honest, you can still retain length without a sealent too. Growing up, I had a lot of hair that came to my waist. My g‑ma and I just kept my hair moisturize on a regular basis (maybe 2 to 3 times a day). Plus, it was kept in a… Read more »
Some parts of my hair look like this now. What can I do besides trimming?
[…] by BlackGirlLongHair […]
[…] oils for styling. Science‑y Hair Blog: Oils – Which Ones Soak In vs. Coat the Hair? The 9 Most Ineffective Ways to Moisturize Natural Hair | Black Girl with Long Hair 2C/3A. med-high porosity. waist length. color treated. LCEG My […]
[…] butter also is known to have humectant properties and coconut oil is one of the few oils that can penetrate the hair strands. My […]
[…] last thing I want to share with you is this uselful post found on Black Girl Long Hair: The 9 most ineffective ways to moisturize your hair. Basically, a « what not to do » […]
good read!
I have 4c hair and live in Los Angeles. What is the best way to keep my hair moist during the dry months (when my hair tends to break/shed the most). I know the excessive shedding is from the climate and I just want to know what to do to keep it from falling out so much in the summer. When I was living in D.C. my hair thrived in the summer humidity and suffered in the cold winter months. Here in Cali it’s the opposite. Again, I have 4C HAIR and live in DRY SEASON/CLIMATE looking for a good… Read more »