by
The Natural Haven
By Jc of The Natural Haven Bloom
Moisture is a problem that many naturals find difficult to deal with. Dry hair for many is normal and is not indicative that your normal regimen is somehow lacking. It is not unusual to need to moisturise hair before styling it or to find it getting progressively drier if let alone without products or water for several days.
The idea that you can eliminate dry hair is actually not true for the vast majority of naturals. Some hair will respond to regular conditioning or indeed to using leave in products but for many, dry hair is a regular issue to address.
For this second group it is more important to not stick rigidly to one routine or one product. Sometimes hair requires one or more of the following
-more intensive conditioning every so often to increase softness and repair damage
-a good spritz of water followed by an oil
-layering of leave in products
-a simple mist of water without adding oil
-a change in products e.g using/eliminating humectants, changing leave-ins
The idea of being flexible with what you do to your hair and the products you use is not a sign of a struggle but rather an understanding that your hair needs something different depending on its condition or on how the weather is behaving (more/less humidity).
Often not being flexible can lead to problems with moisture, for example, sticking to the idea of applying a water based product or water before applying a sealing product such as an oil or butter is in general a good idea to increase moisture. However for some naturals, repeating this routine too often actually leads to drier hair as the oil layer builds up on their hair making it more difficult for the water to perform its function. Switching the frequency to once every 2-3 days or once a week and simply adding water in between can actually work better. For others switching from a light oil to a heavier oil can also help.
Dry hair in my view should not be looked at as a problem but rather as a property of some natural hair. In other words, finding your hair dry should not frustrate you. It should just prompt you to try different methods and routines so that you can achieve longer spells of moisture (ideally getting to a point where you do not require additional moisture anywhere from 2 days to 1 week between washings).
Ladies with super dry hair, how do you infuse lasting moisture?
74 Responses
Haven’t worn a perm in nearly a decade, and when I do my wash and gos, moisturizing my hair with some oil and leave in conditioner works, but when I fatiron my hair, pomade seems to do the trick better. Wearing a silk scarf or bonnet to bed was one the best things I started doing as well.
I wear a wig in winter as protective style. This winter has been very snowy..in fact, a snowy nor’easter is going on right now! maybe 6-10″ by tomorrow! After suffering stress related hairloss in the past year I’ve gone back to old school grease; Dax & Blue Magic. I usually use Qhemet but my workouts & a new hair treatment need me to wash 3x/week & I’d use up the expensive Qhemet in no time but grease is cheap AND IT WORKS ! No more split ends & little broken pieces of hair on the floor. I shampoo, condition & apply leave in. Then apply a fingernail size amount of EVCO & Dax Indian hemp. Just emulsify them in my hands & work it thru my hair. Then divide hair into 10 sections & apply a mix of Dax pomade & shea butter to each section before twisting. Then spray with a mix of S Curl frizz free, aloe vera juice, & avocado oil. My hair dries soft & moisturized & stays that way between washdays. If it starts to feel dry I spray with the S Curl mix. Don’t have to apply any more grease except on the ends which I moisturize & seal daily.
it’s organic . However, I try to use siplme products and I use very few. I don’t wear makeup, and I use mostly castile soap, shea butter, baking soda, etc things I wouldn’t be afraid to eat.
As strange as this sounds…I stopped using products……..yep! you read that right! Im using the “water only method” which is just that, “washing” your hair with water lol! you will DEFINITELY have an “adjustment” period where your hair will be either greasy or dry for a few weeks(if you have long hair it’ll be dry until your natural oils spread through the hair). this period tend to last 6 weeks. the logic behind this method is, of course, to allow your natural oils(sebum) condition your hair, there’s also the belief that after some time of not using products your hair will become “self cleaning”, even though there is no scientific research on this, ive read of plenty of girls who are water only and even those who stopped washing their hair altogether and their hair is fabulous!
most girls using this method have straight/wavy hair BUT I could find two youtubers with kinky hair which said it worked for them too(just type “water only natural hair” on youtube and you will find “fro tastic” and “therubictulip”) I have curly hair and this method is working wonders for my hair!. its soft, shiny, and feels “protected” thanks to my natural oils!(and no, no smell lol. maybe in the first week or second of doing this you might notice a bit of smell but it’ll definitely go away! and yeah ive asked people :P)
if you want more info, type on google “water only washing method” and go to the website that says “written for our learning” thats the site with best info on this method ive found so far.
Hi i know im late cuz u answered 2 years ago lol but anyway im doin the water only washing method for a lil over a month and all i got from my hair was dry britte ends and splits. many times i put shea butter on the ends but that realy didnt help much. Any tips or suggestions will be much appreicated 🙂
I have psoriasis and my build-up is worse in the winter. I HAVE to wash at least once a week. Is there anyone out there who suffers from this? What is your routine?
Hi Alesha! I have psoriasis as well, and I’ve written some articles here and on my blog about what to do for psoriasis. I refuse to use any of the prescription shampoos for fear of hair loss lol. I do an oil or water and conditioner based overnight prepoo, which helps soften the scales to clear the scalp. Then I use a sulfate free shampoo (or sometimes TSal), deep condition, and style. I mainly wear wash and go styles and cleanse my hair twice a week. Using a dropper to apply a 50/50 mix of glycerin and witch hazel (with about 10 drops of sea buckthorn oil dropped in) helps relieve itching and seems to slow plaque growth should you choose to stretch washes. Hope this helps!
Hi Alesha I use to suffer from psoriasis and the only products that help me , actually cleared it completely was Optima Australian tea tree shampoo and conditioner.I found it on Amazon.Hope this helps.Good Luck.
I live in a very dry place. The San Gabriel Valley. UGH! my hair is drying out a lot. I have tried a variety of different things. So far my Hair is responding to S-curl Spray and a leave in mixed with VO5,Castor oil, Coconut oil and Aloe Gel.
Hi, I would suggest including a bun regimen to protect your hair/ends from drying out and to help seal in all of those products that are moisturizing it.
I love the LOC method and my natural hair.
I gone natural< I work out 4 to 5 day a week and sweat like crazy I have to wash my hair everyday, i think it's making my hair super dry what would you recommend. Thank
I sweat all the time. Shampooing every day is far worse for your hair than sweat. Rinse it off with some water and condition/oil your hair but be sure to use shampoo every few days to avoid build up. I would stretch out the shampooing anywhere from 2 to 4 days with or without sweat. Also be mindful of what kind of shampoo you use. You want a very mild ph balanced shampoo and be sure your hair is well moisturized after cleansing. Cleansing should actually be very moisturizint to the hair in and of itself if done correctly.
I totally feel you. I was experiencing the same and finally just had to cut back to to washing 2 times a week, WITH SHAMPOO! Good luck :/
Hi if you must wash your hair iften, I’d suggest cowashing (conditioner washing) and shampooing maybe once a week as opposed to every day.
For my hair, I wash every other day alternating between Philip B Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo and Terax Miele Hydrating Shampoo and Redken Smooth Lock Butter Silk and Joico Moisture Recovery Balm.
I always leave my conditioner on for a minimum of ten minutes. Then I detangle with a wide tooth comb and rinse in cool or lukewarm water and wrap my hair in a towel until damp.
Then I apply either Circle Of Friends Marisol’s Melon Leave In Conditioner or Circle Of Friends Pia’s Pineapple Leave In Conditioner. I use a serum on top- either Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Pure Oil Treatment or Matrix Biolage Exquisite Oil.
I then finger comb my hair and pull it back in a bun. I am one year post relaxer with just a few relaxed ends left in the front. My hair is still too short to do anything with so it goes in a bun.
My second day hair stays nice and soft unless I have accidentally put too much product in my hair. I never cowash, use styling products like gel or go longer than two days without shampoo as I believe product build up can cause the hair to feel dry and I have an oily scalp.
I agree with you about product build up. Every conditioning agent and moisturizing shampoo contains ingredients that have to be clarified in order to remove. The one concern about shampooing frequently is sebum. But sebum will only go so far with our hair. I think shampooing should be done as frequently as necessary but as infrequently as possible, if that makes sense. I think it is best to find a good mild cleanser with just a few ingredients. I likr Shikai. Btw I started using mineral oil and put vaseline on my ends. I have much less damage now than ever in my life and am hoping for less as my hair is gradually trimmed off. Personally I do not want to experiment anymore because the more you put on, the more you have to wash off. Plus you might use a product that your hair hates instantly. Experimenting with regimen is ok to me but not experimenting too much with products.
I’ve never had a relaxer. I have always been a press ‘n curl girl. This summer I am doing the natural thing. I am forgoing the use of heat and embracing my curls. It’s not working:-( My scalp is flaky and my curls are a combination of super straight and crunchy coily. This is not going to be a good summer…
It’s probably heat damage that’s leaving you with straight bits. I would recommend aphogee protein treatment, it’s really good
Try shampooing with a moisturizing shampoo, rather than a mineral oil and paraben laden poo. Shea Moisture has a great product. Check out a review here: http://un-ruly.com/review-shea-moistures-raw-shea-butter-moisture-retention-shampoo/
I switched to a SLS free shampoo. It took a minute to find the right one. I’m using L’Oreal EverCreme right now and it makes my hair soft.. REALLY soft and doesn’t strip it.
I condition over night. No matter what type of conditioner I use, I keep it in under a plastic cap over night. Right now, I’m using Tresemme Naturals. The moisturizing formula, of course. And fyi, it is WAY better than the silicone ladened versions.
I use curl activator. It really does make a difference. I tried a creamy curling cream last week, though the petroleum in it might have been part of the problem, I don’t see a creamy product holding my curls. So I know i need a gel for styling, just be sure it’s alcohol free (drying alcohol that is.) So from now on creams are for extra moisture AFTER I’ve used my gel on day one. My activator of choice is Long Aid.
Moisturize and seal at night. I do this almost every night before I cover my hair with my satin scarf. I spritz with water or a combo of conditioner and water, and seal with oil. Currently vegetable oil. I was using coconut oil, but decided to revisit an old favorite. So far so good.
I recently tried Cantu Curling Cream and I really don’t care for it. Greasy but still leaves your hair hard and dry feeling. Plus it only enhances curls while it’s wet. Soon as it dries, nothing.. I wont’ buy again. I’m testing out Sof n Free’s Milk Protein and Olive Oil Strengthening Cream. It has potental as a great sealer. But that remains to be seen. I do like it though.
I don’t spend much money, or branch out much because my activator takes care of most of my moisture and styling needs.. BUT, I would like to find something that doesn’t leave my hair WET so long!!! Thus the Cantu adventure.
But that’s another story. 🙂
So far my hair is pretty moisturized. But there is always room for more moisture. LoL!
I am I newly natural and big chop August 3. I believe this is what I’m experiencing now. Im going though the whole trial and error thing 🙁 so frustrating. But I curious to know what moisturizers you use
i feel my hair is dry these summer days&& I’ve learned to learn thru trial & error. Actually every time I do something It’s trial & error. Oh welly I still enjoy my hair! =)
My hair has been dry recently and Zanthe, above, mentioned clarifying your hair.
I did an ACV rinse then used my shampoo bar and deep conditioner. I then applied KCKT, my own oil mix and my own moisturiser my hair was silky smooth the next day. I had to have it trimmed and the hairdresser commented on it been in good condition.
Sunday I was out all day in the sun with no sun hat. That evening I spritzed with a gel mix I made from that seaweed you can make a drink out of, I bought it in St Lucia, then I added my oil mix and moisturiser and plaited my hair. On Monday I did not apply any product to my hair and it felt great all day.
Monday night I plaited it up for bed and this morning, Tuesday, it still felt smooth and moisturised. I just do a tuck and pin style for work most days.
Clarifying my hair has made such a difference, I’ve been using the LOC method for months now and it was going great until I stopped clarifying with ACV so give it a try if you find that you have a problem with dry hair.
I’m a vegan and drink 2 litres of water daily so I know it wasn’t my diet that was causing the dry hair.
The layer of leave-in products has worked for me.
1. A leave-in spray of Aloe Vera juice/water mix
2. Add Kinky Curly Leave in
3. Seal with a shea Butter mix (shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E oil).
a. I have also added pre-poo treatment of coconut oil to my regime.
b. Increase my water intake.
FOR ME, this has worked. I’ve noticed a big difference.
This is my EXACT routine (products and all!) and its working perfectly for me AND my daughter!
I spritz my hair daily with water and seal with grapeseed oil before I braid or twist at night, and my hair 4a/b stays moisturized and fluffy without heaviness and/or greasiness. For me, less is more!
Yeah this works for me too but… UUUGGGGHHHHHH!!!! So. Much. WORK! I just want to go to bed, lol.
Well… i know its a natural hair no no but good ol fashion hair grease is perfect for my hair I dont put it on my scalp but hey….. Ive tried the coconut oil and olive oil mix and it really dont do anything at all… I do like castor oil. I started using this palmers brand replenishing hair milk its has good ingredients in it too.. first two are water and shea butter. My last relaxer was in April. I realized that it was no point in having one cus I would get a relaxer and ALWAYS braid my hair a week later LOL soo hey.
I FEEL you this is the ONLY thing that works for me … so I stick with it LOL
It’s not a No No, use Natural Oils on the scalp and hair grease or pomade on the hair itself to retain moisture. Grease does not hurt the hair. The Natural community came up with that one. Yes, it does wash out easily.
You can also make your own Natural Hair grease or pomade. Raw or 100% Shea Butter, Raw Coconut Oil & Natural Oils (Olive oil, jojoba or Castor Oil). It forms into a nice solid.
Use more shea Butter and coconut oil in the mixture
When I flatiron my natural hair, I find that Old School pomades work the best for me too. My favorite is the ORS Olive Oil which does have mineral oil, but it makes my ends feel so much better, and I don’t use that much.
I stopped shampooing… huge difference in moisture retention. My hair is shiny and I can even see a curl pattern that clumps together (not just frizz). I currently use ACV and a mud wash to clarify/cleanse my hair.
YES I stopped using shampoo too! Major difference!
For those of you who are talking about shampoos drying your hair. HAve you tried “the buffer technique”? It goes as follows:
Shampoo hair – DO NOT RINSE OUT WITH WATER
SQUEEZE as much of the suds out as possible- DO NOT RINSE WITH WATER
Cover hair with conditioner, massage into strands (I use a lot of my super cheap conditioners for this step)
NOW RINSE WITH WATER
— what you should be left with is hair that does not have that stripped feeling. From there DC and carry on as you normally would.
This Buffer Technique lets me wash/clarify my hair without the stripped, drying effects of some shampoos. Also, for those of you who are still unbeliever… try a sulfate free shampoo and tell me your hair doesn’t know the difference.
Happy Healthy Hair to you all!
I actually wanted to talk about the pros and cons of this technique, thanks for the reminder.
I’m going to try this. I’m using an everything free moisturizing shampoo (Organix Tea Tree and Mint) and my hair feels stripped like no ones business.
Dryness is not a prob for me. My hair doesnt feel wet but doesnt feel like hay either. My hair is really black sheeps wool.
I BC’d a month ago after transitioning for 5 months and my hair was dry constantly. I tried all the tricks spoken about here and nothing worked. Since my hair was about 2-4 inches (depending on the section), I decided to take off another inch or two. That helped a great deal. I run conditioner and water through my hair every night during my shower and add REVE hair and body moisturizer. I seal with a dime size amount of castor oil when it’s 85% dry. My hair is loving it. I sometimes refresh with DonnaMarie’s Buttercream in the morning when i rewet for my “wng” look.
I also stopped using shampoo. Sulfate free and all the others simply make my hair dry. Terresentials and As I am cowash are my methods for clensing.
I think the first step is to determine what type of hair your have (strand thickness, eleasticity, porosity). I finally got a hair analysis and found out that some of the things I had been doing to help my hair, like protein treatments, are actually harmful and giving me dry brittle hair. I’ve also been following the CG method for about 3 months and it has really helped with keeping my hair moisturized. I can’t go a whole week without cowashing but I can go a good 2-3 days. Also, I found that applying my conditioner, then and oil, then my gel does a better job of sealing in the moisture. With this combination I don’t have to spritz my hair in the morning and cause frizziness. I deep condition once a week and by that I mean leaving the conditioner on under a heat cap before I cowash. I don’t bother with washing, deep conditioning and then rinsing it out. No time for all of that rigamorale. I don’t use shampoo, just the terressentials mudwash. Also sometimes I just rinse my hair and detangle without adding conditioner (except to the 4c patch on my crown). It’s all about listening to your hair and finding out what it responds to.
I use my spray bottle with water every night followed by raw shea butter (every 2-3 days), my oil mix (coconut, castor, jojoba, sweet almond and lavender), and a little aloe vera gel. It works me and my hair loves it.
It was definitely about figuring out what worked for my hair. To keep my hair from getting dry I incorporate a deep conditioner once a week using a smashed avocado coconut milk and olive oil and I leave it on for about an hour, and I swear my hair feels like silk afterwards. Also during misting my hair with water and sealing with castor oil, it really helps a lot.
So where does she stand on the following:
1. Dry hair is due to build-up therefore you need to clarify.
2. Those with super dry hair need to look at their diet, water and vitamin intake and what alterations they can do to increase internal moisture.
3. Dry brittle hair means you need protein.
I have suffered with dry hair always, relaxed or natural.
You know I think you may be right, I have been suffering dry hair recently and I realised I have not been using my ACV rinse. You are a star, I was going to wash my hair tonight so thank you.
It didn’t matter how well I was maintaining it my hair has been so dry recently.
I’m curious because I hear people say they are suffering extreme dryness and then the solutions given usually involve one or more of the things I listed above. I can’t take credit for it just wanted to know if JC could shed any light on why some people seem to have chronically dry hair that does border on abnormal rather than that being their hair’s natural state – I’m talking start fires kind of dry! Yes, the weather is hot and that may contribute but winter or summer dryness is here.
I decided to use a detox shampoo, protein and then intensive moisture. I am now under a towel and hoping it dries softer than usual.
I also think it’s true to say that hair that is on the drier side of the spectrum tends to struggle to accept moisture. Most leave-ins and hair moisturisers do nothing for my hair.
Glad ACV is your solution and I’m glad this topic was mentioned on BGLH
I actually think of it in the reverse. Many people have hair that feels dry all the time, therefore this is the default. As opposed to people whose hair is easily moisturised, not requiring a conditioner after a shampoo even (and they do exist).
I think that many of the reasons listed (dry due to build up, dry due to lack of vitamins ) actually are fixable quickly, they should not lead to perpetual dry hair. I think if your hair becomes dry quickly (within a day or so of washing) and always does this, perhaps it is the case that this not abnormal for you.
I also think that texture differences and the way you dry your hair are reasons for perpetually dry hair (what some call brillo pad hair). For example if I washed my hair free and let it shrink completely then allowed it to dry, it would feel extremely dry. This is because the curl is allowed to form tightly. If I keep it in braids or twists while it dries, then I do not get the same problem as the hair maintains some stretch.
On the subject of brittle hair, I used to think of my hair as brittle but now I have switched thinking on that too. My hair breaks easily with a comb but not with patient finger combing. Protein treatments are useful but are essentially temporary. Preventing breakage by eliminating the physical causes was useful for me.
Thanks for your response.
Doubt you will see this now but I finger comb, wash in sections etc. I am a 4b and dryness could just be inherent in my particular hair type. I’d just love to know how the super drys can get to a point where our hair is as moisturised as it can be.
I stand by the LOC method but may need to move away from a rigid regimen of 1x a week wash and try an as needed one.
i agree that build-up can cause the appearance/behaviour of dry hair.
this can happen with skin too.
this is one of the reasons why dermatologists don’t always attribute flaky scalp to dryness. it can be build-up that needs to be cleansed away.
i think suggested to someone that they clarify their hair and then moisturize a couple of weeks ago. she was having problems with moisture.
I understsnd my hair is dry as that is part of it characteristics. Here’s how i mange it:
-Co-wash to add moisture to my hair (shampoo only if have a lot of build up as it dries my hairmore)
-Deep Condtioning does wonders
-I use Anita Grant Creamy Cafe Latte as a leave-in and to seal in the moisture it works very well on my hair
-I braid my hair after every wash and air dry
-I re-braid at night and cover my hair with a satin scarf
-In between washes i re-mist my hair with water and re-apply the Cafe Latte
_ I waer my hair in braid outs and puffs
That is it,no magic pills just a simple routine my hair loves.
*understand
*wear
My hair is thick, thick thick, I guess one would type it as 4b/c. i mist it with purified water every day. i deep condition once a week, and I baggy it with water and my jojoba/olive/avocado mix whenever i’m in the mood. My hair is never going to feel like silk. But I like cotton candy just fine. Get it? lol.
i spray my hair with a water/vinegar mix.
then apply my qhemet biologics amla cream.
then braid into 4-6 plaits and pin them up.
every night.
wash my hair once a week with a clay/ayurvedic herb mix i make.
apply qb amla cream.
braid or twist.
i do this once/week.
apply a protein treatment.
wash with a clay/herb mixture.
apply qb amla cream.
put in braids/plaits.
1or2/x a month.
repeat.
I have 4c porous hair that needs regular moisture THROUGHOUT the week.
that once a week only on wash day routine will not work for my thirsty strands!
I moisturize every other day with a water based (creamy) leave in (that has humectants!) this is key.
I seal every other time I moisturize with a Shea butter, castor oil, wheat germ oil, olive oil, and lavendar oil mix. Sealing has made all the difference ot my hair.
I have had my battles with super dry hair!!!!
For me, the most important step in maintaining moisture is SEALING! You can put gallons of water/moisturizer, but if it just evaporates, it serves no purpose.
I currently use my homemade spritz concoction: Aloe vera juice (gel can be used as well), water, castor and jojoba oils, with lavender and peppermint essential oils (just a few drops of each). I lightly dampen my twists, making sure to get the ends, and seal with castor or jojoba oil.
I find this process helps keep the dryness at bay.
Aloe Vera Gel!!!! I bought it last week for hold but it does a much better job at swaling in moisture. i mist my hair with water, followed by aloe vera gel then vatika. my hair feels light and not at all weighed down (4a/4b) but still super soft and moisturised. i can go a whole 2 day without remoisturising which is unheard of for me. I’m a convert!
*sealing *days. apologies for the typos. i was obviously too excited!
it takes trial and error to figure out what works. I wish I’d spent time doing that when I first big chopped. I big chopped AGAIN and started to do experiments with my hair. I’d try out a technique or a product in different ways on both halves of my hair. That way I could compare very easily what was better for my hair. It’s actually quite fun…
I think some people are looking for 2-3 day moisturized hair when it MIGHT not be possible with your hair. The most important thing for me is that once i’ve found a regimen that works, I have to do it consistently to keep up the results! Same thing I do with taking care of my skin, my health and my body through exercise. I can’t be inconsistent and expect results!
That is so true about expecting the hair to stay moisturized for two or 3 days. That isn’t always realistic considering indoor heating, air conditioning and other enviornmental factors.
Melting my Sheabutter! I put some into a smaller container then in the microwave for one minute. This leaves my hair feeling soft/moisturized for the whole week.
You’re right! I also add olive and castor oil which gives the mixture a creamy base. After unsuccessfully fighting with dryness, this seems to be the answer for my hair.
To avoid dry hair I avoid using water and watery type products in my hair after wash day. Water is the ultimate moisturizer but it can also lead to some extra dry hair if one gets over zealous. If I try to spritz, mist or rinse my hair after wash day it is a wrap! It took me a long time to realize that my hair prefers a light cream based product and a bit of oil to seal it in. The trick to avoiding build up is to keep the products on the ends and do it every other day. If you keep your ends tucked that should be plenty. Plain ol water is a no no for these kinks. If you are suffering from dryness try going without misting or spritzing for a few days to see if that is the issue. My hair is a thin “ish” 4b/c
I am I newly natural and big chop August 3. I believe this is what I’m experiencing now. Im going though the whole trial and error thing 🙁 so frustrating. But I curious to know what moisturizers you use.
Baggy, baggy, baggy is the key to super moisturized hair, it works so well in fact once it worked a little too well! My super dry hair become too moisturized O-M-G
Now I found a happy medium:
On Co-wash day, baggy w/ grapeseed oil as a Pre-poo (30 min), baggy w/ DC (30 min) then baggy w/ conditioner (30 min), then M&S as usual<—–this has kept my hair soft & moisturized for a whole week,no need to M&S daily.
@ Barbara,
Do how do you style your hair? I let my hair air dry; @ work or whatever I’m doing for the day and that night I chunky 2 strand twist to stretch.
I havent really done the Pre-Poo method. I’ve detangled with coconut oil then co-washed with conditioner and 15 – 30 min DC with Aussie 3 minute conditioner.
Not too familiar with the baggy method?? I’ve heard of it, but honestly it sounded complicated so I just skimmed the how-to 😉 Now I understand the Pre-poo part and the DC, but how do you rinse the oil out?? With the 3rd step Conditioner? My hair is 4A but fine strains and I’m always afraid of putting a lot of oil in my hair? But it sounds like a good method, hmmm . . .
Now I gett
Hi @MsAllen2U
Baggying is get this… using a plastic conditioner cap or even a shower cap, not complicated at all, easy peasy!
Oil rinsing won’t remove all f the oil but that’s the point, your strands are now coated and protected from the washing process.
Right now, I am in braids for the duration of the month.
BTW grapeseed oil is sssssuper light almost a water consistency and a little goes a long way.
Hope this helps 😉
Wow! I’ve tried both methods listed above. I’ve found that I cant’ use a water based product daily, it’s to heavy and my scalp gets itchy. I didn’t know if it was the product (Shea – Moisture Milk) or not wetting my hair; it also ended up very dry after a few days. I’ve tried misting with water then coconut oil; that’s ok but can some what drying but better. I’ve recently been using Aussie Leave – In Conditioning spray and I luuuv the way my hair feels; not heavy very light, but after 3 day my scalp gets itchy. Right now it’s been a week: thinking I should wet it to relieve my scalp and reactivate whats already their??
See the thing is, I’m trying not to do wash-n-go’s too much. I’ve been doing nightly chunky twist with one of the methods I’ve just mentioned and take outs in the morning. I like the look and it saves wear and tear for me; that’s the best I can do for protective styling. I just don’t like the look nor have the time for 2 strand twist.
I’ve ALSO 😉 tried a mixture of: Rose Water/or bottled water, vegetable glycerine, and Aloe Vera Gel and sometimes I put too much of something, but if I get it right so not too heavy it’s good.
I”m thinking that I might go back to the 3rd method and see ?? Or I maybe I need to mist my scalp at night with water after I make my chunky twist.
I have late nights (partner dancing) or work and I don’t want to drench my hair or it wont be dry in morning.
Any suggestion?? I like that fact as mentioned above about maybe having a combination of 2 and getting it down to moisturizing 2 -3 times a week :-0)
Can’t wait for your input ladies! As a new natural, I am experiencing this currently.
I switched up my sealing method to the L.O.C method with results that haven’t convinced me that this method is specifically for me. This trial and error thing can be frustrating, but I’m hoping for a big pay off in the future!
seriously, it might take a while.
be patient. lol.
as soon as you find that right protein/moisture balance for your hair, everything will fall into place. imo.
Took me a year to find the right products and I’m still trying to overall techqniue, but I’m getting better!
The saving grace for my hair is a mixture of aloe vera gel and castor oil. I spray it on my hair as a pre poo, leave in and daily moisturizer. This stuff makes my hair so soft and manageable. I’m talking detangling in 15 mins or less!! It used to take forever!
You just have to do what works best for your hair. My hair LOVES aloevera gel and castor oil together. It doesn’t care for coconut oil, EVOO and shea butter.
I’m 2 years in the natural game and still learning… just don’t get discouraged.