September 21, 2012

Moisturizing Tips 101

A family member recently asked me about tips for combating dry hair. So that meant: blog post! :)

Curly hair is drier that our straight-haired counterparts because the natural oils produced by our scalp don't travel as easily down the curly hair shaft as it does the straight one. Think of it as it's easier to drive down a straight road than a winding one. Makes sense?

So how do I kick dry hair to the curb?

1. Moisturize and Seal

Coconut Oil is a great sealant!

I can't preach this enough. We do not have to be scared of WATER. Our hair loves it and it is the best moisturizer (it's also free!) 

Mist your hair with water (to moisturize) and use an oil to lock that moisture in (sealing). Oil alone does not moisturize, so DO NOT apply oil to dry hair. Moisturize as often as your hair needs it ... I moisturize daily because my kinky hair gets super dry.

Helpful Posts:

Moisturizing vs Sealing (The Difference)

Are you LOCing it?!? (Liquid, Oil, Cream)

2. Leave-in!

My favourite leave-in is Kinky Curly Knot Today

For added moisturize add a leave-in conditioner after you mist your hair. Water should be the first ingredient. A little goes a long way, so often times a dollar size amount will do. Too much can make the hair greasy. Avoid products that contain petroleum or mineral oil as they do not moisturize.

If you apply stylers or gel, apply them AFTER you moisturize your hair.

3. Deep condition!

Once a week. Our hair can get dry easily, so it needs the help! Apply a deep conditioner to your hair, throw on a shower cap or plastic bag (my fav) and sit under a hooded drier (or use a blow drier or hot towel) to apply heat for 15 or so min. The heat opens up the hair follicles to let the magic in....and then rinse and tada!

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Condition Dem

Remix your Conditioner!

4. Hot oil treatments

Simple and easy. Take a combination of all the natural oils you have (I.e, EVOO, Coconut, castor, avocado) and heat them up. After you wash your hair, apply the oil mixture to damp hair. Throw on a plastic bag and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse and voila! Moisturized softness! Apply a leave in and you're ready to roll!

5. Conditioner Wash (Co-wash)

My Co-Wash of the moment... Yes To Carrots Pampering Conditioner

If you're hair is super dry it could be do to excessive shampooing. Shampoos are designed to strip the hair of dirt and oil. And this can leave the hair very dry.

Unless you're using A LOT of products such as gel or styling aids, there's no need to shampoo your hair weekly.

I shampoo my hair once a month if that. And I co-wash instead. Rinsing your hair thoroughly with water and using conditioner like you would shampoo can remove a lot if dirt etc. I co-wash once a week.

However, if you do use a lot of product it's important to cleanse your hair and scalp to prevent product build up. Healthy hair starts with healthy scalp. And make sure you condition to prevent excessive dryness.

6. Baggy method

To help retain moisture as you sleep, throw on a plastic bag or plastic shower cap on your hair. Often times we lose a lot of natural hair oil and moisture to our pillow! After all that hard work...you don't want that.

This can also help to be achieved by wrapping hair with a silk scarf.

7. Porosity

Understanding the porosity of your hair will go a long way in using the right methods to moisturize your locks.

Helpful Posts:

"Girl, your hair is so POROUS!"



Hope this helps! Do you have any tips for keeping your locks moisturized? I'd love to hear them!


Until next time.

xx J

El amor mira no con los ojos, sino con la mente
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