Outline:
1. Pre-Wash Treatment
2. Cleansing
3. Clarifying
4. Moisture-Protein balance
5. Detangling Strategy
6. Hair Maintenance
One of the essential parts of growing and maintaining healthy hair is to use a hair routine that supports it. Your hair care routine is just as important as your skincare routine. Below are the very steps you need to consider when building the perfect healthy hair care routine.
STEP 1: CHOOSE A PRE-WASH TREATMENT
· A Pre-wash treatment is sometimes referred to as a "pre-shampoo or pre-poo" treatment because it helps retain moisture and improve your hair’s elasticity, reducing the likelihood of breakage while shampooing. A pre-shampoo can be anything from your favorite hair mask, DIY deep conditioner or oil. When using an oil, choose ones that penetrate the hair shaft easier like babassu, grapeseed or argan oil.
STEP 2: GENTLY CLEANSE
· Wash with a sulfate-free shampoo. Staying away from sulfates ensures a gentle wash without over drying effects.
STEP 3: CLARIFY
. In addition to shampooing, use a clarifying shampoo/treatment once month. You may need to adjust the frequency if you use a lot of hair products that result in frequent build up. Be careful not to overuse clarifying shampoos. They can strip the scalp of natural oils that keep it healthy. If you are looking for a natural way to clarify your curls, Bentonite Clay is a great option.
STEP 4: PROTEIN AND MOISTURE
· Healthy hair requires a balance of protein and moisture. The general rule is to follow is to deep condition weekly or bi-weekly (on wash day) and to use a protein rich conditioner once a month. The only time this rule changes is when your hair needs change or are no longer benefiting.
. Leave-in conditioners are different than other conditioners. They're designed to create a light protective layer over each hair strand. This helps with moisture retention and hair manageability.
Check out this easy Aloe Vera leave-in recipe here!
STEP 5: NATURAL HAIR DETANGLING STRATEGY
You should always detangle using small to medium sections. The number of sections depends on your natural hair thickness and length. The tighter your curl pattern the more caution needs to be taken. I recommend finger tangling prior to using a wide tooth comb to avoid
creating knots.
STEP 6: HAIR MAINTENANCE
· Daily: When styling choose styles that require the least amount of manipulation or handling. It’s always great to have a few easy go-to styles such as braid-outs or twist-outs. The goal here is to create styles with the least tension and manipulation.
. Nightly: Before going to bed you want to make sure there is as little friction as possible against your natural hair. You should always use a satin/silk bonnet, scarf or pillow case. Less friction helps reduce breakage and dryness.
· Weekly: Hair washing & conditioning should be at least once a week to avoid dryness.
· Monthly: Clarify your curls with a clarifying shampoo or other natural method s least once a month. This helps each product continue to work well and maintain a moisture and protein balance. (see Step 4)
· Trims: It’s recommended to get any damaged ends trimmed every 6-8 weeks. This is only an estimate. If your ends are thin, excessively dry and feel there’s an increase in breakage; it may be time for a trim. Staying aware of the condition of your ends will result in longer, stronger hair fast.
· Moisture: If additional moisture is needed between wash days, use products with water as the first ingredient. Use oils to seal in moisture and prevent scalp irritation or dryness.
· Hair Discovery: Hair maintenance needs can change over time. By paying attention to the condition of your hair and scalp daily you will be able to adjust your hair regimen and products to continue to encourage healthy growth.
Knowing your hair's porosity is a great start! Click here to take the Quiz.
LET'S RECAP
Step 1) Choose a pre-wash treatment.
Step 2) Choose your products.
Step 3) Remember to clarify.
Step 4) Make sure you maintain a moisture-protein balance.
Step 5) Decide on a detangling strategy.
Step 6) Maintain and adjust regimen as needed.
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