My Natural Hair Regimen
Hola mis amigos,
About December of last year, I started wearing my natural hair out on a regular basis and it's all because I was able to perfect my natural hair regimen. I've found that the key to keeping my natural hair healthy, glowing and growing really lies in the consistency of said regimen.
I currently use about 4-5 products for my hair, as pictured below,
For the most part, I wear my hair in wash and go's because they fit in best with my schedule due to my active lifestyle. I love twist-outs and everything but a wash-and-go is more likely to get me through a week of work and multiple workouts. I generally re-do my washouts every two days or so depending on how my hair looks and feel, but every now and then, I'll go a week without rewashing. However, when I do want to refresh my hair without washing, a super steamed shower gives old hair a new life.
One word that really sums up my hair regimen is quick and easy. I'm a lazy naturalista. Just last year, I would spend days on my hair on a regular basis doing braids, twists, crotchet braids etc. Now, when dealing with my real hair, I strive for the exact opposite. The less time I spend on my hair, the better ( as long as it doesn't affect the quality of my hair).
First item on the list, EcoStyler Olive Oil, the staple of every natural woman on the planet. I love, love this gel but it can make my hair crunchy, so my best advice would be to just use as much as you need and no more than that. Also, it claims to be flake-free buttttt that's not entirely true. It will flake if you re-apply without washing your hair. It will also flake badly and turn white if you use in conjunction with other hair products like heavy/creamy leave-ins and curl enhancers. The only product I can use along with EcoStyler for a wash and go is Argan oil.
This gel is a more natural alternative to EcoStyler, even though there has been some criticism and debate as to how "natural" the product is. It has much less hold and defining ability to it but it doesn't flake nearly as much and is safe for use on any part of the body. This gel is more ideal for twist-out's, braid-outs etc, in my opinion, because it gives a light hold with no crunchy feel from using too much.
Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner.
This conditioner is truly the MVP. TJ's knocked it clear out of the park with this product! The ingredients are au-natural, and it has a lovely tingly and cooling sensation for the cabeza. I use it to both wash and condition my hair. I don't wash my hair with shampoo too often because it's very drying for me, and I don't use that much product on my hair anyway and therefore I don't really worry too much about product build-up. Every since I started using this conditioner, I noticed an immediate difference in the softness and moisture in my hair. I use it in the shower while I detangle my hair and after my hair is detangled and in a number of twists, and then I put a shower cap and just let in sit for ten minutes while I listen to some NPR or jam to some music.
OGX - Argan Oil of Morocco Intensive Treatment.
I use this after the TJ's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner and this is what really moisturizes my hair. I apply it in section through detangled hair and depending on how much free time I have, I let it sit from 5 minutes to 1 or 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more moisture is imparted on the hair, but if you're under a time constraint, 5 to 10 minutes is enough. I just love this product so much. It's amazing for my low-porosity hair!
OGX- Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Oil.
This is the final touch to my hair-care regimen. The penetrating oil seals in the moisture while being lightweight enough to not weigh my hair down. Plus, it smells pretty good and gives a subtle shine to my hair.
That's the overall breakdown of my hair-care products. Overall, I'm really happy about the progress I've made in understanding my hair and what products work best for it. I'm hoping that in the summer time, I won't have to make too many amends to it. I'm actually hoping I'll be able to keep my wash and go's for even longer due to the increased humidity in the summertime.
Stay beautiful, folks.
Love,
Rachel.