I miss summer, a constant statement for me and many alike when old grumpy winter arrives. The torrential snow falls and freezing weather is sometimes to much to handle. Over the years with the season change so has my winter hair care regimen. The cold months can wreak havoc on our kinks, and curls. The extreme cold weather can rid our hair of moisture, leaving it dry and brittle. However, this winter has definitely been a little bit warmer for us, not a lot of cold and snow. Although I am extremely happy, I can't help but wonder, what's going on? definitely global warming but let's explore taking care of our crown in these colder months.
Why use sulfate free shampoo:
During the winter months I find myself sticking to sulfate free shampoo. When I do shampoo my hair (which isn't very often), my goal is to retain as much moisture as possible. Sulfate free shampoos are less drying to my hair and scalp, preventing moisture loss.
What is sulfate?
- Sulfate are detergents use to cleanse hair and scalp by cutting through dirt and grime. To provide a much clear picture imagine pouring diluted salt and water on your hair and scalp. Sulfates are salts sulfuric acid and many are prepared from that salt.
- The most common sulfate ingredient you will spot is lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ASL).
Recommendations:
Over the last year I have tried many different methods for keeping my scalp clean and preventing moisture loss. In the hopes of finding the best method that works for me. Early on in my hair care journey, I realize that much of what I would learn about my hair would come from trail and error. That statement is still very true today, because what works for another natural head of hair, will not work for me or may.
The LOC Method
If you have been natural or just decided to take the plunge the L.O.C method is simple; Liquid, Oil and cream. Yes! in that order or any way it works for you. It has proven to work for many naturals.
LIQUID - consider this to be your moisture- water, aloe vera juice, liquid leave-in, as long as the base is preferably water based our hair loves water, and thrives on it. It only makes sense that the first step be to revitalize it, with liquid.
Oil - Think of this as coating the hair, although some natural do this method last. Whether you decided to do this before or after, our hair needs these essential and carrier oils in order to coat and lock in the moisture. I personal tend to use my oils after I have used the last method cream (leave-in)
Cream - This last step would be your leave-in (cream based). Helps to seal and lock in moisture, hold onto moisture.
This complete step will help to lock in moisture, retain healthy growing hair and prevent breakage. Repeat this step as need within the week, to prevent drying, brittle, and damage to hair.
* Pay attention to your ends, as the are the oldest part of your hair strand and tend to break off first.
* Making sure your ends are properly cared for will prevent breaking and split ends.
*If left un-treated split ends can travel up the shaft of your strands, causing more damage
Products I use:
Cantu shea leave-in conditioner
Kinky Curly leave-in detangler
Home made shea leave-in
- Water washing only
- I believe it was one of my late night YouTube binges, where I found this method. The channel was called waterwashingonly. I was intrigued by her hair, the method she said worked and decided to do more research on it. I will do a detail article on this particular method. Water washing only is simply that, using water and all natural ingredients (preferably). Shampoos tend to strip our hair of moisture, leaving the scalp clean but our hair feeling dry and sometimes dull. Water washing only means using water often throughout the week to cleanse your scalp, allowing your natural hair oil -sebum to flow freely from our scalp.
- No shampoo, only conditioner
- I love this method for my hair, It seems to work well for me and my hair loves conditioner.
- Products to love
- cantu shea leave-in conditioner
- products with glycerin as they hold moisture onto your hair
- oils (olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, (read more about these oils
TIP: When styling your hair, it is best to not use products with glycerin. Although amazing for moisture retention, our hair tends to soak up this product, hence causing (twist outs, braids out) any style you choose to wear to only last a few hours.
After much trail and error, I realize that my hair care regime needed to include a few items that pack a punch and would give my hair more moisture.
Below I have complied a list of what have worked for me and hopefully they can help you out too.
- Choose a deep conditioner that works well for your hair, if you have thick curly hair like mine, you need something that is packed with moisture )preferably something thick and creamy.
- Clarify often once a week, making sure your scalp is clean and ph balance restored
- Use an acidic rinse like ACV (apple cider vinegar), helps restore ph balance and remove dirt and buildup naturally.
- leave - ins: find a leave in that moisturizer your hair (my hair loves cantu shea)
HERE ARE A LIST OF ARTICLES, I HAVE WRITTEN OVER THE YEARS TO HELP YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY
Ph Balance for your Natural Hair
Natural hair rememdies for an itchy scalp
How to "Winter-ize" your Natural Hair care
Benefits of Pre Poo
Thank you all for taking the time to join me, back on my blog
Next Post Friday, March 5 2016
- Stans-
