The above picture is a snapshot of my hair products, and the sad part is there are so much more. I'm what's know as a product junkie, or a PJ. When I first decided to go natural, I had no one to go to for advice but the internet, so there began my never-ending quest for the perfect product. Mind you, I still haven't found it. But what I have found, is a regimen that keeps my hair moisturized and healthy, even if I interchange products sometimes. My regimen is pretty standard, and it goes something like this:
- I wash my hair once a week (usually on Sundays), co-washing on wed, or as needed.
- For 3 weeks out of the month, I use a regular, natural, non sulfate shampoo, and a moisturizing deep conditioner. But for the last week, I use a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup that the (lighter) sulfate free shampoo was unable to catch. It's like a reset button for my hair. I then use a strengthening protein conditioner, to keep my hair healthy and to combat any breakage.
- After my wash and condition, I usually put a heavy, butter based product in my hair(using the L.O.C method), twist it up, and go to sleep, After that, I don't need to add anything heavy to my hair for the week, so daily I stick to moisturizing sprays and milks.
Before I get to the actual products I use, I want to give you some info about my hair. I am type 4c, meaning my hair is very thick, and very dry, which is why I use heavier products to penetrate my hair. 4c hair has very tight curls, which makes it hard for products to coat the entire strand, which can lead to dryness and breakage. I also have what is known as low porosity hair, meaning my cuticles are tightly bound, and tends to be prone to buildup and repelling moisture. The products I use in my regimen work for me partly because of my hair type, If you have a looser curl pattern, or have high porosity, fine strands, these products may be too heavy for you, and you might wanna stick to water based products and hair milks.
The L.O.C method: The Loc method is a specific way to add products to your hair to maximize the amount of moisture you retain. L=Liquid(usually water)/Leav-in(usually a leave-in conditioner), O=Oil, C=Cream or conditioner depending on your personal hair needs. The LOC method allows you to seal the moisture in your hair, first using oil, then whatever you use as your C.
What's a Co-Wash? A co-wash is a method of washing your hair with only conditioner. Some people have found shampoos in general to be too drying, and that co-washes help cleanse the hair while retaining moisture. People have been known to use washout conditioners for this, but there are plenty of products created specifically for co-washing at the moment.
Now let's get to the actual products I use:
- Shampoos: SheaMoisture Yucca and Baobab thickening shampoo, SheaMoisture Shea Butter Moisture Retention shampoo, and Organix Argon Oil shampoo. Clarifying Shampoos: Elucence Moisture Benefits shampoo or a Bentonite Clay/ACV mix.
- Co-Washes: SM's Coconut and Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser, AsIAm Coconut Co-wash
- Deep Conditioners: SM's Strengthen, Grow and Restore Masque, SM Anti-breakage masque, Bentonite Clay/ACV mix, SM Purification Masque, Annabelle's Perfect Blends Blueberry Cheesecake conditioner. Protein Conditioners: ORS Hair Mayonnaise, SheaMoisture Sheabutter Deep Treatment Masque
- Leave In Conditioners: SM Stregthen, Grow and Restore leavein, Annabelle's Perfect Blends Leave in, Aussie Moist
- Butter-based moisturizers: Soultanicals Marula Moisture Guru, Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine, AsIAm Doublebutter Cream
- Oils; Coconut, Jojoba, Tea Tree, Sweet Almond, Vitamin E,Extra Virgin Olive, Jamaican Black Castor, and Avocado.
- Daily Moisturizers: Cantu Shea Butter Hair Lotion, SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Hair Milk,
- Spritzs: SM Anti Breakage, Frizz-free, Shine mist, SM Hold and Shine Moisture Mist, A DIY spray (3 parts water, 1 part leave in, oils of my choice, 1/2 teaspoon acv)
From this list you can tell two things. I have a ton of products, and there are a ton of steps. The thing with being natural is, you probably will not need 1/2 of the stuff I use, nor all the steps. Co-Washing is completely optional, and I only do it if I've had a product heavy few days. I will also forgo putting in a leave in and just add my moisturizer if I feel like it at the time. Speaking of moisturizers, I want to repeat that butter based ones are only needed if your hair is quickly absorbing product and needs something heavy. If not, you can stick to light moisture milks, or your hair will be oily. Also, before adding protein treatments to your regimen, make sure you actually need it. Otherwise it will make your hair dry and straw like.
Note on ACV/Bentonite Clay: I have this mix in both the shampoo, and deep conditioning section, because depending on how it is used, it can do both. ACV stands for Apple Cider Vinegar, and is known for its abilities to clean and balance your hair's PH. It is a natural remedy for dandruff and seals the cuticle. Bentonite clay is also well known for cleansing and detoxifying. Together, they work well as a clarifying shampoo.But add some oils, and this mix will defrizz, soften, and add tons of shine and moisture, so it also can be used in place of a DC. And if you notice that it seems to be drying, switch out the bentonite clay for some Rhassoul or activated charcoal, and your hair will thank you.
Another Note on ACV: Apple Cider Vinegar is also known for the way it repairs dry, scraggly ends. If this is the case, you can do diluted ACV rinses on your hair, or you can simply dip your ends in a diluted ACV mixture. Most recipes say a tablespoon of ACV per cup of water, but that may be far too much for you. If you sense your hair is drying out or getting thinner, change the recipe to a tablespoon per 8 cups of water, or a 1:128 ratio.
And that is it! That is my hair regimen and the products I use. I just signed up for the Essence Beauty Box though, so I will probably be adding a ton more to my collection :(. If you have any questions or comments, I am always here to help!
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