2. The 15 minute water trick
In between washings, the first layer that you want to apply is water. You can choose to use a water containing moisturiser but for maximum effect, plain pure water works best. You can choose to mist it on lightly or opt to thoroughly wet your hair. In either case, here is the trick, let the water physically sit on your hair for atleast 15 minutes before adding another product. I do not mean, estimate if it has been 15 minutes, I mean 15 actual minutes.
Why 15 minutes? This is the time it takes for hair to be fully saturated by water (i.e all spaces inside the hair cortex which could be occupied by water will be filled up) (Chemical and Physical Behaviour of Human Hair, C Robbins). If you are using the misting method, you should aim for your hair to be slightly damp throughout this time so that there is always water on the outside for hair to take up.
3. Avoid using too much product
Are oil stains on your pillow a common occurrence? This is a possible sign that, you may be using far too much product. It is definitely useful to use oil and humectants on the surface of hair to help slow down the escape of trapped water inside the shaft but excessive use is counterproductive. Any excess product acts to prevent your hair from taking up moisture present in air. In essence you want a barrier, but you do not really want it to be too thick or completely obstructive to water entry.
As a guide, attempt to use half a teaspoon or less for your full head when utilising an oil or moisturiser. Focus on applying the product to the ends of your hair in as thin a layer as possible. Natural sebum will tend to take care of the first 2-3 inches near the scalp. Be as generous as you like with plain water.
4. Shower without covering your hair
In the beginning of this article, I talked about hair being hygroscopic and picking up moisture from air. The most common and available source of humidity is during a bath or shower. This steam can help moisturise hair both by direct entry to hair and also by binding to any humectant on hair.
The hair does not necessarily need to get wet, the steam is sufficient to increase the humidity in the air and allow hair to draw water from its environment. Naturally if you are wearing a straight style or wish to maintain your hair in a stretched style for longer, you should ignore this tip.
Ladies, what are your tips for sealing in moisture?
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Natural for 20+years…I’m new to the “Black hair” blogging, sites, and…fights. Oh my. can we start by respecting one another. .we get it *you’re smart….congrats, now relax. I’m gonna buy the book in support of the sister who was clever enough to make it happen. AND i’m gonna try BOTH methods of sealing my ABC123 hair.
*the yous mentioned refer to no one in particular OK
I have tried the water then oil way but my hair is moist only when the water is there once it dries up my hair feels oily but not soft. im i doing something wrong, is there like a method that works, if so please share it. I use coconut oio and Olive oil.
I don’t know, but maybe the oils you’re using is too heavy? have you tried jojoba oil?
thank you thank you thank you jc. I hope you see my post past whatever is going on ^^^ up there! This makes sense to me. I’ve done it before, when I was on vacation. I used the oyin berry spray after i put oil and it was sooooo soft. I FORGOT all about that. Then when Leila stopped selling oyin on bglh (side eye for you Leila). I haven’t really bought their products but I MISS the honey hemp conditioner and their other products for their humectant qualities. sigh. All is right in my hair world now.
Lol i am in the process of twisting my hair when i read the “15 mins wait point”. Here i was wetting each section then immediately oiling. Guess who spritz the entire head then oil each section after the wait?
After washing or rinising, I squeeze out all the excess water with a paper towel or a towel that does not leave lint. Then I liguify some coconut oil or shea butter and I apply to my scalp and massage. Then I let the remaining oil and water air dry. I put a little oil between my hands and rub all over my hair. Now I am ready to go!
I have super tight, coarse, 4c hair that i’m struggling to keep moisturized when it’s not in twist. Will you method work for me?
I just have to say that I was very disappointed in/with the direction this topic move to…
We as women of color shouldn’t be so quick to respond in such negative ways, the discussion then becomes just that and then there is no positive discussion or solutions around the topic for readers.
Also, for those who felt like the book wasn’t helpful for them, simple just gifted it someone else who it maybe helpful to and not get on sites and blast the writer.
We are always so quick to judge, put down, attack, etc. our own people and that is just ridiculous and on called for.
We need to learn or try to be more supportive and constructive with our criticism toward each other!!!
Be confident…Be Fabulous…Be You ~ Images By Bobbi