By Jc of The Natural Haven Bloom
Moisture is a problem that many naturals find difficult to deal with. Dry hair for many is normal and is not indicative that your normal regimen is somehow lacking. It is not unusual to need to moisturise hair before styling it or to find it getting progressively drier if let alone without products or water for several days.
The idea that you can eliminate dry hair is actually not true for the vast majority of naturals. Some hair will respond to regular conditioning or indeed to using leave in products but for many, dry hair is a regular issue to address.
For this second group it is more important to not stick rigidly to one routine or one product. Sometimes hair requires one or more of the following
-more intensive conditioning every so often to increase softness and repair damage
-a good spritz of water followed by an oil
-layering of leave in products
-a simple mist of water without adding oil
-a change in products e.g using/eliminating humectants, changing leave-ins
The idea of being flexible with what you do to your hair and the products you use is not a sign of a struggle but rather an understanding that your hair needs something different depending on its condition or on how the weather is behaving (more/less humidity).
Often not being flexible can lead to problems with moisture, for example, sticking to the idea of applying a water based product or water before applying a sealing product such as an oil or butter is in general a good idea to increase moisture. However for some naturals, repeating this routine too often actually leads to drier hair as the oil layer builds up on their hair making it more difficult for the water to perform its function. Switching the frequency to once every 2-3 days or once a week and simply adding water in between can actually work better. For others switching from a light oil to a heavier oil can also help.
Dry hair in my view should not be looked at as a problem but rather as a property of some natural hair. In other words, finding your hair dry should not frustrate you. It should just prompt you to try different methods and routines so that you can achieve longer spells of moisture (ideally getting to a point where you do not require additional moisture anywhere from 2 days to 1 week between washings).
Ladies with super dry hair, how do you infuse lasting moisture?
I stopped shampooing… huge difference in moisture retention. My hair is shiny and I can even see a curl pattern that clumps together (not just frizz). I currently use ACV and a mud wash to clarify/cleanse my hair.
Well… i know its a natural hair no no but good ol fashion hair grease is perfect for my hair I dont put it on my scalp but hey….. Ive tried the coconut oil and olive oil mix and it really dont do anything at all… I do like castor oil. I started using this palmers brand replenishing hair milk its has good ingredients in it too.. first two are water and shea butter. My last relaxer was in April. I realized that it was no point in having one cus I would get a relaxer and ALWAYS braid my hair a week later LOL soo hey.
I spritz my hair daily with water and seal with grapeseed oil before I braid or twist at night, and my hair 4a/b stays moisturized and fluffy without heaviness and/or greasiness. For me, less is more!
The layer of leave-in products has worked for me.
1. A leave-in spray of Aloe Vera juice/water mix
2. Add Kinky Curly Leave in
3. Seal with a shea Butter mix (shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E oil).
a. I have also added pre-poo treatment of coconut oil to my regime.
b. Increase my water intake.
FOR ME, this has worked. I’ve noticed a big difference.
This is my EXACT routine (products and all!) and its working perfectly for me AND my daughter!
My hair has been dry recently and Zanthe, above, mentioned clarifying your hair.
I did an ACV rinse then used my shampoo bar and deep conditioner. I then applied KCKT, my own oil mix and my own moisturiser my hair was silky smooth the next day. I had to have it trimmed and the hairdresser commented on it been in good condition.
Sunday I was out all day in the sun with no sun hat. That evening I spritzed with a gel mix I made from that seaweed you can make a drink out of, I bought it in St Lucia, then I added my oil mix and moisturiser and plaited my hair. On Monday I did not apply any product to my hair and it felt great all day.
Monday night I plaited it up for bed and this morning, Tuesday, it still felt smooth and moisturised. I just do a tuck and pin style for work most days.
Clarifying my hair has made such a difference, I’ve been using the LOC method for months now and it was going great until I stopped clarifying with ACV so give it a try if you find that you have a problem with dry hair.
I’m a vegan and drink 2 litres of water daily so I know it wasn’t my diet that was causing the dry hair.
i feel my hair is dry these summer days&& I’ve learned to learn thru trial & error. Actually every time I do something It’s trial & error. Oh welly I still enjoy my hair! =)
I am I newly natural and big chop August 3. I believe this is what I’m experiencing now. Im going though the whole trial and error thing :( so frustrating. But I curious to know what moisturizers you use
I switched to a SLS free shampoo. It took a minute to find the right one. I’m using L’Oreal EverCreme right now and it makes my hair soft.. REALLY soft and doesn’t strip it.
I condition over night. No matter what type of conditioner I use, I keep it in under a plastic cap over night. Right now, I’m using Tresemme Naturals. The moisturizing formula, of course. And fyi, it is WAY better than the silicone ladened versions.
I use curl activator. It really does make a difference. I tried a creamy curling cream last week, though the petroleum in it might have been part of the problem, I don’t see a creamy product holding my curls. So I know i need a gel for styling, just be sure it’s alcohol free (drying alcohol that is.) So from now on creams are for extra moisture AFTER I’ve used my gel on day one. My activator of choice is Long Aid.
Moisturize and seal at night. I do this almost every night before I cover my hair with my satin scarf. I spritz with water or a combo of conditioner and water, and seal with oil. Currently vegetable oil. I was using coconut oil, but decided to revisit an old favorite. So far so good.
I recently tried Cantu Curling Cream and I really don’t care for it. Greasy but still leaves your hair hard and dry feeling. Plus it only enhances curls while it’s wet. Soon as it dries, nothing.. I wont’ buy again. I’m testing out Sof n Free’s Milk Protein and Olive Oil Strengthening Cream. It has potental as a great sealer. But that remains to be seen. I do like it though.
I don’t spend much money, or branch out much because my activator takes care of most of my moisture and styling needs.. BUT, I would like to find something that doesn’t leave my hair WET so long!!! Thus the Cantu adventure.
But that’s another story. :)
So far my hair is pretty moisturized. But there is always room for more moisture. LoL!