“Invest in your hair, it’s the crown you never take off.”
-UNKNOWN
If your goal is to lock down a routine that will have your hair thriving; while working, maybe attending school, caring for the kids, their extra-curricular activities, “your” extra-curricular activities. Then you have to turn around, help with homework, comb your hair and your daughter’s hair and cook…. look we’re freakin’ SUPERHEROS, mmKay?
No worries, I’ve been there. Keep your eye on the prize, it’s a marathon, not a race. Let me help you find a regimen you can stick to, OR at least get you started.
What’s a Hair Regimen?
A routine that you can set and stick too. Period! Having a consistent regimen provides structure and builds a foundation to lifelong healthy hair habits.
First a few NO’s NO’s:
- DON’T follow the regimen of someone with hair similar to yours. What’s for you is for you. Learn what your hair needs, based on your hair type, hair porosity, thickness, diet, etc.
- DON’T get caught up in popular brands/products. This was a major mistake for me in the beginning of my journey. It is more important to incorporate the right “type” of products, rather than a specific brand.
- DON’T give up after two weeks. Now if it’s been 2-3 months and your regimen just won’t do, pause, breathe and shift your focus. Experiment with the day of the week, how often you’re washing your hair, products and even styles, to get your desired results.
7 STEPS to Maintain a Regimen.
It Starts the Night Before
Lay out your products beforehand. This will save you time shuffling through your box full of products the day/night of.
Pre-Poo
Doing a pre-poo treatment will help with detangling (less breakage) and it will also protect your hair from becoming stripped after shampooing. Check this video of my current pre-poo process.
Cleansing Time
Sulfate-free shampoos should be a curl girls best friend. Research shows that sulfates can strip the oils from your hair and scalp, leaving your hair dry and brittle.
Consider a Clarifying Shampoo if your hair has been in a protective style for a couple of weeks or if you’re experiencing a ton of product buildup. Co-Washing/Cleansing Conditioners are also great options if your regimen doesn’t require you to wash your hair every week.
Deep Conditioner
No matter what stage of your hair journey you’re in, deep conditioning is imperative. It provides moisture and over time increases the manageability of your hair.
In conjunction with maintaining moisture, you also want to maintain a good protein balance as well. My hair is low porosity and I tend to alternate between moisture-rich deep conditioners and protein-infused deep conditioners. Pay close attention to what your hair needs.
For optimum results and moisture, you can do a steam treatment, sit under a hooded dryer, or purchase a Hot Head thermal cap, for to penetrate the conditioner throughout your entire head.
Lock-It-In
After deep conditioning, you’ll more than likely prepare to style your hair. Depending on your hair’s porosity, you may benefit from the LOC or the LCO method.
LOC – Liquid(water, leave-in conditioner)
Oil (Jamaican castor, coconut, almond, your favorite oil)
Cream/Gel(Shea, Custards or Gels- as a substitute)
LCO – Liquid (water, leave-in conditioner)
Cream/Gel (Shea, Custards or Gels- as a substitute)
Oil (Jamaican castor, coconut, almond, your favorite oil)
Night Routine
You’ve heard this a million times. I’m going to preach it until the end of time. Cover your hair with a bonnet at night, or sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. Use satin or silk lined hats and scarves to protect your hair from harsh weather!
Consistency
Build a regimen that you can stick to weekly or biweekly. Work your hair regimen into your already existing weekly routine. After a few weeks, it’ll become a habit and easier to manage.
Keep it simple. You already have enough going on as is. Pre-plan your styles, keep it low maintenance. This will keep you from giving up and throwing in the towel. It works, if you work it.
Quick Tip: I know you want to retain length, so it may be a good idea to get those ends trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Or as specified by your trusted beautician.