Hair Tip # 42: Creating a Hair Care Regimen

Hello ladies! The majority of the emails I receive are something like this:

"I have visited your blog and I have no idea where to start.." 


".. how do I come up with a hair care regimen?"

September 2009 - Transitioning and clueless about my hair :)

Well, you are all in good fortune today for I have an answer. First, if you have not visited yet, click here to read A Guide to Wearing Natural Hair. This article explains the transition process, what you will need to invest in, as well as other hair care tips. I have tried to comprehensively address all of the questions I have received.

Creating a Healthy Hair Care Regimen


It is simple as 5 steps! All products fall under the categories of: cleanse, condition, moisturize, nourish and style. Let's talk about all of them.
Cleanse

• Clarify: If you use a lot of products, tend to have build up or gunk on your scalp. You want to clarify. The best natural clarifier is apple cider vinegar. Click here to read how to use ACV to cleanse. 
• Shampoo: You want to invest in a good shampoo, without harsh ingredients. The guide to natural hair contains a reference guide regarding harmful chemicals to avoid. 
• Alternative cleanser: There are alternatives to using traditional shampoo such as terressentials pure earth mud wash, and cleansing conditioners. Some people choose to cleanse with conditioners- which is called co-washing.

Condition

• Conditioner: Next you need a regular conditioner. If you choose to co-wash as a cleansing method, you can skip this step. Some good conditioners to try are: nourish spa, tea tree tingle, Giovanni's, Yes to Carrots and Shea moisture
• Deep Conditioner: Our hair needs to be deep conditioned. Click here to learn a good deep conditioning method.  Deep conditioners can be homemade or purchased. I use a Greek yogurt deep conditioner. Other types you can make are: banana masque, avocado masque, coconut milk treatment, etc. The possibilities are endless! Hot oil treatments are also wonderful. 

Moisturize

• Leave in Conditioner: You need to put the moisture back into your hair after washing, and conditioning. Some good leave in conditioners are: kinky curly knot today and Shea moisture styling milk. 

Nourish

• Oils and butters: Textured hair does not retain moisture well. So after you add moisture, you must seal it with oil or butter. <--Read the link for more information. 
• Oils do not moisturize hair! They seal in moisture. If you are using an oil solely, your hair isn't getting maximum moisture. 

Style

• Styling Products: This is the easy part :) Styling products consist of gels, mouses, holding creams, and anything that helps you style your hair. I use Eco styler gel, and flax seed gel for styling. You can use so many different things!

So you see, coming up with a regimen isn't hair at all. Its as simple as 5 steps. You CAN master your hair and learn to know exactly what it likes. 

Additional tips

• Don't be a product junkie - you don't have to buy every new product that comes out! If you already have a tried and true product, you don't need to constantly "experiment". Trying a new product on occasion is fine, but don't go overboard!
• "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" - If you know what your hair likes, keep doing just that! No need to switch up and change things. Consistency is key. 

Want to see my regimen? Click here. Leave any questions or comments on the bottom!

 Happy regimen creating!