Retaining Moisture For Curly Hair
The constant battle with natural curls is retaining moisture without having to wash your hair everyday.
Over the years I've figured out the perfect balance of products to use along with techniques ... which aid in moisture retention and allow me to go a few days without washing my hair.
Some tips for wash day...
-Part hair into 5 or 6 sections and finger detangle hair with organic coconut oil. Then hop in the shower and shampoo and condition as usual. The coconut oil aids in the detangling process by smoothing hair along with moisturizing your strands.
-For extra moisture use a plastic bag and cover your entire head, allowing coconut oil to sit for 15-30 mins.
-After rinsing out the conditioner ring most of the water out of your hair... then part hair into 4 or 5 sections and apply quarter sized amounts of organic coconut oil to semi wet hair being sure to moisture ends too. Then two strand twist or braid each section and finish your bathing routine.
-Sometimes using coconut oil prior to washing your hair and after can leave your hair a bit too oily so it depends on the porosity of your strands. If my hair is extremely dry I do both steps... if my hair is not as dry I usually just apply a light amount of coconut oil after conditioning.
-Be sure to use a leave in conditioner whether it be applying it while in the shower or after.
Especially if you are styling your hair or doing a wash and go be sure to apply a leave in conditioner before any styling gels.
-Using a cotton t-shirt to dry your hair is much softer on curls than a towel.
- ***IMPORTANT*** If you do not have silk or satin pillowcases be sure to either tie hair down with a satin or silk scarf or use a satin bonnet. You do not want your pillowcases and bedsheets to absorb all the moisture from your curly strands.
Favorite Leave-In Conditioners
Alba Botanica's Leave-In Conditioner can be found on Vitacost
This leave-in is amazing and light meaning it does not weigh hair down. The ingredients are lots of great botanical herbs and this product rates a 2 on the EWG Skin Deep Database
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Giovanni Leave-In Conditioner can be found on Vitacost
The most bang for your buck on Vitacost this product moisturizes for days. It works well on dry and wet hair and rates a 4 on EWG Skin Deep Database
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Favorite Styling Gels
Aubrey's B5 Design Gel can be found on Vitacost
This gel is more of a glaze... It has a thick liquid consistency which allows it to be easily finger combed throughout hair. I usually use this gel for the wash and go style because it is so light and does not weigh down my curls down too much. This product rates a 4 on the EWG Skin Deep Database
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Jason's Flaxseed Hi Shine Gel can be found on Vitacost
This gel has a thick consistency and great smell! Because it is so thick I like to use this gel for smoothing edges and two strand twist styles. This product rates a 5 on the EWG Skin Deep Database
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Check out the Wellness Mama's blog post about the 101 uses for Coconut Oil here
Below are some of my favorite uses mentioned:
Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
On split ends to de-frizz
For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
On cuticles to help nails grow
Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows