Wash Day Routine & Retaining Moisture

Hey Curlies, 

My last post discussed how I moisturize my hair on a daily basis. Now I will share my regimen specifically for my wash days & how I make sure moisture stays within my hair.

FIRST I always pre-poo which is a method used to condition the cuticle layer before it experiences the harsh cleansing properties of shampoo. Pre-pooing is applying a conditioning treatment (or Oil) on your hair prior to shampooing being that shampoo can add additional wear/tear/stress/dryness to the hair. 

HOW

  • Divide your hair into sections

  • Detangle your hair with your fingers using detangling cream (or use a hair steamer)

  • Spread the oil/conditioning treatment all over (I use Taliah Wajiid African Healing oil OR Alikay Naturals) (from target)

  • Put a plastic shower cap & Sit under a hooded dryer or your heating cap for 20 minutes

 

  • I rinse the oil with warm water and then follow my wash day with either shampooing/co-washing. When shampooing, I only scrub my scalp and then allow the runoff from the suds to cleanse my hair.

  • Next comes the conditioning. My fav is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration. This stuff right here has yet to fail me. Only with my conditioner in is when I detangle with a wide tooth comb. Put as much conditioner as you want!!!! To make it more slippery, I add a little water to the strands that may have dried out and extra conditioner. I definitely make sure to detangle in small sections.

  • Once my entire head is detangled, I let the conditioner sit for about 10 minutes & then I rinse with COOL/slightly cold water. The cold water helps close the outer later of your hair. Making sure to help seal in the moisture from the conditioner.

  • I make sure to deep condition my hair once a week using the Camille Rose Coconut Water penetrating hair treatment. I let this sit for at least an hour so I can really gain the benefits. If I have some cleaning to do or errands, I'll keep the deep conditioner in for as long as possible.

  • Once I rinse my deep conditioner out, I follow up with the following & IN THAT ORDER *mama dee voice*

The order of how you layer your products is of extreme importance. I'm sure you heard of the L-O-C Method (LIQUID, OIL, CREAM). This is my go to method anytime I want to add moisture into my hair.

L: I always start with the liquid which is standing for your water based product. So once you have paper-towel dried or cotton t-shirt dried your hair, follow up with a water based leave in conditioner. (It is water-based if water is listed as the first ingredient). I like Kinky Curly Custard, Miss Jessie's, && Of Course Camille Rose Coconut Water leave in conditioner. Those are my Holy Grails!!

O: Next step apply a thin layer of oil to trap in the leave in conditioner. (Hence thin layer, you do not want your hair dripping oil).

C: Your styling cream will also help to seal in moisture. It will give your curls some definition/hold for your style of choice. If you are noticing your hair feels weighed down or if you have fine strands, you may want to opt for a light-weight styler opposed to heavy creams/butters. 

This may seem like a lot BUT when you get the hang of it, it will become second-nature. && thats all folks for my wash day routine. GOOD LUCK with yours!!

Love thy mane, 

Akilah 

 

 

 

Akilah Young2 Comments