How is everyone? Crazy times that we are living in. You all have my well wishes for health and safety during this coronavirus pandemic. Most non-essential businesses have been closed for a number of weeks and will remain until further notice.
Non-essential businesses include hair salons, barbershops, beauty supply stores, etc. Social distancing is still in effect. There’s no time like now to practice self-care and learn something new – like doing your own hair! That’s where I come in ?. Thankfully, I have enough hair products and tools to fill up a salon so I am not in short supply during the pandemic lockdown. Let’s explore some tips!
The Wash Process
I completely understand the hesitation to wash your own hair. I was formerly heat trained before deciding to transition to kinky curly in 2018. I just did not know what to expect once I ducked my flat ironed hair under the kitchen sink to attempt a wash. I was actually extremely anxious. As expected, my texture changed from straight to kinks as the water ran through my hair.
A good tip would be to wash the hair in sections and if you are able, do so in the shower. I used to loathe washing my hair in the shower because I didn’t like getting dry after shampooing only to get back in and wash out my deep conditioner. Shower washes help the water saturate the hair much better and possibly faster than washing at the sink. Also, wash the hair at least two times.
Start with a curl cleanser or clarifying shampoo and follow up with a moisturizing shampoo. Quite a bit of naturals prefer to focus on the scalp and let the shampoo run through the length of the hair as it is rinses out, but I wash my scalp and my hair. I am low porosity so if I do not wash my hair then I will experience product build up! Some well-known and favored shampoos among naturals are as follows:
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo (Clarify)
As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo (Clarify)
Camille Rose Naturals Lavender Fresh Cleanse (Clarify)
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (Clarify)
Kinky Curly Come Clean (Moisturizing)
The Mane Choice Detangling Hydration Shampoo (Moisturizing)
TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo (Moisturizing)
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo
Be sure to cleanse and put moisture back into the hair, this is a very important step! Let’s move on to deep conditioning!
Don’t Sleep on the Deep…IF You Want Maximum Moisture
This step may be optional for some of you curlies out there, but if you’re type 4 and prone to dryness like myself then deep conditioning is a MUST. Remember to work in sections in order to apply and evenly coat your strands with conditioner. This can be done with or without heat. For those that do not have access to a bonnet or hooded dryer, go ahead and slap a plastic conditioning cap or plastic grocery bag on your head to trap in the heat for maximum results. Leave conditioner and bag on head for 45 minutes to 1 hour if you are not sitting under a dryer. I used to use a clear plastic cap, but I actually like the plastic grocery bag better!
Here are a few of my fave deeps and masques
Product Junkie Naturals Rosemary Matcha Green Tea Deep Conditioner
Texture ID Deep Treatment Masque
Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque
Styling Products
There’s a world of styling creams, butters, jellies, custards out there to choose from. It’s easy to become a product junkie, especially when trying to figure out the best one for your hair. It also depends on the style of choice. Let’s just keep it simple for quarantine edition! The key to any successful style is moisture. Choose water-based products. Not sure what that means? I’ve got you covered! Water based products include water as the first ingredient. If you look at the label on the container, you will find a list of all the ingredients in the product. The first five ingredients listed are what the product is made mostly out of so be sure to read before making that purchase!
Cute and Simple Styles
Two strand twist outs
I found this to be the simplest style to do in the beginning of my natural hair journey. They are still my go to styles! They are especially effective with transitioning because you get the perfect curly girl look even though the hair is not fully natural. Just be sure to add perm rods to the ends to curl them immediately after twisting the hair.
High Puff
A pretty puff on a black beauty! Use a large elastic band or clip to create this style. Apply gel or edge control to slick those edges for the finished look.
Au Naturale – Fro
Ok beautiful sis! Apply those good moisture and style products, grab the pick for maximum volume, and lightly pat the hair around the ends to get the desired shape.
The Takeaway
Go ahead and experiment! This is the BEST time to do it. We are all stuck in the house anyway, so if your hair comes out horrendous who’s going to see it?! Practice making those kinks, curls, waves and coils POPPPP!
Oh yeah, and please detangle your hair! This can be done during the styling process or as you deep condition. Just be sure to work in sections to make the process as simple as possible.
What are your favorite hair care tips and techniques? Gon and show some lockdown love by commenting below!
