Back to Basics: Seal (A Hair Regimen Series)

Here’s where we bring in the big guns – so break out your “heavy” artillery for this step. It is time to utilize your oils, butters and thicker creams. Several factors can determine what you will use here; weather, hair type, how you intend to style and what product (and how much) you used in step 4 are some things you may want to consider.

Step 5: Seal

What: Sealing is applying a product (oil or butter based) to the hair in order to lock in moisture.

When: Immediately following hydration

Why: The obvious intent of hydration is to prevent the hair from becoming dry.

How: In my personal opinion, you should seal the entire length of the hair shaft on your wash day while your hair is still wet. When you hydrate in the days following your wash, you may only want to seal the ends (feeling that using product daily on the entire hair shaft is not necessary).

It is important to explore your options and see what works best for your hair. If your hair is fine and easily weighed down or you don’t want to be left with “greasy” hair, a light oil may work best. For those whose hair is thick and coarse, your hair may respond better to heavy butters and creams.

Also, pay attention to the primary ingredients for the product you used in the prior step. Could your hair milk, lotion or cream serve as a sealant as well as a moisturizer?

Other notes: Remember that the ends of your hair are the oldest and require a little more attention.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Back to Basics: Hydrate/Moisturize (A Hair Regimen Series)

Moisture comes from WATER; not oils and heavy butters. It is ideal to moisturize your hair at least once daily. Some do it several times a day while others may prefer every other day. Either way, it is vital that you incorporate this step into your hair regimen.

Step 4: Hydrate/Moisturize

What: Hydration is applying a product to the hair for moisture.

When: Daily is preferred

Why: The obvious intent of hydration is to prevent the hair from becoming dry.

How: Applying water or a water-based product to the hair without total saturation. A simple spray bottle of water or other liquid concoction is fine. Also, there are various leave-in conditioners that can serve this purpose. Hair milks, lotions or creams, listing water as the first ingredient, are also excellent.

Other notes: Depending on the style your hair is in, be aware that shrinkage is possible.


Thanks for reading. Be blessed!


CallaLily

Back to Basics: Condition (A Hair Regimen Series)

The world of hair conditioners is so vast it might make your head spin! With companies promising their products will do this, that, and the other it is hard NOT to become a conditioner crack-head! There is no doubt many aspects take a toll on our tresses. The environment, how we manipulate our hair, whether we choose to use chemicals (including color) and what we use to cleanse our hair are some things that take from it. Conditioning is the step we take to give back.

Step 3: Condition

What: Conditioning is applying a product to the hair after cleansing. Keep in mind that conditioning should enhance your hair’s overall health and appearance.

When: After cleansing

Why: The purpose of conditioning hair is to restore balance.

How: Types of conditioner (with examples) (1) Rinse through (VO5 & Suave) – leave in for a few minutes and rinse out (2) Homemade (avocado & mayonnaise) – single ingredient or mixture of edible ingredients; heat can be used for better penetration (be careful with eggs though). Also note that some homemade treatments can call for a gentle shampoo afterward (3) Deep (Elasta QP DRR-11 & Curls Ecstasy Hair Tea) – leave in for 15 minutes or longer; heat can be used for better penetration. (4) Leave-In (Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-In; water based & SheaMoisutre Shea Butter Leave-In; cream based) – apply to hair and do not rinse out (5) Herbal rinse (Hairveda pH24/7 & Adiva Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Herbal Rinse) – pour through hair; it can be left in or rinsed out. You can also make your own tailored rinses. (6) Intense Treatment/Special Purpose (ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor & Motions CPR) – follow manufacture instructions carefully. These conditioners usually have “repair”, “reconstruct”, or “protein treatment” on the label.

Other notes: It is good to have more than one conditioner to alternate. This is because your hair can get used to one and will not respond the same.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Back to Basics: Cleanse (A Hair Regimen Series)

Here is part 2 in the 6 part hair regimen series. There are more elements on the topic of cleansing one’s scalp/hair than you may think. I did my best to cover all areas but if I left anything out, please let me know.


Step 2: Cleanse

What: Cleansing is applying a product – with concentration on the scalp – to remove dirt and build-up before you condition.

When: Before conditioning

Why: The purpose of cleansing – stated above.

How: People have a myriad of ways to approach this step – (1) Shampoo – can be store bought or made at home (2) Shampoo bar – solid shampoo in the shape of bar soap (3) Conditioner – aka “co-wash” using a store bought conditioner for cleansing instead of shampoo (4) Herbal Tea/Paste – Ayurvedic herb combinations (in their powdered form) are steeped with water to the desired consistency, then applied. Teas are strained and used as a liquid rinse. Pastes are applied and left on for a period of time. Please check out this youtube channel for further clarification on using Ayurvedic herbs (listed under “Herbal Hair Care”).

I should also mention that some people like to clarify on a regular basis in the following ways – (5) Baking Soda – baking soda diluted in water or added to store bought conditioner (6) Apple Cider Vinegar – acv diluted in water (7) Lemon Juice – fresh or store bought lemon juice diluted in water or added to store bought conditioner (8) Clay – some natural clays can also be used for hair care; make a paste with clay and water, then apply and leave on for a period of time. This information on bentonite clay was sited on Anita Grant:

Bentonite Clay - Naturally Curly and Afro Curly Popping Hair Care Treatment:

This recipe depends on the length and thickness of your naturally curly hair.

Prep time: 10 mins

Instructions:

Mix 1 to 2 parts Bentonite clay Slowly add *water to the clay until you achieve a pancake mix texture.Apply to your hair (dry or wet)Allow to set for between 15 - 20 minutesRinse thoroughly until it's all out of your curls, kinks and coils.

*water can be replaced with your choice of liquid for example:

Organic Coconut Milk

Herbal infusion

or anything you like...

Hair Care Benefits:

After you Shampoo - One single treatment of Bentonite Clay will remove build-up from your scalp leaving naturally curly and Afro hair clean and clear.

As a shampoo replacement - Bentonite Clay may also be used like a shampoo trapping and removing dirt, debris, build up and other particles from your hair and scalp.

Other notes: Have fun experimenting with some cleansing routines you haven’t tried yet! I am going to begin experimenting with Ayurvedic herbs.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily

Back to Basics: Pre-poo (A Hair Regimen Series)

On my natural hair journey, I am learning how uncomplicated a solid hair regimen can be. Often times we seek out information, products, and hair methods that further confuse us. I wanted to do a 6 part series spelling out the basic foundation to giving our tresses the care they crave.

Step 1: Pre-poo

What: Pre-pooing is applying a product (oil, conditioner or a combination of the two) to the hair and leaving it on for a period of time before you cleanse.

When: Before cleansing

Why: The purpose of pre-pooing is to condition and protect the hair.

How: Here are your options – Method #1 – You can start with dry or damp hair. Apply heated or unheated carrier oil (such as olive, coconut, etc) to hair and/or scalp. Cover hair with plastic cap and scarf/towel/cap. Wait at least 20 minutes before rinsing out (you can also make this an overnight treatment, rinsing it out the next day).

OR

Method #2 – You can start with dry or damp hair. Apply conditioner (or conditioner/oil combination) to hair only. Cover hair with plastic cap and scarf/towel/cap. Wait at least 20 minutes before rinsing out. It is NOT recommended to do this method overnight.

With either method, if you are doing a 20-30 minute session, you can incorporate heat from a dryer or heat cap.

Other notes: Honey and molasses are also popular pre-poo ingredients. They can be used alone or added to your oil and/or conditioner.

Thanks for reading. Be blessed!

CallaLily