Does your hair ever feel dry, frizzy, or brittle? Maintaining moisture is an important part of having healthy natural hair. Moisturizing is the process of coating and sealing the hair shaft. There are many things you can do to ensure your hair retains moisture.
1. Know your hair
In order to properly maintain your hair, it’s important to know your hair. Some things may work for your hair, others may not. On your natural hair journey, get ready to become best friends with your hair. Many naturals know their hair type (3a-4c), but the more important thing to know is porosity. Porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Low porosity hair does not easily allow moisture in or out. Normal porosity hair easily absorbs and retains moisture. High porosity hair easily allows moisture in and out due to large gaps in hair cuticles or damage. Take our hair porosity quiz.
2. LOC/LCO Method
The L(liquid), O(oil), and C(cream) or LCO method is a hydrating and moisturizing technique. For this method, the C and O order are completely up to you and whatever works best for your hair.
Here’s how this method works:
L: Coat hair thoroughly with a water-based leave in conditioner. Find a conditioner that has water as one of the first few ingredients listed. Water alone works as well.
O: Apply oil to hair. Avocado, coconut, jojoba, and olive oil and some oils that are great for sealing in moisture. Adding essential oils like peppermint and rosemary help open and penetrate the hair follicles.
C: Apply cream or hair butter of your choice. I prefer to create my own hair butters. Learn how to create your own hair butter.
3. Two words: ALOE VERA
You don’t always have to go out and purchase expensive products. Some of the most amazing hair products come straight from the earth like Aloe Vera. Applying this plant directly at least once a week to your scalp and hair has tremendous benefits such as strengthening hair strands, promotes hair growth, and conditions hair. Queen Rih said it best!
4. Don’t sleep on this information! Get a satin bonnet.
Satin bonnets are every natural girl's true best friend. Glow by Daye satin bonnets are reversible and adjustable. Bonnets not only keep your style in place while sleeping but also importantly helps retain moisture whereas sleeping on a cotton pillow case can dry your hair out causing breakage.
Ultimately, everyone’s hair is different! It takes time to learn your hair's personality and needs. You have to find out what works best for your hair. That's what makes natural hair so special.
This is great advice, thank you for helping us to care for our hair. My hair is going through some changes since this whole lock down!
How is the Aloe Vera suppose to be applied? During wash n condition, styling or dry hair, wet hair?
Thanks for such great advice. I do have my satin bonnet I purchase from you. I love it. I hope to purchase pink heat bonnet for my birthday next month.
Thanks for just great advuce