One of the most EFFECTIVE ways to ensure that your tresses stay in tip top condition is by maintaining its moisture levels. To keep hair constantly moisturised, and bad hair at bay, NEVER underestimate the power of a good conditioner.
Most of us are now aware that African American hair is prone to dryness. One of the leading causes of breakage and split ends is thirsty and dehydrated tresses that take daily battering from harsh weather conditions, excessive heat from styling tools and poor hair maintenance.
By using hair conditioners regularly you can help combat dryness (along with other hair boosters such as a good diet and drinking plenty of water), but many of us dismiss the importance of a good conditioner. Instead, applying lots of oils, moisturizing lotions, only to be left with limp and greasy hair. Furthermore, replacing one for the other, and only conditioning once a week and thinking thats enough when we should be using a combination of conditioning products for different reasons.
THE ESSENTIALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
LEAVE IN CONDITIONERS TO BE USED DAILY!
Leave-in conditioners are often overlooked, yet should be an imperative product in our hair stash. Traditional conditioners tend to be a bit more rich and thick in consistency, whereas leave in conditioners are often quite light and will help add moisture to dry hair.
REGULAR CONDITIONER - TO BE USED WEEKLY!
How many of us are still using the same conditioner from 5 years ago? If so, its definitely time to switch it up! Our hair changes in formation throughout our lifetime, so its only natural to switch up our products as well. So what are YOUR requirements? Is your hair relaxed, or quite light in texture? Is your hair thick and tightly coiled? These are a few things you should consider, and choose a product accordingly!
** As a general rule, conditioners that are effective contain soothing products (such as Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Jojoba and avocado). Those with "fro" like hair (relaxed or natural) are advised to wash and condition hair no more than two to three times a month. Shampoos strip the hair of its natural oils, and although a conditioner should coat the strands, many professionals along with myself agree that frequent washings offer no REAL benefit.
DEEP CONDITIONER - TO BE USED WEEKLY OR MONTHLY
As well as your regular conditioner, you should be using a DEEP conditioner once/twice a month to rescue hair from all the damages it receives from enviornmental factors, styling tools and the general wear and tear of everyday life.
Each hair strand is made up of 3 different layers. The outer layer provides a protect layer to the cortex. When the cuticle is damaged, it gives off the apperance of a dry & dehydrated scalp. Regular DEEP conditioning will counteract this problem by coating the cuticle!
Ladies I hope this blog leaves you feeling a bit more knowledgable about keeping your scalp hydrated and maintaining healthy flowing hair. Whether you choose to wear braids, a sew-in weave, or go natural - PLEASE be sure to protect your hair in the process. NO MORE DRY SCALPS!!! :)
xoxo, Alicia MISSHEALTHYHAIR
