When I stop using chemical relaxers 3 years ago I had no idea how much a natural hair routine would come in handy.
Since March, the vast majority of us have been forced into a natural hair routine.
During this time of uncertainty about when salons will reopen, many of us have learned to cut and style our own tresses. Others are growing out their perms, relaxers, and color.
I’ve recruited my husband to keep my hair cut into what is now my signature look. While I’m only on video conferences a few days each week, keeping up with my natural hair routine on a daily basis provides a sense of normalcy.
How I’ve used this downtime is to further define my Hair Type and learn more about how to care for my natural hair.
But first a little background. When I gave my hair the axe in 2017 it was an impulse move. Although I had recently found an amazing Atlanta stylist (@stephaniedidthat), I was harboring years of pent up frustration.
My hair had always been a “challenge”. The texture of my hair is very fine, and prone to breakage.
I spent years jumping from stylist to stylist to comply with expectations that I came to learn were unrealistic. My hair just wasn’t meant to do certain things.
I was also using my hair to literally cover up one of biggest beauty insecurities, my forehead. Or five-head as Tyra Banks refers to hers.
It was when I noticed that I was probably transferring this insecurity onto my kids that I finally said “enough”. I went to Stephanie with a picture of Solange on my iPhone and never looked back.
What I was faced with after the chop was how to treat my natural hair texture.
I always knew I had multiple textures including “the kitchen” that my mom referred to during hot-combing sessions. What I didn’t know was that I had a curl pattern that lends itself well to a wash and go style.
After much experimentation with different hair products I finally landed on the best products to use for my Hair Type which is a combo of 4A and 4B.
Type 4A is defined by silkier loose curls and occur in the back and sides of my head. Type 4B is defined by well defined coil like curls and a cotton-like texture, and occurs everywhere else on my head. For more information on hair types check out this post by thatsister.com.
My natural hair routine:
- Wash daily with a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner. Included in this routine is co-washing (washing with conditioner) about half the time. The Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Line is perfect for me. To avoid straightening my natural curls I only detangle a few times a week with a pick. This simple pick is perfect for styling my hair into a type 4C Afro (pictured below).
- Gel infused with Coconut oil. In this step I run a generous amount of The Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Styling Gel through my wet hair. I like The other gels by this company do not have the same effect for me.
- Cream Alternative to Gel. On days when I want a softer, less wet look I reach for Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk.
- Palm Rubbing. To separate the curls I place my open hand flat on my head and rub in a circular motion. Remember that trick, can you rub your stomach and pat your head at that same time? Well, it’s that same thing but instead I’m rubbing my head. Some companies actually sell a special sponge to do this.
- Edge Tamer. In this post I won’t go into who re-popularized the hair edges trend. In high school I used Ampro gel (you know, the brown stuff). For gel with more natural ingredinents, I reach for the same Shea Moisture gel that I apply post-shower. I lay down the baby hair around my hairline, temples, and sideburns using a fine toothbrush.
What is your natural hair routine? And what are you doing to get by until salons reopen?
Xo,
