As a natural hair girlie it’s crucial to make sure the products you’re using are selected correctly for maximum effectiveness in your hair.
🪮A pre-poo is something I’m trying to do more often simply because it makes detangling so much easier than only with water or conditioner. (And this goes for using a comb/brush or my fingers to detangle and open my hair)
🪮A clarifying shampoo is something I use every few washes because it makes sure the dirt, sweat and product buildup on my hair is scrubbed away from my hair (a clean scalp is essential for healthy hair)
🪮Moisturizing shampoo ensures that your hair is clean but also keeps/attracts moisture into your hair (even if I don’t use a clarifying shampoo, I find shampooing twice ensures your hair is clean out after washday)
🪮Whether it’s regular conditioner or a deep conditioner, using one and leaving it in for a few minutes is the thing that seals in moisture, reduces frizz, reduces tangles, makes your hair smell good and gives a nice shiny and boost to your hair
🪮Jamaican Black Castor Oil Water has quickly become a staple in my routine because of how well my hair responds and feels when I add it. When I style and refresh my hair, this really helps the process and reduce the frizz that accumulates
🪮Your hair porosity will determine what kind of products you use for your hair but if you have low porosity then using water based products is a must. I find Aunt Jackie’s is one that’s very good and fairly affordable considering the prices of some leave ins on the market.
... Read moreHey Curlfriends! You know how crucial a good wash day is for our natural hair, and honestly, clarifying shampoo is often the unsung hero. I used to skip it, thinking my moisturizing shampoo was enough, but boy, was I wrong! If your hair feels heavy, dull, or your scalp is itchy even after washing, that's a huge sign you need to clarify. Product buildup, environmental grime, even hard water can leave a film that prevents your hair from truly absorbing moisture. It's not just about aesthetics; chronic buildup can actually hinder hair growth by clogging follicles and making your hair more prone to breakage because it can't properly absorb moisture.
I've found that incorporating a proper clarifying shampoo into my routine every few washes, especially after using a lot of styling creams or gels, makes all the difference. It's like pressing a reset button for your scalp and strands. When picking a clarifying shampoo, I look for one that promises a deep clean but also mentions being gentle. Some people opt for sulfate-free options even for clarifying, but sometimes a good sulfate-containing one is necessary for a truly deep cleanse, as long as it's not used too often.
When I clarify, I make sure to really focus the product on my scalp. I gently massage it in for a few minutes, letting it work its magic to 'deeply cleanse' and 'remove buildup'. The key is to be thorough but gentle – no harsh scrubbing! And don't worry about it 'stripping or drying out your hair' if you follow up correctly. The trick is to ensure you immediately move on to a super moisturizing shampoo, and then a rich 'deep conditioner' or hair masque. This step is non-negotiable for bringing back that softness and shine.
After rinsing out the clarifying shampoo, my hair feels incredibly clean, almost squeaky, which is exactly what you want before you introduce moisture. If you have low porosity hair like me, clarifying is even more vital! Our hair cuticles are tightly packed, making it hard for products to penetrate. Buildup only makes this worse. A clean slate from clarifying helps subsequent water-based products, like my favorite Aunt Jackie's leave-in, actually get into the hair shaft, instead of just sitting on top. This is where I really notice my hair responding well to the added moisture.
After clarifying, your hair is literally a blank canvas. This is the perfect time for a deep conditioning treatment. I often leave my 'deep conditioner' in for 20-30 minutes, sometimes with a heat cap, to ensure maximum penetration. This step not only restores moisture but also preps the hair for styling, making it feel 'soft and shiny' and 'making detangling easier' as the OCR mentioned. Finally, sealing it all in with a good 'leave-in conditioner' and some 'Jamaican Black Castor Oil Water' for styling just completes the refreshed feeling. It’s all about balance – stripping away the bad, then packing in the good. Trust me, your curls will thank you for giving them this deep clean!
That pre poo literally is a holy grail especially while taking down braids 🙏🏾