HAIR ROUTINE

Hey everyone! Building on my initial hair routine, I wanted to dive deeper into some of the practices that have truly made a difference for my thick, wavy hair. It’s been a journey, and these extra steps have been game-changers for keeping frizz at bay and boosting shine. You know how frustrating it can be to have beautiful waves turn into a frizzy mess, right? First off, let's talk about washing techniques. While I mentioned not over-shampooing, when you do wash, make sure you're using a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to more frizz. I also love to use a good co-wash (conditioner wash) on days I just need a refresh but don't want to fully shampoo. And remember, when you add conditioner to your ends, try to let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool water. This helps seal the cuticle and adds extra luster! Next up, drying is key for wavy hair. Ditch the regular towel! I swear by plopping my hair with a soft cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel. After applying my leave-in conditioner and a bit of curl cream, I gently scrunch my hair upwards into the t-shirt, tie it, and leave it for 15-30 minutes. This really helps absorb excess water without causing frizz and encourages my waves to clump beautifully. If I need to speed up drying, I'll use a diffuser on a low heat and low speed setting, gently cupping sections of my hair. Avoid touching your hair too much while it's drying to prevent frizz. For styling and definition, after my hair is partially dry, I sometimes add a lightweight curl gel or mousse. The key is to apply it evenly and then 'scrunch out the crunch' once your hair is 100% dry. This leaves my waves defined but soft. And for those days when I want to extend my style, especially after straightening with heat protector and argon oil, a silk wrap or durag is non-negotiable for sleeping. It prevents friction and keeps my hair smooth and straight for days! For my wavy days, a loose pineapple bun on top of my head with a silk scrunchie works wonders to preserve my waves overnight. If I need to go an extra day between washes, a little dry shampoo applied correctly (before bed, shaking it in) is my best friend for refreshing my roots. And about oiling – you know I love my argon oil and avocado oil for thick wavy hair. Beyond just the ends, I sometimes do a pre-shampoo oil treatment. I warm up a little bit of either oil (or a mix!) and massage it into my scalp and strands about an hour before shampooing. It gives such a boost of moisture and shine. Just make sure to wash it out thoroughly! Finally, don't underestimate the power of deep conditioning masks. Once a week or every two weeks, I treat my hair to a rich mask. It replenishes moisture, repairs damage, and keeps my thick hair feeling soft and strong. These little additions to my routine have truly transformed my hair, making it healthier, shinier, and much easier to manage. I hope these extra tips help you on your journey to amazing thick wavy hair too!