✨🚰 Tell Me You Grew Up Black Without Telling Me… Hair Edition 💆🏾♀️✨
✨ If you grew up in a Black household, then I KNOW this unlocked a core memory for ya 😂🧼 No matter how old I get, I somehow end up bent over the kitchen sink washing my locs (type: 4B/4C color-treated hair) at least once out the month, and yesterday before work just so happened to be the day😌
✨ For many Black families, washing hair in the sink became a practical tradition because it made it easier to thoroughly rinse our thick, curly, and coily hair without needing a detachable shower head. It also made it easier for many hair related tasks to get done like deep conditioning, sectioning, and treating our scalps without drenching the rest of the body. What started as a practical solution became a familiar experience that so many of us still laugh about and still get a slight crick in our necks over today 😭 so shoutout to that ✊🏾
🫧 How I scrub my sink down after wash day:
🧽 Before
~ Scrub the entire sink with Dawn Dish Soap to remove everyday grime
~ Rinse thoroughly before I start washing my hair
🫧 After
~ Wash the sink again with Dawn to remove any product residue and loose hairs
~ Disinfect with bleach (following the product directions and allowing proper contact time)
~ Finish with a multipurpose cleaner once everything has been rinsed and dried
⚠️ Just as a reminder before anyone tries to sue me and win $0, NEVER mix bleach DIRECTLY with Dawn or other household cleaners. Rinse really good between the products and make sure the area is well ventilated before you pass the hell out.
💬 Let’s chat! Did you grow up getting your hair washed in the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or straight in the shower? 🤣 And if you’re still using the sink today or even recently new to it, welcome to the club! 💛
#myhairtype #lemon8challenge #lemon8locs #blackgirllemon8 #naturalhair
Growing up with Black hair often means embracing unique hair care routines that connect us to family traditions and cultural identity. One such tradition is washing hair at the kitchen or bathroom sink, a practice many of us know well and probably experienced firsthand. I remember how washing my 4B/4C locs in the kitchen sink became a ritual beyond practicality. It wasn't just about managing thick, curly hair—it was a moment of bonding and self-care. Without a detachable shower head, the sink allowed for focused rinsing, deep conditioning, and scalp treatments without the hassle of soaking the entire body. This saved time and kept water usage sensible. The process usually starts by drenching hair thoroughly with water, then applying and massaging shampoo into the scalp to remove buildup and oils. It's crucial to shampoo at least twice to ensure cleanliness without stripping natural moisture. Following up with conditioner, I pay extra attention to my locs' ends to maintain softness and prevent dryness. It often takes several rinses to wash out product residue fully, but the relief of clean, fresh hair makes it worthwhile. After wash day, cleaning the sink is just as important. Dish soap like Dawn is effective in removing grime and product residue, followed by disinfecting with bleach diluted properly and ensuring good ventilation—as mixing household cleaners can be dangerous. This thorough cleaning respects both hygiene and the sanctity of the ritual. One interesting tip I've discovered is the use of certain hair care products specifically designed for locs and natural hair textures—shampoos and conditioners infused with moisturizing ingredients like blueberry extracts or rosewater. These help soothe the scalp and keep locs healthy and manageable. Whether you’re still washing hair in the kitchen sink or just reminiscing about those quirky moments that make our Black hair care journey so special, it's a shared experience that many relate to. It’s a ritual filled with love, resilience, and community support, defining how we nurture ourselves and our heritage every wash day.
Just did this today on my twist out