When I am asked about my natural hair journey, I am always approached about how I maintain moisture in my hair. While this seems simple, it is not always the case and there is never just a simple answer. Maintaining moisture in natural hair is vital to thriving tresses. Moisture not only helps your hair to thrive, it helps to maintain length, it helps with the health of the hair resulting in a beautiful crown. Moisturized hair helps to promote hair growth, manageability, and stronger tresses.
So, the real question is, how does a natural sister get to the good-good of having well moisturized locks, well there is a few things to consider when trying to achieve it. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your hair journey, here are some recommendations for moisture in your natural hair:
Using the LOC or LCO Method
If you have been in the natural journey long enough you may have heard the term LOC or LCO method. The LOC and LCO is an acronym and the letters represent L – Liquid, O – Oil, C- Cream. Both involve the use of a liquid / leave-in, an oil, and a cream, applied in the order. Both methods add layers of moisture to your hair all while helping to seal and retain moisture. You can use the L.C.O. and L.O.C. methods during your regular hair regimen as well as during styling. Both methods are effective in helping retain moisture however, determining which method is best for your hair can depend on your hair’s porosity.
Consider Hair Porosity
Hair porosity is not rocket science however, it is important factor to consider when exploring how to moisturize natural hair. Hair porosity can be confusing and intimidating if you are not sure what it means. So, to keep it simple for the most challenged natural, it is basically the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Each hair porosity consists of certain characteristics that can have an impact on how your hair is able to absorb and retain moisture.
To start, there are three types of hair porosity. There is high porosity, medium / normal porosity, and low porosity hair. You can use a water test to determine your hair’s porosity. Take one of your shed hairs that is free of product and place it in a cup of water. If the strand sinks to the bottom, you have high porosity hair. If your strand stays floating atop, you have low porosity hair. If your strand stays floating in the middle, your hair is at a normal porosity.
If you have high porosity hair, the use of thicker moisturizing products may be ideal to retain moisture. If you have low porosity hair you may need to finagle your hair regimen to help open the hair cuticle for easier moisture absorption.Do not forgo your hair’s porosity when considering a moisturizing regimen. It has a huge impact on the most effective way to moisturize your hair.
Hair products ingredients
Some natural hair products are not so natural and therefore, it is always a good idea to check the product ingredients. Natural hair products should consist of hydrating ingredients oils, butters, natural extracts. Avoid drying ingredients like certain alcohols (e.g. Isopropyl alcohol), parabens, sulfates, etc. Drying ingredients like these can prevent moisture retention in your hair and resulting in drying out the hair
Moisturize your hair often
This may sound counterproductive, but this is the saving grace for keeping your hair moisturized. For your hair to stay moisturized you must hydrate it often. If not daily, at least definitely on a regular basis of at least three times a week. You can do this by lightly misting your hair with your favorite water mixture of just regular water will do. I like to use my DIY Detangler spray. You can even achieve this with a steamy shower in the mornings. Choose to use your shower cap and let the steam from the shower penetrate your hair.
When you are replenishing your strands with moisture, it helps your hair to retain moisture for longer. Regularly permeating your strands with moisture helps to improve manageability, softness, as well as strengthen your strands.
Cleanse your hair
Wash your hair!!! Washing your hair will not strip the moisture if you are doing it correctly. Product buildup can be a major issue depending on your hair type and routine, so washing your hair can relieve your hair strands of buildup and allowing for new product absorption. Using a sulfate-free shampoo will cleanse the hair without stripping the hair of its natural oils all while freeing the hair of product film. Product film on your tresses reduces the amount of water that penetrates your hair, resulting in making your products less effective.
To aid in proper absorption and to retain moisture, you must cleanse your tresses regularly. Whatever, your hair regimen is, be sure to incorporate a proper cleansing. When your tresses are cleansed, it allows products to be absorbed. While you are cleansing your tresses, be sure your scalp a good cleansing as well. Scalp health is vital for healthy hair and retaining moisture.
LIST OF PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOUR HAIR MOISTURIZED
Good Luck on Your Moisture Journey!!!!
