Let's Talk Moisture...Combating Dry Hair

Hello Naturals, Transitioning Naturals, and the Curious:

I was asked to write about what I do (or use) to keep my hair moisturized. This is probably the most familiar battle for all new naturals...so let's talk moisture!

First, let’s get the basics out of the way:

1. Water is the only true moisturizer! Oils, Grease, Creams, Hair Lotions, etc are best used to lock or "seal" the moisture (water) in the hair.

2. There are generally two-types of moisturizers: water-based or oil-based. Water (or an Oil) is typically listed as the first ingredient on the product. Some naturals tend to lean toward using one type, over the other.

• Ask yourself (or make a point to learn): Which type of moisturizer works best for you??

3. Hair Porosity can determine the ease of which your hair absorbs and/or retains moisture. Understanding where your strands lie on this spectrum will help you quickly decipher through what works best for you.

• Ask yourself (or make a point to learn): Do you struggle to get your hair moisturized or to keep it moisturized?

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Now, having said these things, I am ready to answer the question: What do I do (or use) to keep my hair moisturized?

My hair wash regiment (see last post), gives me a jump start. My hair will generally stay moisturized for a few days. As time goes on....

Þ      If my hair is still soft, generally moisturized: I don't add anything to it. It re-moisturizes itself from the steam in my showers. I may gently pat my hair with some olive oil as a sealant.

Þ      If my hair is still soft, but starts to feel a little dry to the touch: I spritz it my water mix (water and a few drops of Kinky Curly Knot Today in a spray bottle). I then rub olive oil (sometimes Coconut Oil) in the palm of my heads and gently pat the oil into my curls.

Þ      If my hair starts to feel dry, crunchy, and less 'elastic': I heavily spritz with my water mix. Afterwards, I will either twist it with Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Milk or Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I let my hair dry overnight, then untwist the next day (using Olive Oil). #VIOLA! I'm pretty much back in business!

If twisting doesn't work (on extreme rare occasions), then this tells me that I need to “up the ante” and throw in a deep conditioning treatment. Deep Conditioning treatments always brings my hair back to its equilibrium.

This is just what works for me....do any of you have additional tips to share? One size does NOT fit all....

Bee Franklin