Natural Hair Post: My Natural Hair Regimen

Now, what would be the purpose of a hair blog if I didn’t share my hair regimen?

Building a hair regimen can be an overwhelming process, especially when you do not know where to start. For a long time, I struggled with creating one that properly catered to my hair’s needs. I was too fixated on duplicating the exact products, techniques and styles that the next person was implementing in their regimen, thinking that, I too, would experience the same results in achieving healthier and longer hair.

However, what I failed to understand was: “What may work for others may not necessarily work for you.” That was a hard pill for me to swallow, as I’m sure some of you can relate. Duplicating others only led me to a dead end. Since then, I’ve figured out a simple regimen that works for me, and I would like to share it with you all.

To start, I typically wash my hair once every two weeks using this 6-step breakdown:

Step 1: Pre-poo

black girl's hair regimen sections natural hair in twists — **Twist hair in sections**!

A pre-poo is simply an oil treatment applied to the hair prior to shampooing or conditioning.

Because my hair tends to be very dry, this step is crucial for me. Not only does it soften my hair, but it also improves manageability. This makes it easier for me to divide and twist my hair into sections.

Step 2: Shampoo

Next comes the cleansing agent. I like to shampoo my hair with a gentle, sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo while it is sectioned in twists. Doing this prevents my hair from tangling and allows me to concentrate on lathering the scalp of my hair. I avoid applying shampoo directly to the lengths of my hair cause I find that it strips my hair of its natural oils. When I rinse, I allow the shampoo to run down the strands. This ensures that my scalp is properly cleansed of product buildup while my hair gets clean without the extra friction.

Step 3: Deep Condition

hair regimen consists of natural hair sectioned in twists with conditioner applied. natural hair covered with plastic cap, and heating cap — **Deep Conditioning Time**!

A deep conditioner is a formulated treatment—either packed with moisture or protein—that actively restores and strengthens the hair.

After shampooing I always follow up with a deep moisturizing conditioner. This step is an imperative part of my hair regimen that I DO NOT skip. Deep conditioning thoroughly nourishes my strands, softens my texture, increases moisture, and improves elasticity. I apply a generous amount of conditioner, coating each strand while working in sections. I really focus on the ends, as they are the oldest part of the hair. I thoroughly finger-detangle to remove any shed hair and then proceed to re-twist each section.

Once the product is distributed, I cover my hair with a conditioning cap or a plastic bag and sit under a heating cap for a minimum of 45 minutes. Applying heat opens up the hair’s cuticle, allowing the deep conditioning treatment to penetrate the hair shaft so it receives the proper nutrients to remain healthy. Finally, I rinse with cool water. Rinsing with cool water seals the cuticles, retaining the moisture from the conditioner, increasing shine, and reducing frizz.

Optional Step: DIY Leave-In Conditioner

A leave-in conditioner is a treatment in the form of a cream or liquid that provides further moisture and keeps the hair hydrated.

I make my own do-it-yourself (DIY) Aloe Vera leave-in mist that I usually spray on right after my deep conditioner or use throughout the week to stay hydrated.

Step 4: Moisturize (Water First!)

A good indication that the product is a reliable moisturizer is to check the ingredient list—a true moisturizer will always list water as the very first ingredient.
After rinsing out my deep conditioner, I use a cotton fabric to gently squeeze out any excess water so my hair is not soaked prior to product application. I avoid using a towel to dry your hair; towels not only absorb the moisture out of the hair, but causes my hair to tangle and knot. How I apply my moisturizer is very simple and straightforward: I take down each individual twist, evenly distribute the product through to ensure it reaches every strand, and then re-twist.

Step 5: Seal

After moisturizing, I layer a light coat of oil on top of each section of my hair. This step ensures that I lock in that hydration for approximately two days before needing to reapply.

Adding a sealant is crucial because the oil acts as an outer barrier, preventing the moisturizer from evaporating out of the hair shaft. If your hair isn’t properly moisturized and sealed, it will quickly experience dryness, which eventually leads to breakage.

Some individuals like to take it a step further by layering a butter on top of the oil, and that’s totally fine. Personally, I don’t like to add too many products to my hair. Because I have fine hair, I find that too many layers weigh my hair down. Once I’m finished sealing, I wrap my hair in a satin scarf and call it day. Whew, chile!

Step 6: Protective Style

natural hair regimen; natural hair in a protective style , black girl has on denim jacket with a water bottle in hand — **Protective Style** : **Low Bun**

A protective style is a look that requires minimal manipulation, preserves the ends of the hair by keeping them completely tucked out of sight, and is achieved without heat.

I am very basic when it comes to styling my hair. I stick to the same style for many reasons, but we’ll get into that in separate post! Now for the signature style that I just can’t get enough of—drumroll, please—it’s the sleek low bun!

Honestly, I’ve worn this style so much to the point of my mom despising it. Nonetheless, it protects the ends of my hair from friction, especially during the colder months when I’m literally bundled up from head to toe. Over the course of the week, I always make sure to refresh my bun by moisturizing and sealing or misting my hair with a daily diy moisturizing spritz.

There you have it—my 2019 hair regimen! Again, this is simply what works for me. Everyone’s hair needs are different.