“Loose Naturals” Best Hair Care Practices While Your Hair Care Professionals Are On "Beauty Break”
Majority of women practicing social distancing are probably now in panic mode. It’s been 4 weeks since beauty salons in my area was deemed a non-essentials business, which left many people wondering what to do with their “natural hair”.
Well sis, let me be real with you!
If you are in panic mold about your hair chances are, you probably do not wear much of your hair and that’s okay. Not everyone has the patience and time to do their hair on a regular basis and for that reason, I want to help you.
Now think about it. Who want to use this precious valuable time doing their hair all day? Not me and I am a beauty professional, but what I do know is: You Must Know Your Hair. I am going to give you a short “Natural Hair 1 on 1” class that can help you better understand your hair & create healthy hair care practices.
“5 Things You Should Know About Your Hair” will give you a fundamental basis about the hair that is on your crown. It may take you a while to determine the type, texture, density, porosity and elasticity but again, that’s okay! We are building a relationship here and good relationships may take time. So be patient with yourself and put your best foot forward in learning about your hair.
Now, lets to what you should know about your hair….
What You Should Know About Your Hair:
Hair Type: Your hair type is what you see with the natural eye. Is it straight, wavy, curly, or coily?
Hair Texture: Your texture will be how much curl configuration your hair type has. Below is a chart (Andre Walker system to help you determine your texture)
Diameter and Density: This refers to the degree of thickness, coarseness, or fineness of the hair. If you were to take one square inch of hair, does it feel thick, medium, or fine?
Porosity: How does your hair absorb moisture and products? Do you have to continuously apply water or product because it dry’s fast? Do you apply a little product and it feels over saturated? When you apply water or product does it stay on evenly without drying out
Elasticity: Does your hair expand and stretch like a rubber band and go back to its original curl pattern or does it break or stay straight?
After you’ve answered those questions and understand where your hair falls into each checkpoint, you have the fundamental knowledge of your Natural Hair.
Let’s move on.
Moisture retention is key to keeping your natural hair healthy. Please understand that hydration from the inside assist with scalp and hair health. Since we apply moisture topically here are two ways of infusing moisture externally:
1. L.O.C Method (Liquid, Oil, Cream)
Liquid, meaning water will open the hair cuticles allowing for you to apply a natural oil and sealing it in with a cream or conditioner
2. L.C.O Method (Liquid, Cream, Oil)
Liquid, meaning water, will open the hair cuticles allowing for you to apply the cream or conditioner and sealing it I with a natural oil.
Both methods work well but try both to see which method works best for you and your hair.
Steam treatments are healthy as well. You can create your own treatment by applying your favorite oils or conditioner after your shampoo or co-wash. Use shower cap to cover your hair and sit in an area of steam.
During this beauty break you want to have low manipulation with your hair. Have you ever heard someone say, “your hair won’t grow because your hands are always in it”? Well that could very well be true. Think of your hair as a garden. All it need is some sunlight, water, nutrients, and a healthy area to grow. You will have to tend to it here and there, but never too much to disrupt the growth process.
It’s quarantine season and everyone knows, trust me. You have the perfect excuse to not “put on” every day. In fact, you may want to break from that as well. At this point your focus should be taking care of your Queendom which includes: Body, Mind, Spirit, Space and Money (to learn more click here) and getting acquainted or reacquainted with your hair.
Before you do any styling on your own hair, make sure you have the necessities:
Detangling brush or comb (Fingers will do)
Shampoo or co-wash (conditioner)
Natural oils
Cream or conditioner
Styles that are easy to create and of low manipulation would be great. Here is what I suggest:
Example of coils
Two Strand Twist- Simple baby doll twist. This will give you hair a change to thicken up, breath and receive the care it desires. You can unravel it after wearing it for a few days for a new look .You will need water, cream, and a light oil. A comb is optional.
Comb Coils or Finger Coil- Ringlets that look like small spirals. Can be created with a comb or finger. This gives your hair a great break from and tension and daily manipulation. You will need water, a light oil and cream. A comb is optional
Cornrows- Not everyone is able to braid their own hair, but if you are, this is EXTREMELY easy to take care of. Just lightly oil it every few days. Be careful not to pull too tight around the edges, you do not want to cause tension and traction alopecia. You will need a comb, a light oil, and a cream of your choice.
Plaits- This is good if you still want to wear your wigs every now and then. This style is created my doing single (bigger sized) braids that hang like extensions. You will need a comb, light oil, and cream.
Afro or Wash -n-Go- Although this is most freeing at this time, if you’re in the 4c range be careful not to go to sleep on your “fro”, without being covered with a silk or satin scarf. Moisture retention is key to maintain healthy strands. You will need natural oil and cream. Comb or detangling tool is optional
Pineapple- pulling the hair all up into a “pineapple”. This can be done to prolong twist-out styles and larger afros. All you will need is a large enough band to secure the hair is a high ponytail.
Any of these styles can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks at a time. Be sure to give your self scalp massages to stimulate the hair follicle and promote hair growth. Your crown is special. Give it love, attention and the care that it needs.
These are my tips for “loose naturals”. If you would like more advice or even need help with determining your hair texture, we can do it together. I am offering a 30-minute consultation and together we can determine all the following:
Hair Type
Hair Texture
Density
Porosity
Best Style for your hair Type
Natural Hair Care Regime
If you want us to work together on determining what your hair needs are at this time click here and schedule your 30-minute Natural Hair Consultation with me.
