My hair journey officially began in June 2017 when my scalp psoriasis and dandruff got out of control. I had crusty/flaky patches around my head that were completely inflamed, which burned when I tried to wash my hair. Not only did this lead to uncontrollable itching and excessive dandruff, but also heavy amounts of breakage, hair loss and limp, lifeless hair. To make matters worse, my hair was extremely oily and I had no sort of hair routine at the time, resorting solely to Selsun Blue. If you'd like to see before pictures of my hair and skin, check out this post.
Out of serious desperation, I jumped online and started reading/watching as many articles and testimonial videos on natural hair growth and a healthy scalp. For an abundant amount of natural haircare tips, check out this YouTube video from holistichabit (skip to 3:40).
This research led to my understanding of what shampoo and conditioner are meant for. My entire life I was just blindly shampooing every night...that was the extent of my haircare. Due to the severity of my condition at the time, I began doing (overnight) hot oil treatments everyday for a month straight. My DIY oil masks consisted of coconut, olive, grapeseed, sweet almond, shea, castor, avocado, jojoba, argan, hemp, neem, rosehip, blackseed, rosemary, lavender, tea tree and vitamin E oil. Rather than applying them one by one, I poured some of each into an empty applicator bottle and shook it up each night. Side note: place a towel over your pillowcase before going to bed, to soak up the excess concoction.
If you're just getting started and feel overwhelmed by the amount of oils I use, here are the ones I recommend getting first: castor, rosemary, vitamin E and coconut oil...however, the more the merrier in my opinion.
Each morning I washed the oil out with this art naturals shampoo and followed up with the conditioner. I believe this is the third box I've purchased. Prior to the first, my hair had never come in contact with conditioner. I know that might sound crazy, but I always assumed conditioner was for females...even though hair is hair. Thank God I came to my senses.
Amazon: $18-26 (Depending on Lightning/Daily Deals...or lack thereof)
After a month of this routine, my scalp had completely healed and I noticed the daily shampooing was now doing more harm, than good. Shampoo strips the natural oil from your hair, but because mine was so damaged, it was craving extra moisture and TLC. That's when I learned about daily cowashing, short for "conditioner-only washing", which leads me to where I am now...almost eight months later.
I now do overnight hot oil treatments every Monday and Friday night. Occasionally I mix it up from the extensive list above and simplify the mask, like this one for example.
Heat up the coconut oil (double-boiler method), add the other ingredients, massage into scalp and go to bed. Due to this schedule, I always shampoo my hair on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
With that said, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights, I apply a GENEROUS amount of conditioner into my hair and let it drink up...I'm talking 2-4 hours. Here are the different conditioners I've played with so far:
Marshalls: $6
Marshalls: $10
Marshalls: $7
Marshalls: $3
Marshalls: $5
Marshalls: $5.50
Marshalls: $8
The Marshalls clearance shelf has become my best friend on this journey, along with the convenience of Amazon to buy the different oils. My hair still has a long way to go, due to years of neglect, mistreatment and lack of knowledge, but it's soooooo nice to have a healthy scalp and fluffy hair. Now that I'm onto the second phase, my goal is to really strengthen and thicken my hair to its maximum potential.
I hope this can be of use to anyone struggling with something similar or simply looking for a more structured hair routine of their own. Guys, conditioner is NOT only for chicks!!
I'd like to run my fingers through your hair!
ReplyDeleteas I get older I'mma only shampooing every other day.
and moisturizer/hand lotion is not only for chicks either!
smooches and good healing!
hehe anytime!
DeleteGet some conditioner in those locs GC! The Winter months are especially drying on the hair. It's good to follow-up with a conditioner after shampooing, since it replenishes some of the nutrients that were just stripped.
Yes girl!! Need to find me a man who moisturizes haha
Love you!
Well done on finding something which works for you. I have dry skin problems occasionally and revert to baby shampoo.
ReplyDeleteJP
Thanks JP. Dry skin problems SUCK! If you run into that predicament again, consider massaging coconut oil into your scalp 30 minutes before shampooing, for a boost in moisture. :)
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