It is important to get the hair in good shape for a regimen. That is why I wore braids so that it can give me time to get everything ready for my hair journey. But it doesn't and shouldn't stop at just braiding as the hair can actually be suffering while braids are in. For instance, braiding too tight is not appropriate, dry braids means dry hair, unwashed scalp means dandruff, tying braids too tight means suffocating hair strands, each braid being bigger than the portion of hair it's braided on will cause unnecessary stress on the hair, and so on. So here is how I've been taking care of my hair underneath.
Protein and Deep Conditioning: I did a hard protein treatment with the ORS Mayonnaise a week and a half before installing the braids. Then I deep conditioned my hair the day before installing the braids with the ORS Replenishing Conditioner. This is so that my hair is balanced with protein and moisture in other to withstand the braids (basically so it doesn't break off). Besides I wouldn't have the chance to deep condition again for the next 4 weeks.
Scalp Oiling: I oil my scalp whenever I feel it's needed (about twice a week) with coconut oil. Coconut is known to contain lauric acid that protects hair strands and keeps it from breaking. It also seals in moisture and penetrates the shafts to condition hair it from inside out. It prevents lice, dandruff and dry scalp and the Vitamins E and K in it gives the hair a healthy shine. Besides, it smells nice!
Moisture and Seal: After oiling my scalp, I then apply the Wave Nouveau moisturizer to the braids - I just rub it on my hands and transfer to the hair in and out. This is to penetrate the strands to keep my hair moisturized or it'll dry out and break when I remove the braids. After this, I apply coconut oil on my hands, rub it together and transfer to the hair to seal in the moisture I'd just applied. Coconut again is a great sealant on its own; it also makes my hair shine so no need for oil spray!
Side Note: I've used the Wave Nouveau on my relaxed hair itself before and I didn't really fancy it due to its creamy thickness...makes my hair feel soggy so I'm thinking of trying a moisturizing spritz in the future. But on my braids, it feels nice and light! It doesn't weigh the hair down.
Hairline Treatment: This is not important but I do it anyway. I apply Castor Oil to my hairline all the way around just to stimulate hair growth as my hairline is short. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is a great hair growth oil. I even sneak it up on my eyebrows occasionally :)
Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-in: I wash my hair on my washday (Thursdays). Just because we have braids on doesn't mean we're restricted from washing our hair. Imagine not showering for a month...lol. But I only wash my scalp and not the braids itself or they'll loosen! So yeah, then I condition and apply the leave-in conditioner to towel-dried hair. Finally I seal the moisture from the wash (water) with coconut oil.
I'm doing all of these so that my hair can be easier to handle, moisturized and healthy when I remove the braids. I'll be repeating this till the journey begins on the 9/10/11th April!!!!
FOR SIMPLICITY
If this is too much work for some, just remember to oil your scalp when needed, spray your hair with an oil sheen or water, and wash your hair at least once a week.
Stay blessed
xx
No comments:
Post a Comment