Building a Simple Haircare Routine

Remember, as you progress on your natural hair journey, you can adjust your routine, to suit your hair and lifestyle.

1. Cleanse (Once a Week or Every 2 Weeks)

Regularly washing your hair removes buildup from products, sweat, and environmental impurities. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner that won’t strip away moisture.

Steps:

Wet your hair thoroughly.

Apply shampoo, focusing on the scalp.

Gently massage to remove dirt and buildup, then rinse.

Tip: If your hair is extra dry, pre-poo (apply oil or conditioner before shampooing) to protect your hair’s moisture.

2. Condition (After Every Wash)

Conditioning helps restore moisture and keeps your hair soft and manageable.

Steps:

Apply conditioner generously, focusing on both your scalp and strands.

Detangle using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage.

Leave in for 5–10 minutes, then rinse.

Tip: Use a deep conditioner(Steam) every 2–4 weeks for extra moisture and strength.

3. Moisturize and Seal (3–4 Times a Week or as Needed)

Keeping hair moisturized is key, especially for natural hair prone to dryness. The LOC or LCO method helps retain moisture longer.

Steps:

L (Liquid): Start with a water-based leave-in conditioner or simply spritz water to hydrate.

O (Oil): Apply a natural oil (like coconut, olive, or jojoba) to seal in moisture.

C (Cream): Finish with a cream-based moisturizer or styling cream to lock in hydration.

Note: you can also use a liquid and oil/butter based pomade, to lock in moisture. Do what works best for your hair at retaining/locking in moisture.

Tip: Adjust the products to your hair’s porosity. High-porosity hair may benefit from heavier oils, while low-porosity hair does well with lighter oils.

4. Protective Styling (Optional, Change Every 2–6 Weeks)

Protective styles reduce manipulation and help retain length by protecting the ends of your hair.

Examples: Twists, braids, buns, or wigs.

Tip: Remember to keep your scalp and hair moisturized even while in a protective style, and avoid tight styles that can cause breakage.

5. Night Care (Daily)

Preserving moisture while you sleep is essential for reducing breakage and tangles.

Steps:

Wrap your hair with a satin or silk scarf, or sleep on a satin/silk pillowcase.

Consider re-moisturizing lightly at night if your hair feels dry.

This simple routine provides a solid foundation to keep your hair healthy and hydrated without too much fuss! Adjust the steps to fit your hair’s needs, and enjoy the journey of caring for your hair.