How to Build An Easy Hair Routine

Over the last 12 years I have failed at least 5 times to keep my hair natural. The last 3 years have been the longest time I have ever managed to keep my hair natural. The are many reasons for my failures, but one of the main reasons was simply because I was not equipped to look after my hair in its natural state.

What I lacked the most was a  routine, I would do things haphazardly because, I didn't know why I was doing them. I was in desperate need of a routine that was flexible and suited my sometimes hectic lifestyle. The success of any healthy hair journey depends on you Understanding your hair, Identifying what it needs, Performing tasks to help it along, and PATIENCE.

I used the steps below to build my hair routine and during the course of the month I perform these task to maintain my hair:

1. WASHING - Cleanse your hair at least once a week. This is not optional, not only to remove product build-up, but your scalp needs to be cleansed to maintain healthy hair growth.

2. DE-TANGLING - Must be performed during your wash day.  Fingers are the best tool for this you will also need a Conditioner with great slip. Once your fingers have removed most of the knots a wide tooth comb will take care of the rest

3. CONDITION - Not optional this is how you get your hair to be manageable, and this balances the PH of your hair so that it retains moisture.

4. LEAVE-IN - This is optional however I have found that it helps in retaining moisture longer especially in coarser and thicker hair types.

5. SEALING -  You are going to want to seal in all the wonderful goodness of conditioner or treatment so this is not optional. Choose your favorite Butter, Oil or Moisturiser to do do this.

6. DEEP CONDITIONING - Absolutely essential, this will take your hair to the next level. Deep conditioning regularly ensures the balance of moisture in hair. Especially in coarser thicker hair.

7. PROTEIN TREATMENT - Essential, our hair is made of protein and the right type and size of protein helps to fortify hair against breakage. These can be done either once a month or twice a month depending on the condition of your hair.

8. CLARIFYING - Necessary, this will deep cleanse the hair and remove  all product build-up. This can be done once a month but if you use a lot of styling products or very heavy products on your hair do it twice a month.

9. MOISTURIZING - In between wash days, is key to retaining length and maintaining healthy hair, Dry hair snaps like a dry twig. You can follow either the LOC or LCO method.

10. STYLING - this is the fun part, but you must always keep in mind that your hair will not behave like relaxed or chemically treated hair. So when you style your hair take care not to cause damage and if you are on a growth journey low manipulation styles will work best for you

Finally enjoy your hair, and don't think of your hair negatively or dread taking care of it.  My rule of thumb is always to keep it simple, patience, limit expectations and flexibility. I can certainly attribute my success in the last 3 years to maintaining and understanding my routine.

What is your hair care routine? Please comment below! Also if you have found this post helpful don't forget to share it with your friends.



XXX


Isabel