Step 1: The Cleanse!
I'm a big believer in washing the hair every few days. I can usually make it 3 to 4 days without washing my hair. The natural oils play a pivotal role in the health of our hair and scalp. I understand that finer textures can't tolerate too many days sans cleaning while other textures could extend the shampoo cycle to once a week and beyond. The important part of the wash is making sure your product is evenly distributed and you're working the entire surface of the scalp (including the back of the head.) It's important to note that when you're working your scalp that it's the tips of the finger that are manipulating the product, using the palms could create pulling and unnecessary breakage. When you're not getting a lot of lather, adding more water and a dime/quarter sized dollop more shampoo (based on length) will really move product enough to get your scalp clean. After the hair has been cleansed, we introduce conditioners for the treatment of the fiber.
Step 2: Treatment
We have an opportunity every time we wash our hair to then nourish and begin to heal the fibers. Choosing the right products for our individual needs allow us to seek the benefit we so desire. Maybe your hair is over processed and thirsty or maybe you struggle with density issues and are afraid to even use a conditioner in the first place. Let me say there is something out there for everyone and sealing the cuticle (with a conditioner) is an important step in keeping your hair strong and protected against environmental aggressors. Once the water has been wrung out of the hair fairly well, then gather the hair as if you were making a pony tail and begin your application of conditioner through what we call the "mid-lengths and ends" with about a quarter sized dollop of product (hair length will determine appropriate amount). On short hair, I like to take a bit less conditioner & focus on the tips and then work remaining product into scalp with a mini massage. Once conditioner has been run through the very ends, use your fingers or a wide tooth comb, gently raking through the tips as you work your way up the hair shaft. With the remaining slip left over on the finger tips, give yourself a nice stimulating scalp massage. This helps encourage blood flow and hair growth. This two step process is how I begin my bathing ritual. While I attend to other shower maintenance, I allow the conditioner to soak in for at least 5 minutes.
Step 3:Post Cleanse
Now if you're into a low maintenance routine you came to the right place. My particular ritual then continues with blotting the hair with a towel, being careful not to rough it up or wrap it up tight to dry. I'm a big fan of organic oils as a moisturizer and once I've finished slathering up in it, I use the residual oil to lightly prime my scalp. Tousle hair into place, giving it a boost where you like volume by allowing it to dry opposite of part line of the finished look. Every hair texture is going to have a different protocol for achieving low maintenance success. I can only speak from my personal experiences behind the chair and experimenting with my own hair. I encourage you to experiment with your personal routine to find the sweet spot for you. As a general rule, the less you fuss with the hair while it's air drying, the better it looks. Here is a long story short of it version.
*Disclaimer* I'm always learning and these are basic tips might that might not work for everybody.
Fine Hair- Medium Hair : Lightly blot to dry excess water. Apply root lifting product of choice, perhaps a taming milk to control fly-away hair or salty product for beachy texture through mid-lengths and ends. Shake out hair pretty well using the fingertips on the scalp, sculpt the hair into a fall that you like it to dry in. Lift the root and allow the hair to dry flipped opposite its finished shape. Once the hair is completely dry, use your fingers to place your hair into its final look using a dry spray/shampoo to lock in volume.
Thick Hair : Lightly blot to dry excess water and then apply a primer product to control frizz and smooth overall volume. I like to prime my hair with a salt spray and allow it to dry in braids to enhance any wave. Before the hair is completely dry but pretty close, remove the braids and work through a drop of oil or hydrating milk to give it an organic looking texture.
Curly Hair : Comb hair with conditioner and a wide tooth comb from tips to roots. Rinse or maintain depending on what your hair can handle. Lightly blot with a micro fiber towel to dry excess water or allow to dry from hand squeezed dampness. With curl product of choice, gently coat through hair using a scrunching or a twisting technique. I like to layer products on thicker hair textures, including an oil for shine and hydration as well as some kind of gel or pomade to corset curls and enhance their shape. When the hair is finished drying, polish with a little more oil or cream.
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