Cowashing…Water is your friend!!!

Hi Beauties!

We've been having some really hot days here in the Caribbean. Today was one of those days. It was hot, humid did I mention hot? My braid out was a little dry and I realized my hair was breaking a bit. The quickest remedy for the breakage I could think of was to rejuvenate my hair with some good old fashion H2O!

Stop the presses….what? Water on relaxed hair for many is a no, no. This my dear ladies is complete mis-education. In fact, water = moisture which in most cases is what our hair needs to stop the breakage and retain length. The current misunderstanding is that water dries out your hair and makes it prone to breakage when in fact water adds moisture to your hair especially mid-week after a main wash.

Tip 1: Use a light conditioner to condition wash (cowash) your hair while in the shower. My favorite cowash conditioner hands down is V05 moisture milks and  Elasta QP Soy Oyl conditioner. Wash your hair like you would with a shampoo and let it sit on your hair for a few minutes while you shower.  Rinse, towel dry your hair, follow up with your favorite leave ins and natural oils. Gently detangle and let your hair air dry. Moisturize and seal. Your hair will thank you!

Tip 2: Throughout the week, lightly spritz your hair with water and glycerin (a humectant which traps moisture), aloe vera juice, or rose water. These are quick and easy ways to add an extra touch of moisture to your hair especially during the hot and dry months.

Tip 3: Protect your ends from the harsh wind and sun by tucking them under wigs or through buns.

Finally, it really starts from the inside so hydrate your body by drinking water regularly throughout the day.

Until next time….HHJ!

Air Drying

So today I decided to take a break from rollersetting...partly because I'm lazy, partly because its hot and I was not feeling too excited about sitting under my bonnet for 45 to an hour today. So here I am nice flowy bouncy air dried hair. Yes ladies! It is possible to have frizz free air dried hair. Considering it is like the primary dogma of the hair care world I think it is essential that at the very least we all know how to have air dried hair so we can exercise our options. At most turn it into practice and incorporate it regularly into your regimen. Here are a few tid bits and tricks that have made me successful.

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner- its always best to keep the moisture in check to achieve and maintain good air dried hair I've found in my experience. This is of course with the idea in mind that the protein balance is also taken care of. However, I have to place much emphasis on moisture. 
• Deep condition- you had to see this one coming. Most definitely do not skip on weekly deep conditioning. It should be a primary in your hair regimen anyways. It is one the main foundation to keeping well moisturized hair throughout the week.
• Leave In Conditioner- A good leave-in is also very essential to maintaining  air dried hair.
• ph Balance/ Medium Porosity- Many of you might like saying huh? wuh? Yes. I'm serious ladies and gents. This is something that many of us overlook or don't even know about. If our cuticles are not closed we are more likely to lose the moisture we added through deep conditioning and all other previous steps. The end result dry, frizzy hair. Maintaining good pH is essential for maintaining moisture and we have the added bonus of soft shiny hair. If you think your hair may be too porous may I recommend one of or the combination of the following : ACV rinses bi- weekly, aloe vera juice spritz, Roux Porosity control line of products, or a good ol' cold final rinse.
• A satin scarf to lay down your edges (de-tangle and run your fingers through your hair throughout the drying process)
• Remember to moisturize and seal at the end

 My hair is just washed and about 95% dry...it has not yet been moisturized and sealed.

Join me next time where I'll go further in depth about pH levels and hair porosity. Till next time! Happy Hair Growing!