Are you ready to take the necessary steps to achieve healthy hair? I really love wash day and have the luxury of extending it out to a 2-day process. One, because I have so much hair and I like to let my deep conditioner stay in for 24 hours and two, I don't like to rush the process. I understand that everyone may not have that amount of time to allot, so adjustments can definitely be made and should. It's the intentionality and care that assists in the flourishing of all living things, and your hair is not separate. I try to wash once a week, but due to circumstances and laziness, sometimes I may go as long as 10 days. By that time my hair is uber dry and screaming for moisture (water). There is a misconception that washing too frequently is drying to the hair, and that is the exact opposite, depending on the water hardness, products and how you style it afterwards. I have a multi-step process for my wash day that has supports my genetics in strong, long, healthy locks.
I separate my hair into 4 sections. I then detangle with an aloe vera juice spray mixed with lemon, lime, orange and vetiver essential oils, to prep the hair and scalp for the next step.
A hot oil treatment with olive oil, peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils is something I do with each wash. Super cleansing and nourishing to the scalp and hair and an essential part of the prepping for the cleansing step. I heat up 4 oz of oil then add the essential oils as desired. I use a dropper to apply the oil to my scalp in sections.
Scalp massage is the next step and I really take my time and focus on every inch of my scalp. The amount of buildup that is broken up from the oil is amazing, the dampness from the aloe vera juice also helps the oils penetrate into your scalp deeper. Oils should always be applied to damp scalp, hair and skin. Oils need a vehicle to penetrate, and liquids are that method.
I have a steamer that I use for 20 minutes to really open up the cuticle and force those oils deep to the places that they need to go. I then bantu knot my hair, place a plastic bag/cap and wrap a beautiful scarf over it. I typically let this mixture sit for a full day.
Cleansing with my coconut cleansing bars applied directly to my scalp then working my way to the rest of the shaft, is how I use bar shampoo. I cleanse 3 times if necessary and really enjoy my rosemary mint bar, although the lavender chamomile and lemongrass turmeric are yummy as well. I go with how I feel and what I need, versus sticking to a rigid regimen of using the same bar all the time.
An apple cider vinegar rinse is essential to ensure that there is no residue left over and that my scalp is truly clean. A clean scalp is the foundation to healthy thriving hair. I add apple cider vinegar to a bottle with water at a ratio of 1:1, pour the mixture over my head in sections and massage that in as well. Wait about 2 minutes then completely rinse out. I do this with EVERY wash. Not only does it make my hair softer but keeps my scalp clear and my greys are bright, and never brassy.
I use the remainder of the hot oil treatment as a finishing rinse to re-hydrate, prior to my conditioner and to prep my scalp for the deep conditioner to ensure that there is not a buildup as that will stay on my hair overnight.
I apply conditioner and detangle to prep for the deep conditioner. I like Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle. The ingredients are clean and mindful. And that is one product I choose not to create myself.
The deep conditioner process consists of the Trader Joe's conditioner mixed with my Deep Conditioner which contains shea butter, watermelon seed oil and blood orange essential oil. That is heavily coated on each strand then I place a plastic bag/cap and wrap it up with a scarf until the morning. The heat from my head really heats the conditioner up and allows it to penetrate deeply.
Final step is rinsing it out, and normally my hair is so hydrated from the Deep Conditioner that I do not need to add anything to my hair to style. I roller set or braid it to stretch it out then, I will wear it protected for a few days until I am ready to wear it out wild and free. So hydrated and moisturized...until the next wash day!
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