How to retain moisture

After the blog post on How to make your own hair moisturizer, most people wanted to know how to retain this moisture.

I struggled with this concept in the past and suffered breakage i.e. leading to slow growth and dryness. As a result of dryness, my hair was also unmanageable. It was a nightmare having to comb/ style my hair in the morning especially since I was always in a hurry and I would recklessly comb through. The immediate result was lots of hair stuck in my comb from excessive breakage and I would then claim that my hair is “stunted”. While straighter curl patterns allow the sebum to travel easily to the tips of the hair, tighter curl patterns do not. Sebum conditions and protects our natural hair. It is secreted by the sebaceous glands on the scalp and transported from the hair follicles at the root and down the shaft at a slow rate. This rate is extremely slow for very curly and thick patterns, therefore, we have to regularly apply oil to our strands.

1. Water as a base

It is important to moisturise your hair with products which state water as one of its ingredients. Alternatively, lightly spritz your hair using a spray bottle. Please don’t soak it instead! I am extremely happy with the results from using my diy moisturiser. The aloevera does wonders in this recipe. It certainly exceeded my expectations. It also gives the hair an amazing shine.

2. Seal moisture

The natural hair community typically uses the L.O.C method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) to retain moisture. You may use a thick oil; Shea butter, castor oil or avocado oil are recommended to seal in this moisture. The L.O.C method is one of the best ways to moisturize natural hair if done in the right order and using the right products.

Liquid: hydrates the hair with water or water-based product

Oil: Seals in moisture

Cream: Closes hair cuticle to prevent moisture loss

NB: I once again emphasise that don’t drench you hair in water, otherwise you will end up with damp/wet hair instead of simply hydrated/moisturised hair. Simply spritz.

Consider using a natural butter such as Shea for those living in extremely cold temperatures or if you have extremely dry hair.

3. Avoid heat

Blow driers or flat irons strip your hair of moisture and it takes a while for the natural oils to moisturise your hair,

4. Cover your hair at night

Use a satin/silk bonnet or scarf to retain moisture while you sleep. I alternate between the satin bonnet, silk scarf and satin pillow case but I mostly use the pillow because I feel free with no worry of waking to finding the scarf on the other side of the bed and I don’t have to wake up to a sleep lines from using the bonnet. Avoid cotton pillow cases because they absorb moisture from your skin and hair. Your hair is prone to split ends from friction with the cotton.

5. Consistent deep conditioning

Deep conditioning your hair allow for products to penetrate your strands, providing nutrients and moisture needed for your hair to flourish. I do this every weekend. Depending on your hair’s porosity, some people choose to deep condition twice a month. It is important to know your hair porosity level to get the most out of your curls. Porosity, is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Please listen to your hair!

I prefer a simple hair routine. The tips mentioned are only a few of the many methods available. Keep it consistent and that is all you will need to have healthy manageable hair.