My washing routine

Dear curly friends,

It's this time of the week again! Hair wash day! I love my Afro curls, but hair washing days are always overwhelming. With my 3b/C hair, combing is a torture: it pulls, it hurts and takes a lot of time. Or? To make your hair routine easier, I'm sharing my hair washing secrets with you! So that the overwhelming hair washing day becomes a wonderful self-care experience in which we celebrate our Afro curls!

Step One – Preparations:

Keyword Prepoo. My washing routine starts before washing. I massage oil into my scalp before washing. I usually use olive oil which I heat slightly with a spoonful of coconut oil. The hot oil stimulates the scalp and prevents moisture loss during the wash cycle. It also preserves the oils your scalp produces. Above all, scalp massages prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. In addition to olive oil or coconut oil, I also recommend castor oil, almond oil or argan oil. Try it out and find out what suits your hair best. I then let the whole thing soak in for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, treat yourself to a nice facial mask or meditate, because the scalp massages have a super relaxing effect. 

Step two – shampoo:

Keyword all natural – parabens, sulfates and silicones have no place in your hair! In the shower I divide my hair into different sections. Here hair clips are your friend and helper! To protect the scalp, I always wash each section with my fingertips. Then wash carefully but thoroughly under cold water. Warm water is a real frizz trigger for curls. Even though it's uncomfortable, the cold water makes a huge difference!

Step three – Deep condition (very important!):

Keyword hair mask. This is the most important part of the washing routine. Here it is worth investing in very good Curls approved products. 

Your hair wants moisture and proteins - and that's what it should get. Depending on your hair structure, you either need more moisture or proteins. Pay attention to the order in which the ingredients are listed. The predominant ingredients are always at the forefront. To find out what you need most, there are various tips and tricks that I can tell you in another article. However, make sure that the mask does not contain any silicones, parabens or sulfates.

Spread your desired mask generously over your hair. Don't neglect the tips! They are subjected to a lot of wear and tear in everyday life and therefore need a lot of love. Wait 20 minutes and let it take effect. My pro tip for you: after applying the mask, put aluminum foil over your hair and your bonnet over it. This keeps it nice and warm and the proteins and moisture develop better - this means your hair follicles can absorb the proteins and moisture better. Then rinse your hair again with cold water. 

Step 4 – Conditioner

You are almost there – now is not the time to save. Especially if your hair is beautifully knotted, treat your hair to a good dose of conditioner. However, because we used the mask beforehand, combing should be a little easier. In order to prevent breakage, it is important to work your way back in small sections. Section your hair and gently comb each section from bottom to top using little force. If your hair is very resistant, only more water and more conditioner will help. 

To comb you can use a wide comb or a tangle teezer (never a brush). Depending on what works best for your hair. However, I swear by a detangling brush like this:

It is gentler and ultimately quicker. It is offered by different brands.

 Then rinse thoroughly one last time. I let my hair air dry for 5 minutes before I start styling. However, if you want to dry your hair, I recommend using a microfiber cloth. Scrunch it carefully from bottom to top. But still style them when they are damp! Otherwise frizz will result.

Complete! Your hair is washed. What my styling routine looks like is an article in itself.

Xoxo,

Leah