I’ve been asked many times about a simple weekly regimen for natural hair care. So I’m going to share what works for me. I’m pretty lazy about my hair, I’m not always faithful to this regimen,  I’m not an expert and if your hair is different from mine, your results might be different. That said, here goes.

Taking care of natural hair involves balancing the protein and moisture needs of your hair. Experience usually teaches you whether your hair needs more protein or moisture. Mine needs more moisture.

Daily Routine

1. Fill a spray bottle with one table spoon of vegetable glycerin, two tablespoons of any oil of your choice (olive, coconut, jojoba etc.) and top up with water. Shake well and spritz your hair.
2. If your hair is short enough, you can comb it. If not, just use your fingers to detangle it. Fun fact: nobody expects natural hair to be sleek and smooth. Don’t stress yourself.
3. Style your hair.
4. Sleep with a scarf on. It’ll preserve your hairstyle and protect your hair from drying out.

Short Afro puff

Weekly Routine (short hair)

1. Co-wash hair with a cheap conditioner. I recommend VO5.
2. Air dry hair.
3. Apply leave-in conditioner and seal with an oil or butter. I recommend Cantu Shea Leave-In and whipped Shea butter. Some naturals apply a moisturizing cream too but I don’t. It weighs my hair down.
4. Style hair.

Wild hair, don’t care!

Weekly Routine (long hair)

1. See step 3 above.
2. Co-wash hair every two weeks.

Monthly

1. Deep condition hair. Alternate moisturizing conditioners and protein conditioners.

 I use CPR Deep Conditioner for protein and Aubrey’s Organics Honeysuckle conditioner for moisturizing. If you’re a DIY person, you could make a protein conditioner by mixing one egg yolk with two tablespoons of honey. For a moisturizing treatment, blend one overripe banana with two tablespoons of honey and two tablespoons of olive oil. Lol. People tease that natural hair eats better than its owners (#foodnothairproduct) but hey 🙂

That’s about it. All that’s left to add is to be sure to deep condition your hair before and after you do a long term hairstyle like braids or fixing a weave.

Above all, be patient with your hair. It’s unique to you, and doesn’t have to be like anybody else’s. Give it time, it will grow. Have fun with it. Enjoy it. It’s an accessory so don’t let it dominate your whole life. Make it work for you. 😀