A Straightforward Guide
So, you are taking the steps to start your new hair journey. It can feel overwhelming with the vast amount of information out there for natural hair. With all the several types of routines, tips, and tricks out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. We all have busy lives and do not have the time to sit and research everything online. Learning how to care for your hair should be simple and we are here to help with that. If you needed a straightforward guide to help you figure out where to start, this natural hair routine blueprint is just for you!
Why you Need a Routine
Having a natural hair routine is vital to achieving healthy natural hair. Routines are a terrific way to maintain the health of your hair and keep you on track. It helps to hydrate, moisturize, and strengthen those curls, coils, and kinks. Leaving you with beautiful, bouncy hair.
Step One: Cleanse
Before you begin your routine, the first thing you need to do is cleanse. Cleansing will remove all the unwanted impurities in your hair. It will prepare your hair to be able to properly absorb the products you will use later during your routine. Be sure to use a mild shampoo like this one to gently cleanse your hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp for 2 minutes before rinsing.
Step Two: Condition
After cleansing, follow-up with a hydrating and moisturizing conditioner. Hydration and moisture are key components in your natural hair for defined curls. This intensive moisture conditioner is a great choice. Lack of moisture can cause breakage, dryness, and frizz. When applying conditioner, focus on your ends and then apply to the rest of your hair.
Step Three: Detangle
Next, detangle your hair to remove all knots and make your hair easier to manipulate. Using a wide-tooth comb or this detangling brush, gently comb through your hair from ends to root to evenly distribute the conditioner throughout the hair shaft. Leave in the conditioner for at least 2 minutes before rinsing.
Step Four: Moisturize
Moisture is what defines those curls and brings them to life. There are many different methods online to moisturize your hair like the L.O.C method or L.C.O method. However, let us focus on the basics first. Choose a hydrating water-based leave-in conditioner to apply to your hair after cleansing/conditioning. Gently comb through the hair to evenly distribute the product. Wondering which leave-in product will work best for your hair? Take our short quiz and get product recommendations for your unique hair.
L.O.C Method VS L.C.O Method VS No Method
So much has been said about the L.O.C method versus the L.C.O method. Which method you choose, if you even need a method, will depend on your hair profile as well as the style you intend to wear. If you are heat-styling your hair or wearing it in a wash-n-go, no oil is needed, which means you should go skip this step altogether.
The L.O.C Method
This method is geared towards those who struggle to absorb moisture and products tend to feel like they sit on top of your curls. The L.O.C method helps to ensure your hair absorbs and locks in moisture.
Leave-in:
The first step is to hydrate your hair. Choose your favorite leave-in and apply a generous amount throughout your hair. Use a comb to make sure the product is distributed evenly.
Oil:
Oil is great to lock and seal in the moisture. Use a sealing oil to prevent the moisture from leaving your strands. Examples of oils you can use include avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil.
Cream:
Lastly, apply a cream to your hair. The cream brings the whole L.O.C method together. It creates the last extra layer of protection to keep your hair moisturized in between wash days. It also defines your curls and brings them to life.
The L.C.O Method
The L.C.O method is great for those naturals who need loads of moisture. If your hair absorbs moisture quickly, but constantly is dry, frizzy, and lacks shine. You should give this method a try.
Leave-in:
Like the L.O.C method, apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner to hydrate your hair.
Cream:
Next, apply a hydrating and moisturizing cream to add additional moisture to the hair to prevent dryness and frizz.
Oil:
Lastly, lock and seal the moisture in with your favorite oil. The oil adds additional moisture, shine, and holds the hair altogether. For instance, castor oil is an amazing sealing oil to help for maximum moisture.
Once you have finished the L.O.C or L.C.O method, it is time to style your hair.
Step Five: Treat
Treating your hair consists of deep conditioning and protein treatments. Deep conditioners and protein treatments will be your hair’s best friend. Deep conditioners allow moisture to deeply penetrate the hair shaft, while protein treatments increase the strength of the hair. It is recommended to deep condition 1-2 times a week and do a protein treatment at least once a month. Consistent use of both will promote growth, shine, elasticity, prevent damage, and increase the overall health of your hair.
When you access our platform, we will be able to tell you which deep conditioning treatments are best for your hair, and whether you will need to steam your hair or not. Check out our platform now to get personalized instructions.
Step Six: Trim
Yes, it is time for a trim. Holding onto damaged hair can cause more harm than good. It is recommended to trim 1-3 inches of your hair. Getting routinely trims every 3-4 months are beneficial for hair growth, prevention of spilt ends, reducing frizz, and eliminating heat damage. Use professional shears and be sure to not use them to cut anything else.
Step Seven: Style and Protect
Once you have cleansed, conditioned, and moisturized, it is time to style your hair. Styling your hair ensures moisture is locked into the hair shaft. Leaving you with shiny, soft curls. There are a variety of options to choose from. You can do a wash n’ go or choose a protective style for your curls. Protective styles consist of braids, twist-outs, braids-outs, and more.
Access our platform today to get curated styling video tutorials.
Wash n’ Go Steps:
- Apply a water-based leave-in and distribute evenly throughout the hair.
- Part your hair into four sections.
- Working in one section at a time, separate your section into smaller sections and apply a cream, gel, or mousse to define your curls. Tip: Use a Denman brush or the rake and shake method to clump your curls together for beautiful defined, bouncy curls.
- After completing all sections, you can choose to air dry or diffuse your hair. When diffusing, use a blow dryer and diffuser on low heat, until you have dried your entire hair.
After styling, it is important to protect your hair between wash days. Use a satin-lined bonnet or hair wrap to protect your hair at night. Protective styles are also a terrific way to protect the ends of your hair and maintain your hair in between wash days.
A Routine for Newbies and Experts Alike
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3 Responses
This was a great help!!! I have no routine and didn’t know where to start. Thank you for the information, I know exactly where to start now.
Lovely site. Would you have a tutorial to he LOC or LCO methods. Somehow not quite getting the process it seems product heavy to me.
Thank you Zarina! Yes, I can do a tutorial on the LOC and LCO methods.