How to Treasure Your Curls in 2020
About that Treasure Thing...
Raise your hand if you've ever scarfed down a tub of your favorite ice cream while jogging on a treadmill. If nothing else, things could get a little messy, right?
And of course, I can't see your hands. But I would be willing to bet double or nothing that at least once in your life, you have done something counter-productive. We all have, and we all do it all the time, really.
We buy things we don't need. We spend time on things and with people that are no good for us. We cheat on diets. We don't wear our glasses. We drink and drive. We stay up all night. Time has told, and history has foretold. Over and over again.
Everybody has bad habits. The amazing thing is that this can change. It can change overnight. We can incorporate better habits into our daily routines right now. Especially when it comes to taking care of our bodies. Hair included.
For some of us, hair is just hair. For others, hair is everything! It can represent strength, power, prowess, and possibility even. It can also be a source of derision, frustration, and, dare I say it, hopelessness.
Have you ever been having a "bad hair day", and your mane -- be it unruly, seemingly damaged beyond repair, or non-existent -- has effectively ruined your entire day? Both of my hands are up!
Conversely, if you've ever emerged fresh from the salon with your new do, primed and confident, then you also know what it feels like to believe, without a doubt, that you rule the world.
And you do rule. You rock! With or without the hair you want most. Or any hair at all. But can we agree that you might as well make the best of what you have while you have it?
Keep reading. I'll show you the best ways how today, and I'll share a few of the products I use to achieve the absolute best results.
The Science
You don't have to be a microbiologist to understand your hair.
When is the last time you put your hair under a microscope?
Probably never -- right? If it makes you feel any better, please know that this is not necessary. Scientists and hair care professionals have already done the hard work, and the verdict is out:
Understanding how each strand looks up close and operates is very important when it comes to creating products that improve and help repair your hair when it is exposed to the elements or your bad habits.
Plus, it doesn't take a microscope to tell when something is just not right. Damage to your hair and scalp can, at some point, become incredibly visible over time due to medical conditions, negative drug interactions, or -- the easiest thing to control - repeated abuse.
The most noticeable characteristics that are clear evidence of neglect, or something beyond your control, are frizz, breakage, discoloration and thinning.
Frizzy hair doesn't just look like it is no fun. It is no fun. It's not as easy to manage and style as healthy hair would be. But not only is it difficult -- it is also dangerous if you have any intention to protect what you have worked so hard for.
The color of frizzy hair is also consistently dull and has to constantly be restored. Split ends are also trouble. When the ends of your hair are deteriorated so badly they begin to split, moisture from the products you have just used is released, rendering your repair efforts utterly useless.
If you have ever used an umbrella before, or have seen one used, then you understand when, and for what reason, anybody would break one out and open it up. Typically, that person needs either shade, protection from the weather, or both.
Imagine that you own an umbrella that opens whenever it wants. Or, we'll say, when it is exposed to a particular stimulus. This would be pretty inconvenient, right? You're out, you carry it around with you juuuuuuuuust in case the sky begins to drip, and at the slightest presence of moisture... POP!
And for as long as humidity remains, so goes your cuticles - up, up and away.
Cuticles?
Not only located at the start of your fingernails and toenails, the cuticle is also a major component of each strand (shaft) of hair anywhere on your body. Every hair has three main parts:
Cuticle - Your royal guard.
Cortex - This is where melanin, which produces your hair's unique pigment, is located. The cortex also gives hair its volume and makes each strand flexible and elastic.
Medulla - Present in the thickest hairs.
The cuticle is composed of dead, layered cells (like scales on a fish) designed to protect the innermost parts of the hair shaft. Each layer is glued to the other by oils, and oils also coat the outside.
These layers are made of a protein called keratin. Over time, the cuticle can become damaged. While, in most cases, the cuticle can be repaired - patched with moisturizers - cuticles may also reach a state of disrepair with persistent neglect.
Here are some things that damage your hair cuticles:
Harsh shampoos - Yes, there are products out there that you should not be using on your hair. Commit to doing a few minutes of research to find a suitable deep-conditioning shampoo. There's an amazing list of pro recommendations below this article.
Rough handling - Excessive brushing or twirling strands with your fingers will definitely do it.
Tools - Hair binding and styling accessories (rough handling) also stress the hair cuticle. Combs, bands, and clips can wear at your cuticles if used consistently.
Heat - Excessive heat can lift your hair's protective layers and allow water and harmful impurities to reach each strand's more delicate parts. Humidity lifts the cuticles and creates a similar effect. Heat can also completely remove pieces of the cuticle (chipping).
This chipping weakens your hair's structure, and also starts your coveted style's doomsday clock. Harsh chemicals like the chlorine found in swimming pools, and even sea salt, are not friends to your hair either. I'll get into this more in the next sections.
The 3 P's
Overall, the idea is pretty simple: damage, damage and even more damage can lead to a total loss. Anyone who takes pride in how she looks and is conscious about not throwing hard-earned dollars down the drain, wants to make every effort possible to prevent and preserve for her pleasure.
What human being doesn't want to experience pleasure, and pleasure all the time? Some people are willing to sacrifice any cost, and any amount of effort, just to be happy.
There's no such thing as being happy all the time; however, there are things that we can do to help us to prioritize being happy, and staying happy, over the less fortunate alternative -- struggle.
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of even thinking about detangling your hair, washing your hair, moisturizing your hair -- especially when you have a LOT of it?
Going down that list may have even dredged up some bad memories of when you were trying to do these things, and didn't have enough time to complete, or even begin them.
Maybe you've overslept and would hate to stroll into the office with a hideous bed head. Maybe you've been late for a movie or dinner date because of the wrestling match in your mirror starring you... and yourself. Maybe you've simply canceled your plans for the day altogether because you just can't get your head together. Literally. The possibilities are endless.
When you begin to implement the easy and most effective habits of preventing damage to your hair, and preserving the good work and time you have invested in this prevention for your pleasure, and if nothing else, for your sanity, then you begin to shed light on the possibility that your life can be entirely different.
Especially if you are as passionate about your curls as I am!
‘Tis the Season
Here's what you've been waiting for. The heat, the sun, the leisure, the fun! But oh, the responsibility. It's not as bad as it sounds. I promise. Even though the sun is out year 'round, there are so many activities inspired by clear skies and the sun at full-strength. These include:
Hiking
Working out
Beaches
Pools
Fairs and Carnivals
Kayaking and Canoeing
Fishing
Boating
Picnics
Outdoor sporting events
In addition to eating healthy, staying hydrated and protecting your skin from the radiation of the sun, one part of the body that is often overlooked during this time is -- you've guessed it -- our hair.
The health and quality of our hair are also affected by the foods we eat, the drinks we drink, and the good habits (or lack thereof) we practice when out and about. Especially at the pool. Thinking about going for a dip?
Of course you are! Summer fun is all about pools, beaches and everything else wet. Taking a swim is also one of the easiest and least expensive ways to keep in shape and to keep cool.
The best summertime natural hair care advice I share that's ignored 99.9% of the time is to wear a swim cap!
Swim caps are, without a doubt, hideous (not all of them). But they are guaranteed to protect the quality of your hair from being destroyed. They also protect your investment -- that's time and money -- from going down the drain.
If you are a black woman with pretty much any kind of natural style, just like me, then it's general wisdom that water is kryptonite for our hair. Being tethered to your Adirondack beach or pool-side as you watch your friends and family fearlessly splash and play has got to be a bummer. If it's normal for you to walk on the wild side with your 'do, whether wading or catching waves, I encourage you to try something different this summer.
Protect all the way!
Don't let your curls stop you from making a splash and fully enjoying the heat of the season while staying fit and cool. Also, don't fail to realize that when you invest in your hair, you do get what you pay for; however, what you have paid for can be wiped away very easily.
Follow these tips for maximum protection, preservation, and pleasure:
Wear a swim cap. Your hair will be completely dry underneath, and you'll never subject your hair to the chemicals in the pool or the salt and sand at the beach.
Wear protective styles. Two strand twists, braided extensions, or cornrowed styles are sturdy, forgiving, and perfect for water-based activities.
Immediately after leaving the pool or beach, detangle and thoroughly rinse your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner/oil mix. If your trip is over when you return home, then guess what? It's wash day!
The primary disinfectant used in both public and private swimming pools is chlorine. As the chlorine mixes with the water and other organic compounds in the water, new and numerous chemical compounds are formed. Studies have shown that exposure to any of these chemicals has been attributed to various allergies and illnesses. At the lower end of the risk scale, other than causing eye or skin irritation, they also really do a number on your hair.
The beach, while loads of fun, can also be pretty tough on your locks. Salt and sand are both a recipe for extreme dryness if left on and in your hair for extended periods of time. To effectively clean the salt and sand from your hair, you want to use a clarifying shampoo first. This knocks out any remnants of chlorine, salt or sand. Next, you want to wash again using a moisturizing shampoo to begin replenishing your hair cuticles with moisture.
And for the final step: deep conditioning.
Use your favorite deep conditioner mixed with few drops of your favorite essential and fatty oils. Apply a processing cap and heat for 20 minutes. Rinse, apply a leave-in conditioner, then style.
I can't stress enough that treasuring your curls does not have to be stressful. When you are knowledgeable about what's happening deep-down when you're involved in certain activities, you are more conscious about what to do and what not to with your hair. Also, when you remain prepared for the restorative and protective treatments to come, getting to work on your mane becomes so much easier than you thought it would be.
Use the checklist below to make care more convenient for yourself:
Genius Things to Pack for the Water
A cute scarf, turban or fabric to use for a head wrap.
Hair ties to make high puffs or ponytails.
Bobby pins for quick pinups.
If you have locs, then consider yourself lucky! Your locs will love the beach and the saltwater seems to make them flourish. However, you should follow the same steps above to prevent dryness and buildup.
Also, if your hair is color-treated, then expect a mild to moderate amount of color to fade after your time in the pool. Be sure not to skip the deep conditioner step. It is imperative, as your strands are already compromised by the coloring.
Now, get out there and enjoy yourself!
Pure Recommendations
TW + IG @designessential
$10.00
Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo
This is always my starting place for every shampoo. It provides a deep clean without stripping and leaving the hair dry or brittle.
To Use:
Wet The Hair.
Apply a quarter-sized amount of Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo into the palm of you hand and emulsify.
Apply To Hair And Lather.
Rinse Thoroughly and enjoy as needed.
$12.00
Honey Creme Moisture Retention Shampoo
Honey Creme is the BEST moisturizing shampoo. Just like the name suggests, this amazing product moisturizes and detangles simultaneously for effortless comb-through and styling!
To Use:
Apply Honey Creme Moisture Retention Shampoo to wet hair and work into an awesome lather.
Rinse and repeat as needed.
Easy, right?
Design Essentials
Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Super Moisturizing Conditioner
$12.00 - $39.00
Rosemary, once thought to be sacred by ancient Egyptians and Hebrews, and used by them to improve memory and provide spiritual protection, is combined with the tingling and sensual awakening of fresh mint to provide an uber-stimulating moisture experience suitable for any hair type.
If your hair is currently dry, brittle or damaged, then Design Essentials' Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Super Moisturizing Conditioner is especially for you!
To Use:
Shampoo your hair and blot dry with a clean towel.
Apply Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Super Moisturizing Conditioner from the roots of your hair to the very ends.
Comb the product through your hair using a wide-tooth comb to the ends. Follow-through is most important. You don't want to miss one strand.
Patience. Let stand for 5 minutes. Listen to your favorite song (or two). Watch an educational YouTube video. Read a story in a magazine. Dance! Anything to take your mind off the wait.
Rinse thoroughly and then relax, knowing that self-care doesn't have to be hard-core or stressful!
Happy Mane
Extra Large Silicone Swim Cap Swimming Shower Cap
$31.31
This unisex swim and shower cap is all you need to protect your glorious mane. It keeps your hair dry, and also saves you from the time and frustration of having to perform full-service care on your locs when all you wanted to do was spend a little time getting in some cardio or perfecting your backstroke.
Not a fan of earplugs? Me neither! The Happy Mane extra-large swim cap also protects against swimmer's ear, in addition to saving your hair from chlorine and other harsh chemicals commonly found in pools.
The Happy Mane swim cap is not just for workouts or water sport. It's also perfect for when you want to just grab a quick shower -- or a long one -- and don't particularly want to get your hair wet. The cap is roomy and flexible; yet, fits snugly around the ears, but is also comfortable and very easy to put on.
Think this cap will be difficult to keep up with? Absolutely not! It includes a convenient PVC storage bag which makes it an easy travel partner for the public pool, the gym or vacation. High-quality BPA and toxin-free silicone combine reliability with flexibility and durability proven to last summer after summer, and all season long whenever and for whatever water-based activity you use it for.
And the best thing about this product is that Happy Mane offers a full money-back guarantee if you are dissatisfied with it for any reason
To Use:
Craftily manipulate your beautiful hair into a high bun.
Stretch the cap over your forehead, and starting with the hairline, move backward over your head and bun, down to the nape of your neck.
Tuck your ears underneath and make sure that the edges of the cap fit snugly all around for maximum protection.
Go and get wet with no worries!
Recommended Natural Oils
These oils really help seal moisture into your cuticles without feeling too greasy or weighing your hair down.
Sweet Almond Oil
Massage sweet almond oil into your scalp to stimulate growth and minimize hair loss. It's lightweight and makes a great base to add additional essential oils to. This oil also seals in moisture and improves your hair's shine with every use.
Grape Seed Oil
Not greasy or heavy.
Lighter than olive oil and coconut oil.
Odorless too!
Coconut Oil
Reduces oil buildup.
Reduces brittle hair and hair breakage.
Black Jamaican Castor Oil
For all hair types.
Moisturize, thickens and strengthens.
Increases hair growth.
Prevents breakage, dandruff, eczema and itchy scalp.
Battle of the Bands
When tying your hair, you want to avoid rubber products at all costs. Also, resist the urge to bind your hair too tightly. These cool bands are great for safely securing ponytails, buns, and braids. Even thick hair! The no-fray ends will not unravel, and the soft fabric won't snag or damage your hair. They are available in Black, Dark Charcoal Gray, and Light Medium Gray.
Wrap It UP
Any scarf, turban, or fabric head wrap is fine, as long as the wrap is silk or satin lined. This prevents friction and excessive drying of your hair. The Firstline Evolve Essentials Wrap Scarf is strong, versatile and easy to use. Wrap up every night for ultimate moisture protection and perfect shine in the morning.
Thank you for reading Treasure your Curls Summer 2019. I've really enjoyed creating this natural hair care educational experience for you, and I wish you all the best in your endeavors and adventures!
Bookmark the link to this page so you can come back later. I know it's a lot to take in. Share the link with friends and family. And if you're in the Raleigh-Durham area any time, then please stop by or give us a call! I'll be happy to help you.
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