So I might be a product junkie

Yesterday I went out to get some more co-wash and leave-in conditioner, and I wound up leaving with a buggy full of hair care products. In my defense, they were all reasonably priced and I had to get some for my daughter so that she could start caring for her own hair. I have enough to keep track of just caring for mine.

However, as I was explaining the products to a friend, each product plays its role and has a place in the overall health and wellness of my hair. I haven’t done this in a while, but I still get questions about my hair care regimen, and without being too specific about the brand of product I use, because I change it so often, I want to go over some basics.

Hair tips 101

1. Shampoo/Co-wash- It should go without saying, that the first product in your arsenal should be a good cleanser. Most naturals are moving to strictly co-washing. However, I like to use a sulfate free shampoo once a month to really cleanse my hair, then the other weeks out of the month I use a cleansing co-wash.
2. Conditioner- I suggest a deep conditioner to use especially after shampooing. It is good to be in the habit of deep conditioning once a week. Curly hair tends to be very dry, just ask any 4c sister. To combat this dryness, use a deep conditioner once a month.
3.  Leave-in Conditioner- I can’t pretend that I understand the difference between the conditioner you wash out and the conditioner you keep in. Often times they seem to have the same ingredients. However, I am not going to knock what works, and I notice my hair is much happier when I use a leave-in conditioner, so make sure you have one.
4. Cream- Once again, many creams and leave-ins have the same ingredients, but I think it’s their differences that make them stand out. A good cream will have your hair frizz free and your style looking right.
5. Oil- Coconut oil is a must have in my arsenal. I also use Olive Oil and Castor Oil when I can get it. I usually mix my oils and massage it into may scalp and then in to my hair. I have been following the LOC (leave-in, oil, cream) method, but I recently decided to switch it up and use the LCO method; I like it.

There are other products you can add especially if you want to do wash and go’s and perm rod sets. You may want to get a curly custard or a gel that has a stronger hold, but these basics will get your hair on the right track to health.