Hi Naturalistas,
So i recently posted my 8 months natural photo and quite a few people asked me or commented about the progress of my hair. Seems there is an interest in going natural but the info isn't enough. So this has inspired me to write this series, Healthy hair, which would focus on the very basics when it comes to healthy hair care, relaxed or natural.

Setting a Regimen
This is extremely important in my opinion; establishing a regimen and TRYING to stick to it would gear you on the right path to healthy hair. The regimen initially should be as simple as possible and then tweaked as times goes on to suit your hair and lifestyle. In order to achieve best results, the regimen should be followed or adhered to religiously. The time frame could be weekly or fortnightly depends on you and your hair needs. It includes the steps listed below:

1. Wash using a Shampoo
 Most shampoos contain sulfates which is the substance responsible for cleaning and foaming action which is found in most detergents. As much as it is crucial to have a clean scalp, the action of shampoos also strip the hair of its natural oils. Picture how liquid soap is able to rid your hands of oil after eating with your hands and how your hands feel DRY afterwards? That's what happens when you wash your hair with shampoos containing sulfates. Hence the essence of washing should be directed to achieving a clean dirt free scalp rather than the hair strands and cannot be done too often as it strips the hair of its natural oils. Time frame could be fortnightly. There are different types of shampoos, moisturizing, sulfate-free, clarifying, etc. its up to you to decide what your hair needs at what point. 


2. Condition Hair using a Conditioner after washing with a Shampoo
The purpose of a conditioner is to nourish and soften hair and make it more pliable for manipulation. There are different types of conditioners and which type to use would depend on the type of hair you have or what state it is in. E.g. moisturizing for dry hair, strengthening for weak hair or shine for dull hair. You would have to look out for which one to use depending on the state of your hair. The conditioner follows right after a wash and it's best to follow instructions on the product. Using a conditioner in place of a shampoo called co-washing once a week would help to retain your hair's moisture or oils. Egs are Tresemme Naturals Intense Moisture Conditioner, Herbal Essence Hello Hydrations, etc


3. Deep Condition- Intense moisture or protein
A deep conditioner is basically a hair treatment, one that helps repair, strengthen or hydrates the hair follicles. Most deep conditioners are either protein based for strengthening the hair follicles and temporarily repairing split ends or moisture intense designed to make hair feel and look softer. It is highly recommended to check the instructions on how to use as products vary greatly both in their application and time frame. Examples of deep conditioners are, Organic Root Stimulator Hair Replenishing Conditioner, Queen Helene, Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment, etc..



4. Moisturize with a Moisturizer or (Water-based) Leave in conditioner
A moisturizer is mostly water based and has been designed to add moisture and some nutrition to your hair. It can be a finishing product or a styling products but most importantly it must contain water (aqua) as the first ingredient. Water based leave-in conditioners designed to be left in the hair can also be used as moisturizers. Egs include Pure water, aloe vera juice, coconut milk, Lustrasilk Scurl Moisturizer, most braid sprays, etc..



5. Seal in Moisture with an Oil or a Butter
Imagine going to take a shower or washing your hair and not towel drying but air-drying, what happens? The water evaporates leaving body or hair dry! Exactly what happens after moisturizing and not sealing in the moisture. An oil or butter is used to seal or cover the moisture simply because oil repels water and layering oil atop the moisturized hair strand will prevent it from evaporating quickly. Most often if we experience dryness it is because we are not preserving the moisture gained from deep conditioning. So after applying your moisturizer follow with an oil or butter. Egs are Olive oil, Coconut oil, shea butter, mangobutter, castor oil, jojoba oil etc.. 





In my opinion, these are the 5 basic steps for establishing your hair regimen. Any other procedure done outside of these steps would be secondary. I believe in keeping the regimen very simple and you can be sure that just by following it alone you would be able to retain your hair growth. 

Do you have a hair regimen? What is it like? Remember to check out the NaturalistaGh facebook page and get interactive. 

xoxo,
Annette