How to Build a Haircare Regimen

How to Build a Hair Care Regimen for Natural Hair

When I started my natural hair journey I was so lost in where to go and what to do about finding products for my hair. At the time I was strapped for money so I couldn't try everything I saw ladies on YouTube trying on their hair. I found out the hard way about products that worked on my relaxed hair just wouldn't work on my natural. I started small (and cheap) getting the basics for my hair care needs i.e. shampoo, conditioner, gel. I would research more cost effective ways to say money and have enough products to last me for a while. Before my product junkie gene kicked in to high gear I actually made my own products for my hair. There are countless recipes to make all natural shampoos and hair butters to name a few on the web. My hair butter (which I still make) lasts for a couple of years and is great for hair&skin. Over the course of 2 years and counting I've acquired a few tips that have helped me build a stable hair care routine. 

When building a haircare regimen make sure you have some of the following:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Deep Conditioner/Treatment
• Leave In Conditioner
• Oils
• Moisturizer
• Styler

Shampoo is used to clean the scalp and remove excess dirt product and oils from the hair. Some naturals (including me at times) stray away from shampoo due to the strong stripping and drying process it has on hair. For that I would say to use a sulfate free or natural shampoo every other week or at least once a month just to clarify to hair and scalp.

Conditioner is use to restore moisture and softness to the hair after the shampooing process. Most naturals even used this as their only hair washing product. This process is called "Co washing" or conditioner washing. Some companies even have started to make cleansing conditioners using alternative cleaning agents in a conditioner form that cleanse the hair like shampoo without the dryness. 

Deep Conditioner/Treatment this process is an extended step to help treat and restore moisture shine and some times protein etc. Depending on a person personal hair care needs they can use countless kind of treatments to help with their hair inquiries. There are hot oil treatments for dryness, protein treatments for breakage or shedding, and moisture treatments. You can either buy them from a store or make them right in your own kitchen. 

Leave In Conditioner is used to help continue the moisture process. This acts as the foundation product to help keep hair soft and moisturized before any other product is added. 

Oils are used to feed the scalp and seal moisture into the hair after using a leave in conditioner or moisturizer on the hair. Oils come in different shades, forms, uses and benefits. Depending on personal scalp needs each oil has a healing or hair growth/aid purpose. Do some research and test out a few individually or combine them for your own personal hair elixir. 

Moisturizers are used to help provide hair with manageability, sheen, softening etc. Some naturals either make their own Shea, mango, coconut, etc hair butter moisturizer or use any store bought brand moisturizer. When choosing a moisturizer (or any product) keep in mind the following:

• Does the  ingredients of the product agree with your hair&scalp and won't cause irritation or dryness
• Will the product be  light or  heavy 
• Will the product fit my hair type
• What benefits will your hair receive from using the product
• Is the cost of the product in your price range
• Whats the availability of the product
• Are you going to use the product correctly in your hair care routine 
• How many ways can this product be used
• Will it work properly with other products in your hair care routine

Stylers are used to help add definition, hold, or body to the hair. Things such as gels, curl cremes, twist cremes, edge controls, pomades and the list goes on. These types of product help you "get the look" your going for when styling your hair. Just like the tips for the moisturizer, make sure you select a product that is going to be easy to use. Depending on the hair type more or less of a styler may be used. 

Side Notes

• If you are using heat in your regimen make sure to add a keratin or silicone based shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant before flat ironing, electric curling, or blow drying. This will help prevent any damage to the hair.
• Always use a sensible heating temperature when using heat tool 
• If you have color treated hair check products to see if they are color friendly or "for all hair types"
• Check out reviews on products before buying to get feed back if your not familiar with a product.