Hair Trauma: How To Retain Moisture While Going Natural!!!

Q: DEAR HAIR TRAUMA, I’M CURRENTLY TRANSITIONING FROM RELAXED HAIR TO NATURAL HAIR, BUT I CAN’T SEEM TO KEEP ANY MOISTURE IN MY STRANDS DURING THE PROCESS, BESIDES CONSTANTLY DEEP-CONDITIONING WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

A: During your natural journey it’s very important to remember that the hair care regimens that worked for your relaxed strands, may not necessarily work for your natural curls.

Because unlike straight hair, curly hair is very tightly coiled, which makes it harder for your scalps natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. And most likely may be the main reason why your hair seems dry and brittle during your transition.

Nevertheless, the key to retaining and replenishing moisture must begin with your hair cleansing routine, which is why we recommend you ditch shampooing altogether and start using a technique called co-washing, a simple way of cleansing the hair and scalp solely with conditioner, instead of using shampoo.

But before you hit us with the, say what, now?

Be aware that the sulfates used in shampoos to produce suds and lathering literally strips your hair of its natural oils, causing it to dry out.

And while there is the option of using sulfate-free shampoos, most natural women have found that using conditioner by its lonesome works just as well as shampoo, yet has the advantage of restoring moisture back into your tresses.

With that being said, try co-washing your hair weekly with a moisturizing conditioner like, NEXXUS Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner, 33.8oz, $25, available a mass retailers and drug stores.

In conjunction with co-washing, keep up with your deep conditioning routine as often as needed. This helps moisture and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, resulting in hair that looks healthier and shiner. 

Last but not least, be sure to use a moisturizing sealant on your strands daily, focusing mainly on the ends of your hair, since they are more prone to breakage and splitting. We recommend using CAROLS DAUGHTER Tui Moisturizing Hair Oil, 2 oz, $10, carolsdaughter.com

Also, please know that too much of a good thing, can be bad. And you can in fact, over-moisturize your hair, especially the strands that are still chemically relaxed. So if you notice your hair has become limp or feels gummy you may want to scale back on your routine and take note of  what works for your strands. Because what works for some, may not work for all!

Chanel Robinson is both a writer and licensed cosmetologist residing in Chicago, Illinois. Her time at VIBE magazine allowed her to develop a hunger and passion for hair, beauty, and fashion. Currently a retail professional at ULTA Beauty, Robinson brings her first hand knowledge of trends and products. Follow her @Chanel_Robinson.

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