Moisturizing Tips For Black Hair : Moisturizing Versus Hydrating Hair
The concept of moisturizing hair is not quite the same as hydrating it. Moisturizing is what you do when you add oils, conditioners and creams. But these agents don’t necessarily penetrate deeper layers of the hair shaft.
Processes that hydrate the hair include deep conditioning. What is essential that water molecules are able to penetrate the cuticle.
Moisturizers, however, can be useful for sealing in water.
Moisturizing Tips For Black Hair Tip 1: Research and Experiment
Many individuals often choose products based on marketing messages, packaging and claims. But there is much to be said about understanding the properties of ingredients and determining what works best for your particular hair type. This is knowledge which needs to be acquired through direct experience. This includes:
(1) personal research
(2) careful observations
Choosing products or ingredients based on this type of information will help you make the smartest decisions for your hair.
Moisturizing Tips For Black Hair Tip 2: Create a Washing Schedule
However, dirt and oil does accumulate on the scalp. And this process can be hastened for those who work out on a regular basis.
Therefore, in between the 7-10 day shampooing, the scalp and hair can be cleansed with water and conditioner. This is referred to as co-washing. Not only will this help clean out oil and dirt, but also product build up as well.
Co-washing can also be used as an opportunity to gently add water to the hair while moisturizing it.
The focus during shampooing or co-washing should be on cleansing the scalp with hair being secondary.
Afterwards, the hair will obviously be damp. This is an ideal time to apply an external moisturizer, whether they are simple kitchen ingredients or a preferred product. The moisturizer will help to seal in water, according to Dr. U.
Moisturizing Tips For Black Hair Tip 3: Moisturize Hair With A Spray Bottle
Creating your own spritzer can be used alongside your normal moisturizing routine following co-washing or shampooing.
Again, it will be important to experiment with different agents to see what works best. Experts recommend using 3/4’s water mixed with ¼ moisturizing component. Here are some ingredients that are commonly used:
- argan oil
- olive oil
- jojoba oil
- moringa oil
- castor oil
- vegetable glycerin
- apple cider vinegar
- aloe vera juice (or gel)
- cold pressed essential oils
As a side note, aloe vera and apple cider vinegar have astringent like properties which can help break up excess oil from the scalp. Also vegetable glycerin acts as a humectant. This means that it pulls moisture from the air and helps lock it into the skin or hair.
Experiment with quantities as well as different moisturizing agents. Keep in mind that using too much oil can weigh down the hair. You may want to start by adding just one or two ingredients. There are also many examples of recipes and recommendations posted online by other women that can be considered.
Alternatively, you may also want to consider purchasing a pre made blend.
Moisturizing Tips For Black Hair Tip 4: Drink More Water
Adding moisture to the hair can also be thought of as an internal process, not just an external one. The water in the hair shafts (as well as skin and all tissues) originates from what we eat and drink, says Dr. U. So optimizing the intake of water is always a good thing.
Many people are not in the habit of drinking as much water as they should. And adopting new habits in general can seem like an uphill battle as we add more items to remember and accomplish in our already busy lives.
There are quite a few individuals who feel that water is just too bland for them to consume on a regular basis. If this is the case, there are many ways to prepare fruit or herbal infused water. Here is the basic idea:
(1) Add a preferred fruit or herbs to an empty container, such as a glass pitcher (about ¼ or more). Here are some examples:
- strawberries
- cucumbers
- basil
- kiwi
- blueberries (sliced)
- raspberries (sliced)
- blackberries (sliced)
(2) Cover with clean drinking water (about ¾)
If more sweetness is desire, you may want to boil the water with honey or a modest amount of sugar and set in the refrigerator to cool before using it for your infusion.
Doing this on a regular basis can be fun and a rather easy way to jump start the habit of drinking more water. Consistency is what is essential for seeing long term benefits in both the skin and hair. And the trick may just be to find new ways to make new habits as enjoyable as possible.
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