5 Best Steps to Build an Effective Hair Care Routine

Hair care is a must-have. Having a good hair care routine goes a long way in keeping your hair vibrant and averting hair and scalp conditions that improper hair practices could cause.

Your hair type and scalp condition are just a few aspects that should be on the frontline while choosing a hair care routine. We shall dive deep into what practices come in handy, but first, here is a list of the 5 best steps to act as your guide to building a natural hair care routine

1. Scalp cleansing
2. Conditioning
3. Moisturizing
4. Styling
5. Maintenance and protecting

Scalp cleansing

Scalp cleansing removes dirt, build-up, and debris accumulated on the scalp and hair over time. Shampoo should contain mild cleansers and gentle ingredients that soothe the scalp and cleanse without stripping the scalp of its natural oils.

Other characteristics of a good shampoo include:

• High foaming/ lathering effect that prevents friction while cleansing.
• Conditioning effect that keeps the hair feeling soft, smooth, and moisturized.
• Address specific scalp needs.
• Non-irritating on sensitive scalp

Determining the best scalp cleansing routine requires you to consider the condition of your scalp beforehand. Different scalp types need specific shampoos that address their needs. Take the quiz to determine your scalp type and be able to choose the right shampoo based on your routine.

Steps to correct shampooing

1. Ensure the hair is open. Shampooing hair while braided or with extensions does not guarantee effective cleansing as some build-up and dirt may be left lodged in the hair.
2. Detangle the hair with a wide-toothed comb. Detangling the hair before it is wet prevents breakage. Hair is at its weakest when wet and prone to breakage. Detangling also ensures no debris is trapped in the tangles after shampooing.
3. It is best to wash your hair in the shower or at the sink, with the hair falling backward. Hair naturally falls backward and will be less prone to breakage and manipulation in this position.
4. Wet the hair with lukewarm water. Molecules in shampoo contain two ends – the tail attracts the dirt and pulls it out of the scalp and hair. The head is water-loving. Once dirt attaches on one end, the water-loving end helps wash the dirt away.
5. Apply the shampoo on the scalp and massage gently with your fingers. Do not use circular motions or crunch your hair. It will cause tangles.
6. Rinse off the hair with lukewarm water.
7. Use a microfiber towel to blot off excess water from the hair.

For natural coily hair, shampoo your hair once or at most twice a week. It takes long for sebum to travel along coily hair to provide moisturization hence, shampooing too often will strip the hair of this natural oil and cause dryness.

Conditioning

Deep conditioning your hair imparts moisture and strength. Deep conditioners come in two types;

Moisture-rich deep conditioners

and protein-rich conditioners.

Characteristics of these two conditioners

Again just like it is paramount to know your scalp status when choosing a shampoo, it’s equally important to understand your hair type when choosing a deep conditioner. Different hair types will have different needs. These needs need either a moisture-rich conditioner, a protein-rich conditioner, or both. Take the Build Your Hair Care Routine quiz to know your hair type and choose the right conditioner for your hair needs.

Steps to deep condition your hair.

1. After shampooing the hair, blot off excess water. At this point, the lukewarm water used during shampooing has helped open the hair cuticles. Blotting off the excess water ensures the conditioner does not run when applied to the hair.
2. Using a comb, part the hair into small sections and apply a generous amount of deep conditioner on the hair strands. Start applying from the roots to the tip. There is no benefit in applying the conditioner on your scalp as it only works on the hair strands. Deep conditioners contain molecules that penetrate the open hair cuticle and deposit the ingredients into the cortex.
3. Cover your hair with a plastic cap or sit under a hood drier for 15-30 min. The ingredients in the deep conditioner infuse into the hair strand at this time.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid cold water as it may leave product remnants on the hair. Hot water will damage the hair and wash off the deep conditioning benefits.
5. Dry the hair with a microfiber towel.

How often you deep condition your hair depends on your hair needs. However, conditioning once a week or twice a month is good practice. Alternating the protein and moisture treatment will get you maximum benefits on your hair.

Moisturizing

Once you have shampooed and deep conditioned your hair, it is time to add some hydration and keep the hair moisturized. Water is the best moisturizer hence, seek a water-based moisturizer. The moisturizer should also contain ingredients that help seal the moisture in. Sealants include light oils and humectants that keep moisture in long after application.

Steps in moisturizing your hair

1. When the hair is damp, divide it into small sections and apply the moisturizing product.
2. Apply from the roots to the tip. Ensure the hair strands get an adequate amount of product.
3. Massage the product into the hair.
4. Style the hair as desired.

Curly hair requires constant moisturizing to keep away dryness. Every 3-7 days, repeat the moisturizing steps on your hair. You can still dampen your hair by spraying water or a leave-in treatment  (optional)before moisturizing.

Styling

How you style your hair is a crucial part of your hair care routine. Adopt styles that:

1. Do not cause any manipulation or tension on the hair
2. Help retain moisture
3. Sit on your hair for about 2-3 weeks only. Styles that stay for too long end up causing tangles, hair breakage, and excessive build-up.

Maintain and protect

Finally, incorporate practices that help maintain your hair in the best condition until your next wash day.

1. Sleep in the satin bonnet or satin pillowcases.
2. Use moderate heat to prevent heat damage
3. Use heat protectant sprays
4. Use hair styling products that are gentle to your hair and do not contain harsh ingredients like alcohol and mineral oils.
5. Protect your hair from excessive sun exposure
6. Trim your hair every three weeks or so.

Here is a summary of how often you should do your hair care regimen

An effective hair care routine is the best way, if not the only way to keep your hair healthy and maintain your curls. Take our quiz to build your hair care routine, custom to your hair needs.