After going to work, making dinner, getting the kids to bed, and walking the dog, the last thing on your mind is caring for your hair. So, what do you do? You plop into the warm embrace of your cushy bed without a single thought toward what your curls might need.
Thankfully, your nighttime routine doesn’t have to be long, difficult, or even expensive. In this article we’ll be exploring a simple, 3 step routine that any 4C, coily hair girlie can do whether her day was a crazy day or a cozy one.
A good hair routine starts with a good wash day. Your hair is most hydrated on wash day. From the moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to the water running down your hair, your follicles are soaking up every moment. Make sure that you’re washing your hair regularly (1 to 2 times per week), utilizing the LOC method, and then letting it dry properly (air drying is highly recommended by most curly girls). In addition, it’s good to use a deep conditioner and, if needed, protein treatments too. Hydrated hair leads to cooperative curls, high-end hairstyles, and growth. Neglecting your wash day encourages frizziness and breakage.
A good night routine follows the three P’s: part, provide, and protect.
Part your hair into at least four sections. Make sure not to pull your hair too much on the stubborn tangles, instead gently massage them apart and they should obey. To hold each section, it’s recommended to use salon grade double hinge clips or satin scrunchies.
Provide a light misting of water to each section and a small amount of product. Maintaining moisture is going to be the key to this nighttime routine. The LOC and LCO methods are the most popular method of containing moisture. With a little experimenting, you can find out which one works best for you.
Protecting your hair means detangling, twisting, and covering your hair safely. It is recommended to finger detangle and coil your hair. It decreases breakage, encourages growth, and evenly distributes your product. After you’re finished, put a bonnet on and call it a day. Once you get the hang of it, I’ll take you 10 minutes or less to complete.
What if you’re just too tired? What if you have twists? If you’re too tired and the most you can do is put on a bonnet and lay on your silk pillowcase at the end of the day, that’s okay. and Those days are normal, and mental health is very important. Your nighttime routine will be waiting for you when you can get back.
As for twists, protective styles, and the like, these instructions will be the same, but use an applicator bottle for everything instead of a spray bottle. Spray bottles will cause frizziness, unless you’re prepared to refresh your twists.
Here are some extra hair journey tips:
- Keep your hair care products in one place. Whether it’s a drawer or a shelf, having everything in one place will help.
- Have a specific time for your hair care routine. Having a specific time will make your routine…well…a routine.
- Get your hair out of the way. Don’t do schedules? That’s okay! Try this nighttime routine as soon as you get home or after dinner. Flexible lifestyle and healthy hair can still go hand in hand.
Now that you have a new nighttime routine, you can look forward to cute coils, length retention, and hydrated hair.
