Starting a Healthy Hair Journey - Building a Regimen Part 1

By . - Saturday, November 12, 2011

So you've been staring at your hair and your just not happy with the way it is. Maybe you are suffering from split ends, breakage, a thinning hairline or even hair loss. It's probably time to start a healthy hair journey, but where exactly do you start? Right here! I am going get you started on your journey with the basics.

Cut The Crap!
The crap I am referring to would be the damaged hair you've been holding on to for so long. Split ends can not be repaired. Products will lie to you and promise that they repair your ends, but that is just a load of rubbish that needs to be tossed. You must snip the split ends off before they destroy the entire hair shaft. Check out the picture below and familiarise yourself with all the different types of split ends. Hectic!

Get The Goods
Now it's time to get a few products to help you along on your journey. It's not a lot and you only need one of each. I will give an example of each type of product on the market. You don't need to buy exactly what I suggest, but if your completely new at this hair journey stuff, you might want to do exactly as I suggest... it's up to you.

Moisturizing Shampoo - Try Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo
Clarifying Shampoo - Try Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo
Moisturizing Conditioner - Try Creme Of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment
Protein Conditioner - Try Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise
Leave-In Conditioner - Try Organic Root Stimulator Elastic -i- Tea - Herbal Leave In
Moisturizer - Try Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil
Heat Protectant - Try Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Heat Protection Serum
Natural Oil - Try Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Castor Oil or Avocado Oil

Use The Goods

It's time to learn how to use all this stuff you just bought in order to build a regimen.

I have two types of shampoos. When do I use each one?

Your clarifying shampoo should only be used once a month since it's job is to remove product build-up. It removes this build-up by stripping the hair of all oil and dirt. This process will dry the hair out, so it shouldn't be done too often. You must be sure to only apply the shampoo to the scalp and not the whole head. Your moisturizing can be used once a week or once every two weeks. Shampoos have harsh detergents in their ingredients, so it's important to wash once and follow up with a conditioner to put the moisture back into your hair.

I have two types of conditioners. When do I use each one?

Your moisturizing conditioner should be used at least weekly. Ethnic hair thrives with moisture, so it's important to give that moisture with a deep condition at least once a week. You can condition your hair over night or just for an hour or two during the day. It's whatever suits you. Your protein conditioner is a little different. It's purpose is to strengthen the hair shaft with ingredients such as Keratin and Wheat Protein to name a few. These ingredients can make the hair hard, and they should probably only be used once a month if you have a relaxer and maybe less than that if you have natural hair. It's also important to to follow a protein conditioner with a moisturizing conditioner to put the moisture back into the shaft. This is very important!

I saw someone writing about co-washing (conditioner washing) on the hair boards. What is co-washing?

Co-washing is when you use a conditioner to wash your hair instead of a shampoo. Conditioners aren't harsh on the hair if they are moisturizing and they have the ability to remove dirt and refresh the hair. This is a really great option for women with ethnic hair that tends to get very dry. Use this option if you need to wash your hair often for whatever reason. Women with curly hair or women that work out often benefit from this option. Try it out!

How do I use my leave-in conditioner?

After your hair is freshly washed and conditioned, you should apply your leave-in on damp hair from root to tip. Don't be stingy with your application. Be sure to let the ends of your hair drink up this product. Apply it everytime you wash your hair and then style as usual.

Kavuli, what is the moisturizer and oil for? I'm already using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

Ethnic hair is naturally very dry and has the tendency to use and lose moisture very quickly, so it's important that we constantly give the hair what it needs. I recommend applying your moisturizer to the ENDS of your hair every night to keep it moist. I then suggest that you apply one of your natural oils on top of that moisturizer in order to seal the moisture in. Your hair shouldn't be sticky and heavy in the morning if you are applying the products properly.

Do I have to use a heat protectant?

The short and long answer is YES! Every single time you decide to use heat you should be using a heat protectant. Apply it from root to tip and make sure your hated tool isn't too hot. heat damage causes breakage, split ends, dryness and hair loss.

Watch this space for part 2 of building your regimen.

Please send me your questions regarding regimen building and I will be sure to answer them.

Have a Good Hair Day!!!