Natural Hair: Quick Wash & Go Routine For Locs

Wash day no retwist locsYour locs wash and go routine gets easier as they get more mature. Now that you’re out of the delicate stages of baby locs or the budding stage, washing your hair becomes much more enjoyable. I am past my 3 year anniversary mark of having dreads, and find it much easier to wash and maintain them.

Fun Wash Day for Locs

Washing your locs doesn’t have to be something you fear doing, especially when your dreads get longer. Now that my hair is fully locked, for years now, and it’s grown so much longer, I look forward to wash days. I don’t find myself worrying about retwisting so much like I used to in the beginning.

My Wash and Go Locs Strategy

Before washing my dreads, I like to add some Jamaican Black Castor Oil with extra virgin coconut oil to my hair, starting from my scalp.

I will then massage it thoroughly into my hair, then apply heat to it by using a cordless heat cap to help my hair cuticles open up, so that the hot oils can penetrate my locs. The cordless heat cap helps me to keep multi-tasking chores, since I don’t have time to sit in one place for long.

Dreads Wash Day Routine

I start the washing process by applying shampoo to my hair. To remove the excess oils from your hair, you should use warm water to wash. Gently scrub your scalp with the balls of your fingers to remove any grease or build up from the scalp.

The Right Way to Wash Dreadlocks

I know this might sound really simple to most of you, but there is a right and a wrong way to wash dreads. We cannot wash them the exact same way we do loose hair, whether natural or chemically treated.

Remember that each loc consists of intertwined strands of hair, so since we can’t literally touch those hidden strands, we have to use the squeeze and release technique.

Sectioning Locs on Wash Day

Dirt and buildup can get trapped in these areas, so in order to allow the shampoo to dissolve those buildup, you have to wash your locs a certain way. The best way to wash your locs is to separate your hair in sections and firmly hold a section, while squeezing and releasing the section of dreads.

This is similar to how you would wash a piece of sponge. This squeeze and release motion forces the shampoo through your locs, which helps it to attack dirt and grime.

No to Wringing Wet Locs

I know it is tempting to just wring/twist out the water from your hair, so that it can dry quicker, but if you want healthy, strong locs, please do not wring your locs. The best way to remove the water out of your hair, is to squeeze it out using the above method, rather than wringing it out.

Conditioner for Locs or Not

I love to put conditioner in my dreads after washing it. When I just started my locs journey, I was scared to put conditioner in my hair because I heard that it was not good for locs, but eventually I realize that nothing was wrong with conditioning your dreads, especially deep conditioning. This helps my hair to retain moisture, keeping it soft and beautiful.

 

Natural Hair Care: Tips for Maintaining Your TWA Hair

If you just did the big chop after wanting to go natural, you might have doubts circling in your mind, whether you should or shouldn’t have cut your hair. No need to worry, you can still wear your TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) in style. This blog post will pop a few fresh ideas to get you walking in confidence.

Preparing To Go Natural

Some people love to cut all their hair off when deciding to go natural, while others may let their hair grow out a for a while and then cut it, leaving a few inches of new growth. Whichever choice you pick, there are creative ways to do hairstyles for your short hair.

Creating Curly Twists on TWA Hair

If your hair is too short that you can’t do regular twists or finger coils, there is still hope. There is a popular hair curl sponge brush that is designed to turn your short Afro into beautiful little twists. This is a quick and easy method that can last for days if it is done with the right hair products that will hold your twists in place.

Using the Curl Sponge Brush Correctly

The curl sponge brush is great for really short hair as well as for those of you who want to start dreads. The sponge have to be used in a circular motion, on damp hair, to achieve the best twisted curls results. Use a curl enhancing gel or a locking gel, if you’re starting coils for dreadlocks, to prevent your twists from unraveling.

Regular Two-strand Twists for Short Hair

For TWA hair that has a few inches to it, you can create your own two-strand twists, which can be worn just like that or you can untwist them and wear them as a natural twist-out hairstyle.

Flat Twist on Natural Short TWA Hair

Flat twisting your short natural hair is another method that you can use on your short hair. This is similar to the regular two-strand twist, except that with the flat twist, you continue twisting your hair, (after adding hair moisturizer), onto your scalp downward to the nape of your neck. If your hair is super short, just part in sections and twist your hair section by section.

Managing Your Coils: Hair Care Regimen to Soften Natural Hair

Argan oil soften natural hairWith so many people having to deal with thinning hair and hairline loss, having thick natural hair is not such a bad thing. However, it does have its challenges, which can be taken care of with the right natural hair care regimen. With the right care, you can achieve soft beautiful thick natural hair.

Loving Your Natural Coils and Texture

In the black or African American community, there are many different textures of hair. Each and everyone of them are beautiful in their own way. Some people have more coils or coarser texture than others. Whether you  have 4C hair or looser coils, you can find a way to soften your natural hair.

Choosing Natural Hair Products for Your Hair Type

In order to soften natural hair, you have to come up with a hair care routine that will work for your hair texture. Some people might do well with using certain natural oils in their natural hair, while others may find that those same oils weigh down their hair.

It is a good idea to find out your hair type, then you can research the different products that’s specifically made for your specific hair texture.

Moisturizing Natural Coarse Hair for Softness

To prevent your hair from becoming dry and coarse, it needs to be moisturized on a regular basis. Use leave-in conditioners that contains natural ingredients to moisturize your hair. The right leave-in conditioner will continuously add moisture to dry hair, keeping it hydrated.

Leave-in Conditioners or Not For Soft Hair?

Moisturizing with leave-in conditioners is beneficial, as it supplies your hair with the right amount of moisture, while helping to detangle your hair, preventing hair breakage, especially when trying to remove the knots from the strands. You may also find that you’ll have less frizz when you use a good leave-in conditioner to add moisture to your hair.

The Ultimate Secret to Softer Natural Hair

Water is another great way to keep your natural hair soft. If you find that your hair dries out faster than you can think about putting more oils in it, you may need to add water, if you haven’t already, to your hair care regimen.

This is not simply wetting your hair, but mixing a combination of natural oils with water, and lightly spraying your hair each day. Then you need to lock in that moisture with oils that seal in moisture. With water added to your daily routine, you’ll find that your hair will start to look more alive and lustrous.