This is one of the most common questions we get from our clients. Dry, dull locs do not look cute… more importantly, dryness does not make for healthy locs.
When locs are dry, they are much more prone to breaking, the same way as loose natural hair that is dry also breaks. It’s even more detrimental with locs, because you can loose a whole loc just by not having a healthy routine for maintenance. Herewith a few tips to follow for healthy, well moisturized locs.
L’OREAL CURL EXPRESSION ANTI BUILD UP CLEANSING JELLY SHAMPOO
Curl Expression anti-buildup cleansing jelly shampoo is designed to cleanse coils and locs the pro way. It gently eliminates daily accumulated impurities and build-up while providing moisture with no itchy feeling or stripping hair. A deep cleanse is important to avoid dirt and product getting trapped in your locs however cleansing shampoos can leave your hair and scalp feeling dry. To avoid this, invest in the Curl Expression anti-buildup cleansing jelly shampoo for cleansed yet optimally moisturized scalp and locs.
WATER
Healthy locs are not possible without water. There is no substitute for water. In fact, hair products are best absorbed when your locs are first hydrated with water. Its no surprise that the primary ingredient for all moisturizing products is water. If water is not listed as the first ingredient on your hair products, the product cannot claim to be a moisturizer.
Applying moisturizers on a daily basis is unnecessary. Moisturizing products can be applied a 2 to 3 times a week.
Applying water daily on the other hand, is a WIN!
ROSE WATER
Rose water has naturally hydrating and conditioning properties. It also contains Vitamin A, B, C, E and phenolics, making it a natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial. Therefore it benefits your locs and your scalp, making for healthy new growth. Rosewater can be purchased from a reputable pharmacy such as Dischem or Clicks. It is also available at Nubian Crown Hair Studio.
OIL
Oils vary in their benefits to the locs. Some oils moisturize and others are sealants. So we want to select oils which can be absorbed by the locs in order to moisturize them. These are Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Olive oils to name a few. It’s a good idea to mix your choice of oil with an essential oil such as Lavender, Rosemary or Tee Tree. These essential oils combined with your favourite moisturizing oil will give your locs a lovely fresh scent.
To get the full benefit from the oil, first spritz your locs with water. Then apply the oil.
To really activate the moisturizing properties of the oil, go for a hot oil treatment. Again first sprits your locs with water, make sure the locs are damp. Then take about 20ml of oil, place that in a cup. Then place the cup in a container filled with hot water to warm up the oil. Never place the oil in the microwave. Not only is that a safety hazard, we do not want to directly heat the oil since that will destroy the nutrients it contains.
Apply the warm oil to your locs. Cover your locs with a plastic cap to allow your body heat to open up the cuticles, thereby allowing maximum absorption of the nutrients from the oil. Lastly rinse out the oil with cool water.
CLARIFY SHAMPOO
Using hair products causes a seal on the hair, thereby preventing any penetration of water and moisturizers. Therefore, it is essential to wash your locs using a clarifying shampoo every 4 to 6 weeks. Clarifying is a deep cleansing of the scalp and locs, thereby allowing the scalp and locs to absorb the goodness from the water and moisturizers as you apply them, post the clarifying wash.
Be careful not to overdo your clarifying routine. When it is over-done, it can strip your locs and scalp of oil naturally produced by the scalp, namely sebum. This will cause your locs to dry out even more.
DRINK WATER
Drinking the recommended amount of water each day helps your body flush out any toxins and ensures that body cells are well hydrated. Thereby hydrating your hair from the inside out. The recommended daily water intake is 2 liters for every 50kg’s.
SATIN SCARF
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wearing a satin scarf to bed will protect your locs from unnecessary absorption of moisture. Avoid sleeping on a cotton pillowcase.