WHY ARE MY LOCKS DRY?
This is one of the most common questions concerning clients with locks.
When locks are dry, they are much more prone to breaking in the same way that loose natural hair that is dry also breaks. It’s even more detrimental with locks, because you can lose a whole lock instead of a few hair strands.
By nature, type 4 hair is dry. Without a proper regimen to moisturise, your hair will dry out. Dryness results in hair breakage, discoloration and split ends. Daily handling such as styling adds to the problem, leaving you with damaged hair that is in desperate need of restoration. For healthy, well moisturised locks and hair, a regimen must be followed.
- MOISTURE SHAMPOO
The golden rule at Nubian Crown is to cleanse the hair every 7 days. Regular cleansing of the locks and scalp is essential because the hair collects dirt, product build-up and sweat. This applies to all hair; natural, chemically treated, microlocks and dreadlocks. The hair may be dry when the incorrect shampoo is used, stripping off much the needed moisture.
One of the most essential products that you will use weekly is a shampoo. Therefore it is important to select one that has cleansing properties without stripping the hair of sebum, an essential natural oil. A good moisture shampoo is the foundation of a healthy hair regimen. Shop Nubian Crown Moisturising Shampoo.
- REGULAR CONDITIONING
After cleansing using a shampoo, it is necessary to follow with a moisturising conditioner. Cleansing lifts the cuticles, which causes the hair to lose moisture. Therefore it is important to apply a moisturising conditioner to lay the cuticles flat, smooth out the hair strands, soften and moisturise. The conditioner performs at the cuticle layer of the hair strand. A shea butter based conditioner provides the moisture needed on this outer cuticle layer. Shop Nubian Crown Moisturising Conditioner.
- REGULAR DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENTS
The structure of the hair is made up of three layers. The outer layer is called the cuticle, the middle is called the cortex and at the core is the medulla. Deep Conditioning Treatments are essential because they moisturise across all three layers, deeply into the hair structure. The golden principle at Nubian Crown is deep condition every 14 days. Apply a deep conditioning treatment based on what the hair or scalp need at the time. Treatments may vary; a deep conditioning moisture treatment to treat dryness or a deep conditioning hot oil treatment to nourish and shine or a deep conditioning protein treatment to treat breakage.
- 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 locks 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, shop Nubian Crown Conditioning Mist.
- OIL
Oils vary in their benefits to the hair. Some oils moisturize and others are sealants. So we want to select oils which can be absorbed by the locks to moisturize them. These are Kalahari Melon Seed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and 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 Tea Tree. These essential oils combined with your favourite moisturizing oil will give your locks a lovely fresh scent and further benefits such as an antifungal and anti-bacterial environment for your scalp and hair to thrive. Kalahari Melon Seed oil is rich in Omega 6 & 9 fatty acids contained in the Kalahari Melon Seed oil. The oil helps build up the lipid barrier, so that the scalp, skin, and hair stay hydrated and can withstand the elements. This lightweight Kalahari Melon Seed oil does not clog the pores or hair follicles, preventing the hair from being weighed down. Shop the Nubian Crown Hair & Scalp Oil.
The Nubian Crown Hair & Scalp oil may be applied weekly or as a hot oil treatment.
Weekly Use of the Nubian Crown Hair & Scalp Oil
To get the full benefit from the oil, first spritz your locks, hair and scalp with water. Then apply the oil on the scalp, working the product into the strands of the hair or length of the locks. Massage the scalp to stimulate blood circulation and absorption of the oil. The application can be repeated as often as it is needed on a weekly basis to moisturise the scalp, hair and locks.
Hot Oil Treatment Using the Nubian Crown Hair & Scalp Oil
To activate the moisturizing properties of the oil, apply a hot oil treatment. The treatment may be applied to freshly washed locks or hair. Start with a small amount of oil and increase the quantity should this be needed. Measure 20ml of Olive Oil and 20ml of the Nubian Crown Hair & Scalp Oil, mix these into a cup. Warm the mixture using the double boiler method. Do not heat up the oils using the microwave as this destroys the nutrients contained in the oils. Apply the warm oil to your locks or hair. Cover your locks 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. A hot oil treatment is recommended monthly or whenever your locks and hair looks dull and dry.