Sister Speaks

My hair gets extremely dry when its braided. Do you wear this style overnight? What product will help keep my hair hydrated?

~Harlem's Fashion Row

Hey HFR!! Thank you for posting a comment!!

Yes, my hair braided to the back is a "style" that I wear to sleep in order to have "curly" hair for the next day. However, this can be considered a protective style whereas you intend to wear weaves or sew-ins. However, remember to be extremely respectful to your edges and to your ends.




Any hair exposed to nature's extremities will lose moisture and appear dry. Especially when braided and released in the manner in which I've chosen to wear my hair. Factor in frizziness caused by unbraiding, humidity in the air and a few hand tussles here and there, my hair appears dry; on the contrary, take a swipe through my mane and it feels soft and moisturized. In both cases, whether you plan to wear the braid out or in cornrows underneath a weave, it is best to use a water-based moisturizer and seal with an oil.

Serums also help the cause too. Serums are meant to lock out any additional moisture, on the positive, any moisture that is previously applied to the hair will be "locked in" so to say. I've used Paul Mitchell: Super Skinny Serum and Giovanni: Frizz Be Gone. Both have done wonders reducing frizziness and puffiness when I've straightened my hair. I can only assume it will lock in the moisture when wearing a braided style. Also a home-made aloe vera/oil mix spritz wouldn't hurt either.

Let me know what works for you!

Must Haves!

I must admit throughout my natural hair journey I've purchased a ton of products only to come back to one: Nioxin! I was introduced to this product in 2005, used it faithfully for about 3 years and then started adventuring into other products because that's what you do when you go natural: look for products that work for natural hair!

Unbeknownst to me Nioxin was the best product I had found for my hair! I realize now that with other products my mane became immune and the effect I experienced the first time slowly faded to exist with each use. I never had that experience with Nioxin! Each wash was therapuetic, my tresses were always bouncy, never limp and the overall state of my hair had a lasting impression.

As a brand, Nioxin has 8 different hair and scalp systems that are geared toward developing and maintaining a healthy scalp which in return yields healthy hair. Depending on your specific hair type, each system has 3 parts: a cleanser, scalp therapy and scalp treatment. Each system is designed to reduce thinning hair!

Nioxin Scalp and Hair Systems
Click on picture to find out more information about Starter Kit.

Purchase Nioxin System 1: Trail Set $17.99

Purchase Nioxin System 2: Trail Set $13.95

Take the Assess My Needs test to see which Nioxin System is best for you! Then, leave a comment letting me know which Hair System you are!! Have fun!

Pictures courtesy of Amazon.com. Information provided by Nioxin.com

Products for your regimen

So, you're trying to perfect your regimen and aren't quite sure of which products to include? First, you must understand that hair must have a fine balance between moisture and protein. For this purpose alone, all products are either moisture based or protein based: to include shampoos, conditioners and leave-ins! For any hair regimen you will need one of the following items:

1. Moisturizing Shampoo apply once a week/month

"Moisturizing shampoo is shampoo that tries to keep the pH of the hair at about its natural level, around 5.0 or so. When the pH of the hair gets too high, the hair becomes too alkaline, and the cuticles open, the hair becomes dry and brittle, and the shine disappears. Is the pH of the hair gets too low, on the other hand, it will become hard and rough. So a big part of moisturizing shampoo is aiming to keep the hair in that sweet spot between the cuticles opening too much, and the hair becoming too hard." ~WiseGeeks

2. Clarifying Shampoo apply once a month/product build-up

"The purpose of clarifying shampoo is to deep clean the hair and remove product buildup. Products that are used for styling such as mousse, gel, hair spray, and even shampoo and conditioners that are used daily can build up over time. As these products build up, they can add weight to the hair making it appear flat. These products can also make hair appear lifeless and over time, the hair will begin to lose its shine. Using a clarifying shampoo periodically can work to remove the buildup and restore the bounce and natural highlights to hair." ~Clarifying Shampoo Guide

3. Moisturizing Conditioner apply twice a week

"To choose the best moisturizing conditioner, it is best to consider the type of hair you have, as well as if your hair is prone to becoming greasy or oily. Thick, rich conditioner, for an example, is a good choice for very dry, thick, or curly hair, whereas a lighter conditioner is a better choice for thin, very straight hair. In addition, consider whether you want moisturizing conditioner to be used every day, as a deep conditioning treatment once a week, or if you want leave-in conditioner that helps to style the hair.
There are many different types of moisturizing conditioner available, with various types of active ingredients. Moisturizing and humectant ingredients are the most important, as these are the ones that help add moisture, and repair damaged hair. Shea butter, coconut oil, panthenol, and glycerin are some of the most effective ingredients for moisturization, and some of the most common. Other ingredients added to moisturizing conditioner may include detangling ingredients, silicone to add shine, and fragrances." ~WiseGeeks

4. Moisturizing Deep Conditioner apply once a week

"Deep Conditioning the hair provides a preventative measure to ensure that there is as little damage to the hair as possible through the style. Deep conditioning for 15-30 and using heat will definitely help with the healthiness of your hair. Using a deep conditioner on a regular basis can help your hair bounce back from dryness and damage. You hair's elasticity will improve because of the emollients and other moisturizing ingredients in the conditioner. Other ingredients in the conditioner will help fill holes of damage that lead to poor porosity." ~All things O'Natural

 
5. Protein Deep Conditioner apply once a month

"Protein treatments contain various types of protein that attach to your hair in the areas that are weak to build up the strength in the hair. The protein hardens the cuticle layer and puts a protective barrier around the weakened hair. There are various types of protein conditioning treatments: the hardcore reconstructors, deep penetrating conditioners or light protein treatments, and protein paks. Hardcore reconstructors like Aphogee Treatment for Damaged Hair contain very strong protein to assist in rebuilding the most damaged hair. However, directions must be followed closely it must be used very carefully. Deep penetrating conditioners or light protein treatments like ORS Hair Mayo are not as strong and are a little easier to use without the worry of misuse. Organic Root Stimulator also makes a protein pack called Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner that's available in 1-treatment packets or a bottle." ~Long Healthy Hair Advisor

6. Leave-in Conditioner apply daily

"Leave-in conditioners are exactly that – conditioners that are left on the hair and are NOT rinsed away. These conditioners are designed to be absorbed by the hair and are formulated as lightweight creams or lotions, or as liquids which can be sprayed onto the hair. These spray-on conditioners offer the benefit of being able to target the portions of the hair that need the most extra conditioning/protection – the ends of the hair, the top of the head only, etc" ~Hairfinder

7. Sealant Oil apply after the use of a leave-in

"As you've learned by now, there's no point in applying moisture to porous hair, without sealing it in. When you apply an effective sealant to moisturized skin or hair, the moisture can stay in and benefit the keratin cells, instead of quickly evaporating away. If you don't apply an effective sealant, the skin or hair will become dry quickly and you'll need to re-apply moisture over and over again. African American women with natural hair often prefer natural sealants like coconut oil, olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter. Those oils are rich in nutrients like fatty acids and Vitamin E, so they can replenish what the strands may lack. Plant-based oils have many proven benefits for the hair, but they actually don't make the best sealants." ~Nicole Hollis via CurlyNikki

Product List: Shampoos

  MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO  

Abba Pure Moisture Shampoo
Aphogee Deep Moisture Shampoo
AtOne Botanical Hydrating Shampoo
Creme of Nature Conditioning/Detangling (red, green & blue label)
Design Essentials Moisture Retention Shampoo
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo
Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
Hydratherma Naturals Moisture Boosting Shampoo
Jason Sea Kelp Shampoo
Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo
KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo
Mane N Tail Deep Moisturizing Shampoo
Mizani Botanifying Shampoo
Motions Lavish Shampoo
Motions Weightless Conditioning Shampoo
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo
Nexxus Therappe Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo
Silk Elements Luxury Moisturizing Shampoo
Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Shampoo
Vatika Conditioning shampoo

  CLARIFYING SHAMPOO  

Avalon Organics Lemon & Shea Butter Shampoo
Design Essentials Organic Cleanse Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Elasta QP Scalp Stimulating Shampoo
Herbal Essences Drama Clean Degunkify Tingling Deep Cleaning Shampoo
Hydratherma Naturals Herbal / Amino Clarifying Shampoo
Ion Clarifying Shampoo
Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
KeraCare 1st Lather Shampoo
Nexxus Aloe Rid
Organic Root Stimulator Uplifting Shampoo
Pantene Pro-V Purity
Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo
VO5 Herbal Escapes Kiwi Lime Squeeze Clarifying Shampoo

  NEUTRALIZING SHAMPOO 

 Creme of Nature Neutralizing Shampoo
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo
Silk Elements Neutalizing Shampoo


Source: Ell' Marie

Product List: Leave-In Conditioners

  MOISTURE BASED Leave-in Conditioner 

Aussie Leave-In Conditioner
Creme of Nature Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-in
Design Essentials HCO Leave-In Conditioner
Elasta QP H-two Leave-in Spray
Herbal Essences Break's Over Strengthening Leave-in Creme
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-in
Herbal Essences None of Your Frizzness Leave-in
Lacio lacio leave-in
Lady Fior Olive Oil Leave-in
Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave-in Creme
Nexxus Humectress
Rusk Sensories Smoother
SCurl No Drip Activator
Sebastian Potion 9
Sebastian Potion 9 Lite
Sunsilk TLC Cream

  PROTEIN BASED Leave-in Conditioners 

Africa's Best Organics Leave-in Liquid Mayonnaise
Aphogee Green Tea Reconstructerizer
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Creme
Chi Keratin Mist
Hydratherma Naturals Protein Balance Leave-In Conditioning Treatment
Infusium 23 Original
Kenra Daily Defense leave-in
Mane N Tail Original Conditioner (can double as conditioner and leave-in)
Motions At Home Nourish Leave-in Conditioner
Nexxus Headress Weightless Leave-In Conditioner
Redken Anti-Snap Leave-in
Salerm 21



Sources: Ell' Marie

Product List: Conditioners

   MOISTURIZING CONDITIONERS  

Aussie Moist 3 Minute Moisturizing Treatment
Aussie Moist Conditioner
BioInfusion Hydrating Conditioning Balm
Creme Of Nature Nourshing Conditioners
Dove Intense Moisture
Elucence MB Conditioner
Giovanni Smooth as Silk
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration
Herbal Essences Hydralicious
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship
Ion Moisture Solutions Moiturizing Treatment
Joico Moisture Recovery
Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner
Kera Care Humecto Creme Conditioner
Matrix Biolage
Mizani Moisture Fuse
Motions Moisture Plus
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner
Nexxus Humectress
Redkin All Soft
Silk Elements Cholesterol Conditioning Treatment
Silk Elements Megasilk Moisturizing Treatment
Suave Humectant
Vo5 Moisture Milks

   PROTEIN CONDITIONERS   

light = can be used 1x/week
medium = 1-2x/month
heavy = every 6+ weeks

Affirm 5in1 Reconstructor (medium/heavy)
Africa's Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise (light)
Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor (light)
Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment (heavy)
Aubrey Organics GPB (light)
Creme Of Nature Conditioning Reconstructor (light)
Creme of Nature Reconstructor (light)
Design Essentials 6 N 1 Reconstructive Conditioner (medium)
Elasta QP Breakage Control Serum (light)
Elasta QP Fortifying Conditioner (light)
Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus, Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment (light)
Ion Repair Solutions Hair Reconstructor Treatment (medium)
Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor (medium)
Lekair Cholesterol Plus (light)
Mane N Tail Original Conditioner (light)
Mizani Kerafuse (heavy)
Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor (light)
Motions Moisture Silk Protein Conditioner (light/medium)
Nexxus Emergencee (heavy)
Nexxus Keraphix (heavy)
Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo (light/medium)
Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Pak Conditioner (light)
TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey Conditioner (light)
TIGI Dumb Blonde Reconstructor (light)
Ultra Black Hair conditioner (light)
Vital Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise (light)
Vitale Reconstructor (medium/heavy)

SILICONE FREE CONDITIONERS

Sources: LipstickAlley , NoPooHair