Moisturizing Natural Hair

Since we're still in the throes of the new year and everyone's making resolutions and setting goals for the year (see JB's 5 useful resolutions, DN's Wash Day Tips, etc). For me this year, I would like to focus on hair health, styling loose natural hair in protective styles (as in, not twists as I've found that hair mattes up very quickly), and length retention.

In my quest to make sure my hair is healthy, I want to make sure my hair is adequately moisturized. My moisturizer of choice is typically the African Naturalistas Leave-In conditioner (you can purchase here), followed by a mix of oils and sealed with either a heavy oil or butter (you can try any of the African Naturalistas Hair Butters). This is fine for me and lasts a couple of days before my hair starts to feel dry, but in the past couple of weeks, I decided to incorporate an extra element when I tie my scarf on for bedtime.

SHOWER CAP!!!

The Green House Effect Method and the Baggy Method are similar ways of keeping hair moisturized, and helping hair length retention. They both require the use of a shower cap on moisturized hair, and then tying a scarf over the shower cap. The Green House Effect is done using 100% natural oils or butters on your hair prior to wearing the shower cap; whereas the Baggy Method is done using conditioner on your hair. Your hair can be freshly washed, damp or dry - if it's dry, you can spritz your hair very lightly before putting the shower cap on. (You can find more information about the GHE Method here).

Please note* The GHE method recommends washing hair only once a month (twice at the most), but I'm not necessarily following that timeline.*

Some recommend that you do it 5 to 7 nights a week (although there have been complaints of the hair being smelly, or itchy scalp); others recommend 3 or 4. It's really up to you to know when your hair needs a moisture boost. I have found that I don't really need to carry my mini spray bottle around all the time anymore and my hair doesn't have the dry feeling as frequently as before.

What other ways do you use to keep your hair moisturized?

Berry Dakara.

6 comments

Unknown9 January 2015 at 22:10
The weather is really messing with my hair. These days I hav to moisturise everyday for adequate moisture, I'm soo tired after work I end up misturising only when it is completly dry
African Naturalistas11 January 2015 at 18:17
The baggy method never fails, at least for me.
Unknown12 January 2015 at 18:01
I use the spray bottle twice a day for me and my daughter
Naija girl next door12 January 2015 at 22:47
Great tips Berry.
I've been struggling seriously with this weather. I just put up a post now and added a link to the harmattan post here on AN. I should try this too
Hadassah Agbaps13 January 2015 at 05:24
One step LOC works for me. Just apply and go! I mix Cantu leave in with clean water and oil in a bottle and dryness be gone. It also saves me the time of doing the three steps of wet, moisturize and seal.