Treatments

We usually apply a treatment to our hair when all else fails or periodically and consistently if we love our hair and want it to love us back. What are treatments you ask? The activity of small but mighty microscopic bonds joining together to restore and defend the health and balance of our hair strands and scalp. It’s truly science at work. Let’s take a look at some of the treatments we consider the norm in the natural curly hair community.

Protein Treatment (frequency: monthly)

Protein bonds help fill the gaps of where our hair cuticles are fragile. Protein treatments help our damaged hair strands absorb and retain water more efficiently. Just as we have different curl patterns on our head, we also have different porosity levels in different areas of our head. Porosity deals with your hair’s ability to hold onto moisture. Because of the nature of our hair cuticles opening and closing, the more open your cuticles are, the more porous your hair is and the more water is able to escape.

Typically if your hair is very porous (high porosity) it absorbs water too quickly and constantly needs moisture applied. Frequent protein treatments fill those gaps  Medium porosity hair can retain and absorb moisture just fine. However, monthly protein treatments are still good. Low porosity hair is difficult to absorb moisture and needs steam to open the hair cuticles to allow moisture in. However, once moisture is absorbed, it stays for a while.

There are different protein treatments on the market today like Aphogee. My personal favorite is Green Beauty’s REAL Protein treatment.

Hot oil Treatment (frequency: 2-4 weeks)

I especially love hot oil treatments in the cooler months when your hair and scalp tend to be the driest due to the lack of moisture in the air and low temperatures. My scalp tends to attract build up and get dry quickly and while I refrain from using too much oil on it now, my hair can still benefit. A hot oil treatment is just a mixture of your favorite oils heated up and applied directly to the scalp and hair strands for the ultimate moisture boost. Put on a plastic cap and let the oil get into the hair shaft as your body heat creates steam and lifts the hair cuticles. You can add oil to your shampoo so that it isn’t so drying or take your deep conditioning sesh to the next level.

We handcraft a super hydrating and lightweight oil which is how it got its name, Supersonic Hair Tonic. We fill each bottle with organic essential oils and other botanical ingredients like coconut oil, Argan and Jojoba oils. Our new line will be infused with dried medicinal herbs so be on the lookout for these total luxurious hair and body oil blends.

 Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse (frequency: when needed)

Dandruff is a layer of dead skin cells that sit on top of the scalp. It forms due to the scalp’s inability to produce a natural oil known as sebum at a normal rate. When natural oils cannot be produced on the scalp it results in a dry and itchy scalp, similar to how ash appears on the epidermis (skin). When scratched, the dead skin cells on the scalp will flake off. It’s not dangerous but it can be unsightly and embarrassing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for dandruff and if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek a dermatologist prior to attempting to treat this condition with store bought anti-dandruff treatments. This could make your symptoms worse or create a problem that was never there in the first place. Instead, try all-natural treatments like an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse or the use of essential oils.

For a natural remedy to dandruff, I recommend ACV or mixing tea tree essential oil in your shampoo. About 6 drops per ounce is the 1% recommended ratio. If you experience itchy scalp or see flakes, add 6 drops of tea tree essential oil to an ounce of distilled water and spritz your scalp every day until the itching subsides. Tea tree oil and ACV are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial so they help fight the symptoms of dandruff. You can also just apply organic apple cider vinegar with the Mother to your scalp and let it sit for a few hours then rinse and shampoo as usual.

Other treatments

These are some oldie but goodie treatments that are not as popular anymore but they’re still effective.

Onion Juice Treatment

Inversion Method

Maximum Hydration Method

Protective Styling

Now that you have restored balance to your hair and scalp, don’t you want to protect it and put it away for a little while? I know I do. If I don’t throw in some braids, I’m wearing two flat twists for the week or if I’m feeling it, I’ll rock medium sized Two-strand twists for a few weeks so I can have a super defined twist out later. Whatever your preference, tucking away your ends via protective styling is the best way to ensure healthy hair. However, there are some pros and cons to everything that’s good in life right?

Pros

  • Low maintenance hair care for a month or two
  • More time on your hands
  • Less time to prepare
  • The best accessory for that fresh OOTD
  • Keep your hands out of your hair
  • Hair grows A LOT

Cons

  • Tight braiding can cause alopecia and balding
  • Tension can cause damaged hair follicles
  • Itchy
  • Neglecting hair underneath

Protective styling is a curly girls/guys saving grace. Just don’t get so accustomed that you neglect your actual hair underneath. Continue to follow the three steps in Fall & Winter Hair Care Pt.1- Building a Regimen just water down the shampoo and conditioner and I guarantee your hair will thank you. And if you’re worried about your style frizzing out, I have some tips and tricks for that too. See you soon.

Thanks for dropping by. If you found this information interesting or helpful, leave a comment, and let’s chat!

xo, Andy

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