Care for your Crown Part 1: Beginners guide natural hair care routine

Creating your unique hair care routine is the first step on your healthy hair journey. The main components of your hair care routine are how you wash, dry, and style your hair. If you're struggling to care for your curly, kinky, wavy hair or just need some pointers this is the guide for you!

1. Determine your hair type

Hair type is much more than just your hair's texture/curl type, 3A or 4C for example. Knowing your curl type actually doesn't help you in determining how to care for it. Instead you want to focus on these 3 main factors when it comes to hair type:

Density

Hair density refers to how full your hair is. To determine density part a section of your hair and hold it to the side. If your scalp is hardly visible between the strands in the section then you have thick density. If your scalp is visible then you have thin density and anything in between is medium density.

Elasticity 

Hair elasticity can be measured by taking a single strand of hair and stretching it to its breaking point. If the strand breaks immediately then your hair elasticity is low. If you're able to stretch the strand then elasticity is high. Hair elasticity can be improved with the proper care.

Porosity 

Knowing your porosity is very important because it refers to your hairs ability to absorb moisture and product.

Low porosity hair doesn't absorb moisture easily because the hair's cuticles are tightly bound. The best way to moisturize it is to use lightweight products and apply heat using a cap, hooded dryer or even steam.

Normal / Medium porosity hair cuticles are slightly raised allowing it to absorb and retain moisture well.

High porosity hair cuticles are widely raised so it both absorbs and releases moisture very easily. The best way to moisturize it is to

 

 


2. Find the right products for you

The exact type of product depends on both your hair's porosity and specific needs, however here are the essentials for every good hair care routine.
Hair Care Basic Essentials
  • Shampoo and deep conditioner
  • Moisturizer (oil or water based)
  • Microfiber towel
  • Detangling tool ( wide tooth comb, paddle brush, etc.)
  • Hair dryer and/ or diffuser
  • Heat protectant
  • Styler (gel, mousse, etc.)
Other Recommendations
  • Hair masks
  • Scalp massager
  • Clips (for sectioning)
  • Leave in conditioner
  • Protein treatment


3. Wash day

Now that your informed on your hair type and products you need we can answer the question, "How often should I wash my hair?" Honestly it depends, ideally you should wash your hair every 1 to 2 weeks. Weekly if your hair is low porosity or is typically dryer and prone to build up. And biweekly if your hair stays moisturized for longer (high to normal porosity) and you don't suffer from any scalp issues. Other factors to consider when deciding on wash day include activity level like (i.e. working out, etc.) and also styling choices. Taking these into account, you may need to wash more often.


4. Drying and styling

After washing your hair it's on to drying! On one hand there's the girls who use heat to dry and the girls who don't. While there is no right or wrong way there are pros and cons for both.

                Air Drying
                     Pros
  • No risk of heat damage
  • Hair retains moisture longer
  • Lessens risk of split ends
                     Cons
  • Long drying time
  • Can cause bacteria to grow on scalp
             Heat Drying
                    Pros
  •  Short dry time
  • Preserves hair styles
  • Easily stretch hair
                   Cons
  •  Prolonged use causes damage (split ends, breakage, etc.)
  • May cause frizz

5. Consistency is key! 

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