How to Build a Hair Routine That Actually Works
Zipporah Mwangi
Hey there Queen!
So, don’t judge me, but there was a time my hair routine was a whole salad. It featured raw eggs, bananas, avocados, onion juice, coconut oil, vinegar, and honey that I may or may not have been allergic to (Hint: I was). I would let the egg, banana, avocado combo marinate on my scalp while I kept active to generate enough body heat to allow the product to ‘penetrate’ and do its magic as a “protein treatment.” Little did I know that the protein needed to be hydrolysed (broken down) to be effective on hair as the molecules were too big to repair the tiny cracks on hair. Back then, I jumped on hair trends without taking the time to understand why I did them and what effect they had on my hair.
(We listen and we don’t judge😂).
Finding a hair routine that actually works is a personal journey of discovering what makes your hair tick. It may seem daunting at first, but we have great pointers to get you started.
Is a Hair Routine Really Necessary?
Afro-textured hair is delicate and requires consistent care.
A good routine will:
● Keep your hair moisturized
● Make it easy to style and handle your hair
● Prevent breakage and split ends
● Help repair damage
● Help your hair reach its maximum potential in terms of length and volume
Now that we understand the why, let’s get into the how of building a proper routine for you.
Step 1: Know Your Hair Type and Hair Needs
This step is the foundation on which a proper hair routine is built. Knowing your hair informs the products and tools you will use, your styling techniques, your protective styles, and frequency of care. Some hair types need more moisture than others (hi high porosity hair), gentler handling because they tangle a lot more (hi 4C), lighter protective styles (hi fine hair), and so on. Some hair types also respond better to certain products than others. The fun is in the discovery.
Afro hair comes in different curl patterns, densities, and moisture retention rates. Once you understand your hair’s characteristics, it is easier to customize products and hair practices that work in its favour.
Source: Pinterest
Step 2: Keep it Simple
The second step is to start with a simple routine. Keeping it simple makes it sustainable. Forget the noise around you that tells you you need a thousand products for your hair to thrive. You need:
● A shampoo: to clean your scalp and remove product build-up
● Conditioner: to soften hair and to add moisture
● Leave-in treatment: to keep hair hydrated between washes
● Oil or butter: to seal in moisture
● A protective style: to minimise manipulation
Every 4-6 weeks, add a protein treatment to strengthen your strands. Wear a silk/satin bonnet or use a satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage.
Step 3: Choose the Right Products
Sis, when it comes to hair products, let your crown tell you what makes her happy. Avoid harsh ingredients that strip her of her natural oils and go for creamy conditioners with good “slip” to lubricate your hair and reduce friction when detangling. For fine hair, avoid protective styles that are heavy and if using extensions, go for lightweight ones that don’t strain the strands. Incorporate moisturising products and heavier butters and oils for dry, high-porosity or thicker hair.
Step 4: Commit to a Plan
Starting a hair routine is easy; maintaining it is the hard part. But not to worry, it is nothing a little planning cannot help with. Here is a sample weekly and monthly plan. You can adjust it according to your hair’s preference:
Weekly:
● Moisturize
● Protective Styling
Biweekly:
● Cleanse scalp and hair
● Deep condition if hair feels dry
Monthly
● Deeply cleanse and remove product build-up with a clarifying shampoo
● Protein Treatment
Scheduling your hair routine is a great way to keep yourself accountable.
Step 5: Be Patient
All good things come to those who wait! While you will not get results overnight, you will see small changes here and there. Don’t get caught up in looking for the huge milestones that you miss the small gains. A win is a win; celebrate them! Sope purrrr yourself when your hair breaks less, has healthier curls, softer strands, and is easier to detangle. Over time, the small gains will lead to big results.
Most importantly, don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s. Sope purrrr😉.
Conclusion
Having a hair routine doesn’t have to be a complex, expensive or daunting task. It is all about discovering what works for you.
Embrace your crown and live your best life!
Are you ready to build your hair routine? What step are you taking? Share in the comments.
