Hair Sense Moisturising the Hair

Today’s society places a lot of focus on outward beauty. Hair plays a major part in completing this beautiful look and requires a huge amount of time and care. When we think of beautiful hair, we usually think of hair that is well moisturised and healthy looking. In examining this topic, it is crucial for us to be knowledgeable about what we can do to our hair and use in it to keep it moisturised and healthy looking. Ways to keep this moisture in the hair will be addressed as different hair types react differently to different agents of moisture. The environment also plays its part in this area. Among all the hair types, afro-textured hair tends toward dryness the most. The tighter the curl pattern in your hair, the more likely it is to become dry. To combat this problem, you will need to moisturise your hair on a regular basis. In deciding what to use as a moisturiser, you must take into consideration the state of your hair. If your hair is curly, a water based moisturiser is a good option for you. Examples of these water-based products are curl activators and conditioner-based concoctions that you mix yourself. However, if your hair is straightened, a lotion-type moisturiser or one with very little water, may work best. This is advised because a water-based product will cause straightened hair to revert to its curly state.

 

Moisture is a necessity of the hair and without it, it would be very difficult to retain length. This must be noted specifically for chemically processed hair. Each time you relax, chemically curl, or dye your hair, the chemicals break down the hair structure and deplete the moisture previously contained in the hair shaft. Water is a good moisturiser and therefore this should be one of the first ingredients in the product you choose to moisturise your hair - this is advised only if your hair is not straightened with heat. In addition, your moisturiser should contain oils to prevent moisture from evaporating. Moisturisers are intended to replace the moisture that over-processed hair lacks. Since hair can lose moisture quickly, it is recommended that you moisturise your hair everyday, even if you’re simply spritzing it with water. Basic Concoction- In Chicoro’s ‘Grow it!’ she highlights a basic concoction you can make and use to moisturise your hair daily. For this you will need a spray bottle which you can purchase at your favourite beauty supply store. Fill half the bottle with inexpensive, water-based hair conditioner. Then thin it out by adding some water to the bottle. Lastly, you can add one-quarter cup to one-half cup of oil, such as olive or castor to your mixture. Shake well and spray as much as desired. Persons often say to me, “Your hair looks great! What products are you using in it?” It is important to note that what may be working for me, may not work as well, or the same way for you. You will know best what works for your hair by a system of trial and error and patience cannot be left out of this equation.

 

It’s one thing to moisturise your hair, but how do you keep that moisture in at night? This can be done by using head coverings. The best types of head coverings are made of plastic, satin, silk and nylon as these materials will not draw the moisture from your hair. Cotton, on the other hand, absorbs moisture and is not the best choice for maintaining the moisture content in your hair. If you have afro textured or chemically treated hair and would like to read more on moisturising your hair and sealing in that moisture, you can invest in Chicoro’s ‘Grow it!’ or Cathy Howse’s ‘Ultra Black Hair Growth II’. These books expand on the points I’ve presented and this can be very useful to you. Also, if you decide to do your own research on hair care online, be careful what advice you choose to follow. Some sites have contradictory information and may be suggesting things to you that aren’t necessarily the best for your hair or your hair type.