Recap of the basics of a healthy hair regimen:
Deep Condition (Conditioning) 1x week
Special Treatment (if needed)
Leave in conditioner/Sealant Oil
Night Time/daily routine
Assess your hair and determine what it requires.
Today's post will layout the various cleansing methods/products. You will need to determine which method of cleansing that works best for your hair and lifestyle.
As always the products used will vary from head to head, however I will recommend products I have used as well as ingredients to avoid.
Lets start with (3) types of cleansing methods.
As always the products used will vary from head to head, however I will recommend products I have used as well as ingredients to avoid.
Lets start with (3) types of cleansing methods.
Cleansing methods
- Standard Shampoo- a surfactant based products, which is used in conjunction with water to lift dirt, debris, excess oils and products from the hair and scalp.
- Conditioner Washing- also know as "Con- Wash", in place of a standard shampoo, a conditioner is applied to the scalp to wash away debris, dirt etc.
- Alternative Methods- Apple Cider Vinegar, Clay (Rhassoul, Bentonite etc.), Shampoo Bars, Water Only.
Standard Shampoo
I would recommend starting with a mild shampoo (no sulfate if possible), and shampoo once a week. If you find yourself sweating in the scalp frequently (due to high impact exercise) or if you are a swimmer you may need to adjust your shampooing based on your lifestyle.
Some of
the shampoo’s I have used while transitioning to natuaral and as 100% natural (*denotes product I'm currently using):
*Elasta QP Crème Conditioning Shampoo
Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus
Shea Moisture Restorative
Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Formula (Green Label)
Natures Gate Herbal Daily Cleansing
Shea Moisture Restorative
Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Formula (Green Label)
Natures Gate Herbal Daily Cleansing
Mizani Moisturefuse
Design Essentials
*Aphogee Curlific (protein shampoo)
Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bar (sample sizes Babasu & marsh mellow/Neem & Tea Tree/ Carrot Milk& Honey/Chestnut Henna/Extra Honey Beer)
*Aphogee Curlific (protein shampoo)
Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bar (sample sizes Babasu & marsh mellow/Neem & Tea Tree/ Carrot Milk& Honey/Chestnut Henna/Extra Honey Beer)
Tip: If you find that your shampoo (albeit advertised as
sulfate free) to be drying, add a but of oil (such as Olive, Jojoba, Castor
etc.) to the bottle.
Or if you don’t want to be a mix-tress, lather your scalp with
shampoo and just before you begin to rinse add a light conditioner to the hair
shaft and ends then rinse both products. This will allow for the dirt to lift
from your scalp without stripping the oils from the hair shaft and ends. The shampoo
will simply remove the conditioner instead of stripping your hair of the
natural oils your strands.
Sulfates to avoid:
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
These are the two most harsh sulfates. SLS is also known to be a scalp irritant, so if at all possible avoid these two ingredients.
Also if possible avoid protein in your cleansing products if you find that your hair is "protein sensitive" often we overload in protein which can cause extra dryness. So if you have a leave-in or deep conditioner with protein opt for a protein free shampoo.
I am more into co-rinsing (check out my youtube video 28|Gud Vanilla Flame Review), as I mentioned in my video I cannot use conditioner as my only cleanser, I use co-rinsing as a moisturizing method. But for those of you instresting in co-washing, I have heard great things about As I Am co-wash, however I do not have any recommendations from personnel use at the moment.
If co-wash seems like something up your alley, be sure to opt for products designed for co-washing is possible. And if this isn't an option, please be sure to clarify at least once a month!
I opt for organic raw and unfiltered with mother (Vitamin Shoppe brand and I will try Bragg Brand next). I have also used grocery store brand (and to be clear, I can't tell the difference. ha.)
Bentonite Clay- is a clay is which is said to be derived from volcanic ash contain potassium, sodium, calcium and aluminum. I have used Terresentials which I believe has a blend of bentonite and other clays, which I did like as well, however I tried to use my Indian secret clay and my scalp hated it, and I hated trying it too .
All in all, you will go through many cleansers to determine what works best for your hair BUT keep in mind some ingredients (I only addressed sulfates, however there may be more however those are based on preference) may be more drying than others. Also to avoid product build-up be sure to throughly rinse out the cleanser as well as clarify months (if using alternative methods or co-washing).
Nevertheless, when in doubt, go for the most moisturizing.
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
These are the two most harsh sulfates. SLS is also known to be a scalp irritant, so if at all possible avoid these two ingredients.
Also if possible avoid protein in your cleansing products if you find that your hair is "protein sensitive" often we overload in protein which can cause extra dryness. So if you have a leave-in or deep conditioner with protein opt for a protein free shampoo.
Conditioner Wash
I am more into co-rinsing (check out my youtube video 28|Gud Vanilla Flame Review), as I mentioned in my video I cannot use conditioner as my only cleanser, I use co-rinsing as a moisturizing method. But for those of you instresting in co-washing, I have heard great things about As I Am co-wash, however I do not have any recommendations from personnel use at the moment.If co-wash seems like something up your alley, be sure to opt for products designed for co-washing is possible. And if this isn't an option, please be sure to clarify at least once a month!
Alternative Methods
While I am 100% there are more alternative methods of cleaning your scalp, however these are the few that came to mind.Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)- This is said to be a cleanser in it self, however I use it from time to time to add shine to my hair. I mix 1 cup water to 1/4 ACV and pour over my hair before I add my leave-in conditioner. WARNING: This will burn if it gets in your eyes. Also, the smell of the vinegar lingers depending on how diluted you make your mixture, when in doubt always add more water than vinegar.I opt for organic raw and unfiltered with mother (Vitamin Shoppe brand and I will try Bragg Brand next). I have also used grocery store brand (and to be clear, I can't tell the difference. ha.)
Clays (Rhassoul & Bentonite)
Rhassoul Clay- is a mineral clay of Morocco, it is said to contain silicon, iron, magnesium,potassium, sodium, lithium, and trace elements. I love Rhassoul clay, my scalp felt clean, and didn't each a few days later (as often happens with shampoo) and after my hair dried, it seemed to hold my curl pattern rather than frizz. (Check out my youtube video 5| Rhassoul Clay review)Bentonite Clay- is a clay is which is said to be derived from volcanic ash contain potassium, sodium, calcium and aluminum. I have used Terresentials which I believe has a blend of bentonite and other clays, which I did like as well, however I tried to use my Indian secret clay and my scalp hated it, and I hated trying it too .
All in all, you will go through many cleansers to determine what works best for your hair BUT keep in mind some ingredients (I only addressed sulfates, however there may be more however those are based on preference) may be more drying than others. Also to avoid product build-up be sure to throughly rinse out the cleanser as well as clarify months (if using alternative methods or co-washing).
Nevertheless, when in doubt, go for the most moisturizing.
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