I had the honour of partnering with Pinterest Canada to share my tips for taking care of natural hair after the craziness of the holidays, and they were so well-received that I’m sharing them here too!
I am roughest to my natural hair over the Holiday Season. Between experimenting with new styles, and trying to get it to cooperate for special events, it goes through the ringer.
So by the time the New Year comes around, I’m ready to give it the TLC it deserved all along. I’ve actually started a tradition of putting my hair in mini twists during this time to reduce manipulation, but this post …
Taking care of my Natural Hair after the Holidays
I recorded this regimen 2021 going into 2022, and I realize now it’s probably a bit controversial.
I’ve always been a big user of oils in my hair, but the past year and a bit has brought a strong movement away from them. I will say I find I use them a lot less these days.. mostly out of laziness… but I still love them when my hair needs love, and I want it to feel soft and juicy for DAYS.
Watch the below to see my routine in action—the text summary is beneath it.
1. Pre-Poo
As this is going to be an especially thorough washday, we are starting with a pre-poo (or a pre-shampoo).
I’m about to throw down a VERY OG Natural Hair recipe… if you know, you know.
In a bowl I mix Herbal Essences’ Hello Hydration Conditioner and a thick oil. I used to straight olive oil, but now I’ll use whatever hair oil I have at my disposal. Yeah.. I know the anti-oil crew are CRINGING.
If I’m feeling extra thorough, I’ll toss it in the microwave for 15 seconds.
I apply it to my hair and spritz in some water before twisting it up and putting a plastic bag on my head for a bit to trap in heat and lift hair cuticles.
I’ll even detangle at this stage if I’m up for it.
2. Hair Mask
After washing out the pre-poo with a good shampoo, it’s time to apply a hair mask.
This is a great way to help your curls recover from all that holiday hair styling.
If your hair is dry, use a super hydrating mask.
If it feels mushy, like it needs strengthening, reach for a protein mask.
3. Use heat to lift cuticles
To put the mask to work, I wrap my hair in a plastic bag once more and don my deep conditioning hat.
It has little microwaveable gel inserts, and the heat helps raise my hair cuticles, allowing more of the product to seep into my strands.
4. Style with LCO method
Finally, after rinsing out the hair mask, I twist my hair using the LCO (Leave-in, Cream, Oil) method.
Though there is a lot of dispute around the use of heavier creams and raw oils in your natural hair care routine, I find layering my products like this keeps my curls hydrated long-term.
It is also great for high porosity hair, which drinks up products like crazy.
Final Thoughts on Post-Holiday Haircare
Then you’re left with hydrated, juicy twists–a great protective style for the winter season!
How is your feeling after the holiday season? Let me know in the comments!