And I JUST FOUND THIS OUT! I just thank God for allowing me to find about Bella Kinks and Drinks- Dallas. I have learned so much from the naturals that I have had the pleasure of meeting at the last couple meet-ups. I have a TON of good information to share with you throughout the next few blogs, but for now, let's start with over- moisturization....
On wash day, I apply a leave-in conditioner. The next day I'll "wake it up" using a curl refresher. Day three I'll see that "dry look" starting to rear its ugly head, so I'll add a little oil/water mixture. Day four and five...same thing. Day six is co-wash day.... and the cycle continues. So after a while, I start to notice that some of the ends of my curls won't quite curl. It resembles heat damage, but I know I haven't applied heat to my hair in months! This is a sign that my hair is over-moisturized. Product on top of product, co-wash on top of co-wash, oils upon oils, all piled up on each other and created this thick build-up that is now weighing my hair down, causing my curls to lay limp, or not even curling at all. What to do, what to do???? CLARIFY!! “CLARIFYING” is the process by which the build up from products, sweat and environmental debris are removed from the hair and scalp either by using a clarifying shampoo or a detoxifying rinse.
Throughout your healthy natural hair journey, the hair needs to be clarified, as it simply erases everything you've done to your hair, just like that! I call it "The Magic Eraser". lol
So how do you clarify? Here are a few ways to properly clarify your hair:
A Clarifying Shampoo- these are usually the ones that have a surfactant in them such as a sulfate, which works to remove grease and build up without too much scrubbing. Most clarifying shampoos will actually have "Clarifying Shampoo" on the label. Right now I am using Pantene Truly Natural Clarifying Shampoo, which is around $4 at Wal-Mart. If you use silicone-heavy products, swim in chlorinated pools, and/or work-out regularly, you'd need to clarify your hair more often than those who don't.
Apple Cider Vinegar- This is a popular all-natural way to detox your strands and scalp. Even some salons uses this as a “secret” hair cleansing elixir when new clients arrive so they can have a fresh start. Try it yourself by mixing 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. Apply the solution to hair after shampooing, making sure to massage into scalp. You can leave on for a few minutes before rinsing clean.
Rhassoul Clay – Another natural option, rhassoul clay is known for its ability to extract impurities from skin and hair. It can be purchased in it’s raw from from a variety of natural product purveyors and health food stores then mixed to a consistency that can be applied to the hair. It seems almost like you’re smoothing mud on to your strands, and in fact you actually are, but the minerals in the clay itself provide conditioning while cleansing. It’s like a facial mask for your hair!
And here I am thinking that all the co-washing I was doing was cleaning my hair. NOT! So if you've ever wondered what the Clarifying Shampoos you over-looked in the store was about, now you know!
Happy clarifying!!!!
♥CoCo D.♥
On wash day, I apply a leave-in conditioner. The next day I'll "wake it up" using a curl refresher. Day three I'll see that "dry look" starting to rear its ugly head, so I'll add a little oil/water mixture. Day four and five...same thing. Day six is co-wash day.... and the cycle continues. So after a while, I start to notice that some of the ends of my curls won't quite curl. It resembles heat damage, but I know I haven't applied heat to my hair in months! This is a sign that my hair is over-moisturized. Product on top of product, co-wash on top of co-wash, oils upon oils, all piled up on each other and created this thick build-up that is now weighing my hair down, causing my curls to lay limp, or not even curling at all. What to do, what to do???? CLARIFY!! “CLARIFYING” is the process by which the build up from products, sweat and environmental debris are removed from the hair and scalp either by using a clarifying shampoo or a detoxifying rinse.
Throughout your healthy natural hair journey, the hair needs to be clarified, as it simply erases everything you've done to your hair, just like that! I call it "The Magic Eraser". lol
So how do you clarify? Here are a few ways to properly clarify your hair:
A Clarifying Shampoo- these are usually the ones that have a surfactant in them such as a sulfate, which works to remove grease and build up without too much scrubbing. Most clarifying shampoos will actually have "Clarifying Shampoo" on the label. Right now I am using Pantene Truly Natural Clarifying Shampoo, which is around $4 at Wal-Mart. If you use silicone-heavy products, swim in chlorinated pools, and/or work-out regularly, you'd need to clarify your hair more often than those who don't.
Apple Cider Vinegar- This is a popular all-natural way to detox your strands and scalp. Even some salons uses this as a “secret” hair cleansing elixir when new clients arrive so they can have a fresh start. Try it yourself by mixing 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with one cup of water. Apply the solution to hair after shampooing, making sure to massage into scalp. You can leave on for a few minutes before rinsing clean.
Rhassoul Clay – Another natural option, rhassoul clay is known for its ability to extract impurities from skin and hair. It can be purchased in it’s raw from from a variety of natural product purveyors and health food stores then mixed to a consistency that can be applied to the hair. It seems almost like you’re smoothing mud on to your strands, and in fact you actually are, but the minerals in the clay itself provide conditioning while cleansing. It’s like a facial mask for your hair!
And here I am thinking that all the co-washing I was doing was cleaning my hair. NOT! So if you've ever wondered what the Clarifying Shampoos you over-looked in the store was about, now you know!
Happy clarifying!!!!
♥CoCo D.♥