In my previous Back to Basics post, I briefly went over porosity and how it plays a role in determining the best products and regimen for one’s hair care.
The key to moisturizing is using a water-based product (meaning water is the first ingredient). Not an oil- or butter-based product, these are not moisturizers. They’re sealants, they’re emollients, but they are not moisturizers. When oils and/or butters are applied after true moisturizers, they lock in the moisture by coating the hair shaft and preventing the moisture (water) from evaporating.
MOISTURIZERS=WATER-BASED PRODUCTS
SEALANTS=OIL- AND BUTTER-BASED PRODUCTS
My hair is in the medium to high porosity range so retaining moisture is a problem for me. When I moisturize, I seal afterwards to preserve the benefits of moisturizing. Depending on how I feel or what is nearest, I use water or a variation of hair mists and milks to moisturize. Then, I apply one of my oils or oil blends. If I want something heavier, I’ll use a butter or a pomade.
Here are some of my favorite moisturizers. A full list is on the HG Products page.
- Water: It doesn’t get any simpler than this.
- Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist: In the past 4 years, I’ve probably gone through about 10 of these. It’s moisturizing and light.
- Oyin Handmade Hair Dew: It’s a great hair milk that easily absorbs with no residue. Click here for a full review.
Here are some of my favorite carrier oils for sealing. They are all easily accessible and relatively inexpensive.
- Castor oil: This is a very thick oil. It’s also good as a scalp treatment. Whenever my edges look a little sparse, I use this consistently on a daily basis, and it works! I prefer to use Jamaican black castor oil or the extra dark version, but I also use the regular one. It’s sold in most drugstores in the laxative section. Don’t let that scare you though.
- Coconut oil: This is one of those oils that actually penetrates the hair. I prefer extra virgin or virgin coconut oil because they are cold-pressed meaning it’s produced at a lower temperature retaining the nutrients, aroma, and flavor. I love the way unrefined coconut oil smells and tastes. Yes, I cook with it also, and it’s YUMMY!
- Olive oil: I don’t use this one as much, but it’s something I always have on hand in the kitchen.
Properly moisturizing is key to everyone’s regimen, but depending on your hair’s characteristics, sealing might not be a necessity for you. Again, knowing your own hair will always be your best tool for maintaining it.
Click here to check out the first Back to Basics post on porosity and for more of my favorite products, click here!
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Sincerely,
AC
