If hair care were Chinese philosophy, moisture would be the yin, and protein, the yang. Problem is, most of us natural heats are still confused about how much moisture and protein our hair actually needs. But understanding what and when you hair needs this or that is the key to long, healthy lustrous locks, because once you have the formula down, you’ll stop breakage in its tracks.
Do you know when you hair needs moisture?
Moisture is absolutely essential, and most afro-textured hair needs it regularly. Water is the ultimatel moisturizer, so no balking about how it dries out your hair, ummkay? It doesn’t. It’s what comes after–the heat styling and manipulation that can cause dryness and breakage. Also too much protein-heavy hair products can leach the moisture out of your hair. You know your hair needs moisture when it feels, well…dry. If you’ve been using too much protein, your hard will also feel hard and brittle. When wet, it will feels rough, hard and tangly, and won’t stretch much before it breaks. But don’t think that you can slap some coconut oil or jojoba oil on it and it will get better. Unless you add some water to that equation, that oil will just sit on top of your hair and won’t penetrate.
Best (Economical) Moisturizing Conditioners
Aubrey Oranixs Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner
Dove Advanced Care Sheer Moisture Conditioner
Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner
Herbal Essences none of Your Frizzness Smoothing Conditioner
Trader Joe’s Refresh Conditioner
Pantene Pro-V Color Preserve Smooth Conditioner
Do You Know When Your Hair Needs Protein?
Do you have Gumby hair? It’s what happens when your hair is so full of moisture that it feels gummy and limp. It will stretch ridiculously before it breaks. If your hair is color treated or relaxed, it’s a given that the chemicals used to penetrate the bonds of the hair will leave you protein starved.
Best (Economical) Protein Conditioners
Aubrey Organics Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner
Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Conditioner
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask
Trader Joes Nourish Spa Balance Moisturizing Conditioner
But Wait!!
Before you apply any product to address your protein or moisture deficiency, clarify first. It’s best to start fresh on hair that free of product and oil build up.
Source: “The Science of Black Hair“
After reading this, I see I am the one with gumby hair. I guess because my hair is relaxed at the moment. Usually, I have nice, full, thick, coarse hair that loves creamy thick products. But lately, my hair has been a weighed-down drag to the point that I was starting to think maybe I have fine hair after all. But after reading this...no honey...your hair is thick and deal with it. I've heard about the AOGPB product line prior to reading this, so I was kind of ecstatic to see that on the list, and at the top at that. Not only did it give me a reason to buy a new hair product, but it being on the list made it easier to choose which out of the list to try. Thanks for the post.
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