Should you prep natural hair for fall and winter? What is required for a fall prepping of natural hair? Most often it depends on what your hair needs but starting with an end-of-season clarifying wash and moisture-boosting conditioning is an excellent start.
It's officially fall this Thursday but I'm not waiting to get my hair ready for cooler temperatures, drier air and harsher elements. I've been neglectful the past few months with family obligations and my more-than-normal amount of stress, but this routine is a great one. The best part is it can be altered to what your hair needs.
This is a great way to not only get hair in ideal shape for a new season but a reminder to get back into a regular maintenance routine if you nixed it for those carefree summer days. Here's what I did and why:
Pre-poo
Pre-poo: a treatment done BEFORE shampooing your hair to help against hair stripping by shampoos and to aid in detangling.
I am not one for a pre-poo every wash day and actually only do it when my has been neglected (by me) and pretty tangled. I also haven't washed my hair with a shampoo in at least a month, haven't properly (fully) detangled my hair in weeks and wanted to help my hair to stay moisturized and tangle-free before my washday.
What I used and did: I slathered my hair with Fractionated Coconut oil and covered with a plastic cap for three hours. It was a drippy mess so I made sure to wear an old house dress (yes, I'm old) and hung around the house all day.
Wash
I often cowash but was in dire need of something stronger. I hadn't washed my hair with a clarifying shampoo in a long time so I needed to get my hair completely cleaned of product build-up, dirt and oil. Before I wash I do rinse my hair with water to help remove some of the tangles prior to adding shampoo.
What I used and did: I washed it first with Design Essential Oat Protein & Henna Shampoo to start off rinsed well before following up with Design Essentials Honey Creme Moisture Retention Shampoo.
I do not normally use two different shampoos but when my hair is really dirty I have trouble removing all the build-up so I clarify+cleanse and then cleanse+moisturize to fully remove everything without stripping my hair.
Deep Condition w/ Heat
We should be using a deep conditioner during every single wash day but I've been neglectful the past two washes. I NEVER do this but the past couple of months have been hectic so I let this slide.
What I used and did: I love my SheaMoisture line but gave another deep conditioner a try this go around. Eden BodyWorks Natural Deep Conditioner has a great consistency (not crazy about the smell) but glided in my hair well. I got my Wet Look Shower Comb (which I NEVER USE because I only finger detangle) but needed to fully detangle my hair. It was a chore but I got through it by starting at the ends and working my way up.
To penetrate quicker and better I use my Deep Conditioning Microwavable Heat Cap for 30 minutes before rinsing hair.
Tea rinse
Tea Rinse: A hair tea/hair tea rinse is simply brewing a type of tea, allowing it to steep and cool prior to pouring it over your hair and scalp. Massaging your scalp with the hair tea is next and this all happens after hair has been washed.
I love tea rinses and you can simply use any black, green or blend but I love those blends that are created to stimulate hair growth and fight hair loss like Chagrin Valley Hair Tea Stimulation Blend.
What I used and did: I boiled water and allowed loose tea leaves to steep for 45 minutes. Once cooled I pour tea over my head once I rinse my deep conditioner out and massage. I never rinse it out.
Leave-In Conditioner (well, sort of)
I do not care for traditional leave-in conditioners as they are too watery. I prefer to use a regular conditioner on washday and this helps my curls last longer.
What I use and did: After massaging the tea rinse I apply SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Marfura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner throughout my hair.
Styler
I used to think washday did not require a styler but this is what is needed for 2nd, 3rd and even 4th day hair. I allow it to air dry before removing the gel cast for soft, fully defined curls.
What I use and did: After blotting my hair I raked Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel in my hair.
Woah! That was a lot but this is not my regular wash day routine and if it was I would rock a TWA! I'm not for all day long wash days but with my neglect and the cooler weather approaching I needed to up my hair game.
Now, you can substitute the deep conditioner for a protein treatment if you need that but I needed moisture more than anything. A trim is also a great end-of-season component but I will be doing that in November. I only trim twice a year. Tailor your end-of-season routine to your needs and the products you trust and love.
What's your end-of-season routine?
Sabrina
SHOP THIS POST