The Perfect Wash Routine
If you've ever struggled with developing a hair routine when it comes to applying all your little one's products - you're in the right place. Understanding how to utilize the products you've spent a lot of time picking out (and spending money on) can be daunting, but I've got you covered.
1. Pre shampoo:
When you're ready to start your wash routine, begin with a freshly washed head of hair. To do this, pop them in the bath and thoroughly wet their hair with warm water. Once their crown is completely saturated, apply some detangler and a light-weight oil throughout their strands. You want to apply these products from the roots down so that they product can be evenly distributed. Once you've done that allow this to sit and soak for a few minutes to soften their hair, and then begin to gently detangle with your fingers or a detangling comb.
2. Shampoo:
After you've detangled their hair, you can go ahead use a sulfate, paraben-free shampoo to cleanse their scalp and curls. Apply a R5 coin-sized blob to the palm of your hands and work it through their curls. Use your fingertips to massage it into the roots of their crown, working in small, back and forth motions - please don't over do it and do it for too long as it will dry out their hair. Once you're done rinse off the shampoo with warm water.
3. Conditioner:
After you've rinsed out the shampoo, you can apply your favourite deep conditioner. Some curl-experts opt to switch between a protein based deep conditioner, and a moisturizing one as the overuse of either can leave their curls unbalanced; so mixing it up can be helpful to keep their hair properly hydrated. Let that sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off with cool water.
4. Leave in Conditioner (or liquid):
After you've gently squeezed or dried all the excess water from their curls, you can apply your leave in treatment. Winter months are the best time to use a leave-in conditioner or prep product to help retain moisture, as you tend to make the bath water warmer and hot water strips hair of it's natural moisture. Just apply your chosen product thoroughly throughout their hair and work it in to their roots.
5. Oil:
Next, apply a thin layer of oil to their hair to help lock in the moisture - Massage it into their scalp. The oil you apply will vary depending on the porosity of your hair. Aunt Jackies Soft All Over Oil is suited for Type 3 and Type 4 curls with low to medium porosity.
6. Curl cream:
Once you applied your oil to their hair you'll want to apply your curl cream, or activator. These products will help their curls retain their natural shape and texture, as well as lock moisture in. Apply to your palms, and evenly distribute it throughout their hair to make sure the curls completely get covered, as well as helps retain their natural shape/pattern.
7. Have a glass of wine
No further explanation needed.
To sum it all up:
As with all things curly-hair related, I've come to learn that it’s all about trial and error. So if your current routine isn’t quite cutting it then give this method a try and modify it to suit your needs and lifestyle routine.