… or “Why the heck did no one tell me about this stuff before?!??”
So here at Casa De Hales, we have a unique hair situation. I have relaxed hair, and have for as long as I can remember. The one time in my life where I tried the whole “natural” thing was back in my middle school black power days, and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. So I plan to stay relaxed for the rest of my life. My daughter, in contrast, has natural hair, something I know nothing about, and something she won’t be changing for at least the next 5-6 years. So there’s definitely a learning curve in what we are able to make happen.
The biggest challenge has been in her hair care regimen. For my relaxed hair, it’s simple: wash every 2-3 weeks, relax every 4-6 weeks, deep condition (Thanks Kim!), moisturize as needed, and wrap nightly in a silk scarf. For Lauren’s hair it’s not so simple. We wash weekly-ish (co washing?), moisturize as needed (I think?), keep it braided (to help protect it), trim (shaggy-looking?) ends. It’s all more than a little confusing.
Luckily, I found this website (chocolatehairvanillacare.com), and was able to find some great tips on how/when to cowash, trim, and moisturize. Now I just need to find my products! And those products have to follow the Hales Family Rules for Lauren’s Hair Stuff:
- Natural Ingredients – Nothing we can’t identify or understand where it comes from. We don’t want anything to irritate her scalp, skin, or her eyes when we wash it out.
- Low Cost – It’s easy to blow a fortune on natural hair products, and since we’re still in the learning phase, we don’t spend more than about $10 for any single product.
- Not Sticky/Super-Greasy – We like her hair to be soft and touchible, and not leave grease stains on peoples couches.
- Nice Smell – Ever since her Baby Buttercreme days, Lauren’s had a reputation of having good smelling hair and so extra points if it smells good!
Based on those rules, here are our favorites:
The Mixed Chicks Kids Line
Mixed Chicks for Kids – We use their entire toddler line, and have been for the past year. It’s definitely the most expensive stuff we buy, but it lasts forever! We occasionally use the shampoo, use the conditioner for co-washing and deep conditioning, and use the leave-in as a leave in and a sometimes detangler, and we use the detangler to help to comb through for styling (puffs, braids, etc.).
Just for Me Scalp Conditioner & Hairdress
Just for Me Scalp Conditioner & Hairdress – We use this to help keep her (& my) scalp moisturized. Usually it’s just a small amount rubbed into the parts between her braids. In fact, while her hair’s braided this is pretty much the only moisture it gets. It’s great for combating dryness & itchiness and smells really good.
Coconut Oil from GNC
Coconut Oil – This is my newest LOVE! I found it on the Chocolate Hair, Vanilla Care site, and it’s changed our lives. It’s great to help lock in moisture in after we put the leave-in on Lauren’s hair. It’s also great to help boost moisture and shine during styling. Plus, I use it on my hair and as a post shower all over moisturizer. It’s all natural, light-weight, has no smell, and it works! Just rub a little in your hands to make it a liquid, and you’re good to go.
Water – I know, simple right? But overall, this is the basis for everything we do with Lauren’s hair. Sadly for a while, we had gotten away from it. Just the idea of having my baby leave the house with a wet head, scared me, so I went to the left and barely used water at all. Now I’m learning how to use it, in conjunction with conditioners and our coconut oil, to encourage moisture. And if I’m ever nervous about the temp outside, I just do a quick blast all over with the dryer on cool/lukewarm to soak up some of the wetness.
A Satin Pillowcase – This has turned into my new secret weapon in keeping everything at par. It used to be so frustrating to do Lauren’s hair, have her take a nap, and wake up to a dry, nappy mess. Having her sleep on the pillow case is a big help in keeping her hair from drying out. The one we (above) I found in Walmart one day, but I also think this one is really cute for a little girl.
Now I’m sure this list will be forever evolving , but for now, this is it, and we’re all pretty satisfied.
Serious about haircare!
What about you? Found anything you love lately? How are you keeping the moisture in your hair?
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Heck I’m learning alot and I used to be in Sally’s every weekend buying supplies for my grandma’s hair salon. Definitely a learning curve when you have a little girl. But we figuring it all out.