Let's Talk Wash Day: A Friendly Chat With Your Curl Specialist

Hey there, curl friend!

I'm so excited to sit down and chat with you about something incredibly important—washing your beautiful curls. It’s one of those essential routines that, when done right, can make a world of difference in how your hair looks and feels. Imagine us sitting together, sipping a warm cup of tea, and diving into the wonderful world of curly hair care. Ready? Let’s go!

The Science of Shampoo: What’s Really Happening?

Let’s start with shampoo. We all know it’s supposed to clean our hair, but have you ever wondered how it works? Shampoo contains surfactants, which are compounds that attract both water and oil. They effectively lift dirt, oils, and product buildup from your scalp and hair, allowing them to be rinsed away with water.

There are different types of shampoos designed for various needs. For instance, clarifying shampoos are great for a deep clean, but they can be a bit harsh if used too often. Moisturizing shampoos, on the other hand, are gentler and help keep our curls hydrated. Knowing which type to use and when can make a big difference. For regular use, stick to a moisturizing shampoo that nourishes your curls without stripping them of their natural oils.

I normally recommend using a clarifying shampoo every 4 washes or on a monthly basis. However, if you are a swimmer, use a lot of heavy products with heavy oils and butters, or if you have a lot of visible build-up, you may have to use it more frequently.

Understanding pH: The Balance Your Hair Needs

Now, let’s talk about pH balance. Our scalp and hair have a natural pH of around 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This acidity helps keep the cuticle layer of our hair flat and closed, leading to smoother and shinier hair. When we use products that are too alkaline, the cuticle opens up, making the hair more prone to damage and frizz.

 

Clarifying shampoos are more alkaline, meaning they open up our cuticles to get a deep clean. Due to it's pH, we cannot use this product too often as it will lead to over drying of our curls. On the other end of the spectrum in terms of hair care, are deep conditioners. Deep conditioners have a pH of 3-4. They seal our cuticles which is great, but these products can also be over used. Do not replace your regular conditioner with a deep conditioner as it will throw off your hair's natural pH. Too much of a good thing is bad thing. It's all about finding the perfect balance for your hair. 

Look for shampoos and conditioners that are pH-balanced, like the Hydrate & Restore Collection to match the natural pH of your scalp and hair. This helps maintain that smooth cuticle and keeps your hair healthy and resilient.

Handling Wet Hair: Be Gentle!

Did you know that your hair is most fragile when it’s wet? The cuticle layer lifts slightly, making the hair more prone to breakage. That’s why it’s so important to handle your hair with care during and after washing.

Here’s a tip: always use a wide-tooth comb, your fingers or a detangling brush to detangle your hair weather it is dry or wet, and do it gently. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid pulling and breaking your strands. 

Conditioning and Deep Conditioning: Locking in Moisture

Conditioning your hair is a vital step in your wash routine. Conditioners have a slightly acidic pH, similar to our hair and scalp, which helps close the cuticle after shampooing. This sealing action locks in moisture, reduces frizz, and leaves your hair feeling smooth and manageable.

Deep conditioning takes this a step further by providing intense hydration and nourishment. Deep conditioners usually contain higher concentrations of conditioning agents and are left on the hair for a longer period to penetrate the hair shaft deeply.

Here's another tip: After applying your conditioner or deep conditioner, finish with a cool water rinse. This helps to further seal the cuticle, locking in moisture and adding extra shine to your curls.

Rationale: Cool water helps to close the cuticle layer, which reduces frizz and enhances the natural shine of your hair.

Wash Day Tips: Making the Most of It

1. Pre-wash Detangling: Detangle your curls before you begin to wash your hair. The act of wetting your hair will cause the cuticle to slightly raise (due to the pH of water), that includes the cuticles of the shed hair trapped in your curls. 

   • Rationale: This step helps to prevent unnecessary tangling which can lead to breakage and damage to your curls. 
     
     

2. Shampoo with Care: Focus the shampoo on your scalp but do not forget to wash your strands as well. Use the pads of your fingers for your scalp, avoiding scratching too hard and rub your strands between your hands. Let the lather and the manual movement cleanse your strands for five minutes and then it rinses out.

   • Rationale: This ensures your scalp is properly cleansed and also removes product build-up from along your hair. Shampooing for 3-5 minutes gives the ingredients in the shampoo a chance to bind with the oil and dirt to then be rinsed out of your hair. 
     
     

3. Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends. Lather it ion your strands just as with the shampoo and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

   • Rationale: Conditioner helps to hydrate and detangle your hair, finishing off the shampooing process by closing your cuticles, making your curls smoother and locking in moisture.
     
     

4. Cool Rinse: Finish with a cool water rinse or what I like to call a "Cold Shot" to help further seal the cuticle and add shine.

   • Rationale: Cool water helps to close the cuticle, locking in moisture and reducing frizz.

5. Styling: Apply your water based Leave-in your hair when it is fully saturated- and I mean dripping, with water for better distribution and absorption.

   • Rationale: This keeps your curls hydrated in between wash days, reduces friction when styling and helps to define your curls.

Remember, wash day is not just about cleaning your hair—it’s about pampering it. Take your time, be gentle, and enjoy the process. Your curls will thank you!

I hope these tips and insights help you on your journey to healthy, happy curls. If you ever have any questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you embrace your natural beauty every step of the way.

What other hair care questions do you have? Is there something specific you’d like to ask your curl specialist? Drop your questions below—I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time,

Destini