I’m constantly changing my hair routine. Probably because my extremely demanding hair is every-changing! My hair grows quickly, and as it grows, my routine has needed to keep changing.
I love spicing up my routine and playing around with new products! Currently, I’ve revisited an old a go-to routine of mine. I’ve made some slight modifications, but I love these products and this method!
A little background on my hair:
- high porosity, dries easily and becomes brittle if it’s not well moisturised
- when stretched, curls go past my hips
- extremely dense and thick
- curl pattern can be inconsistent, with some curls coming out as loose ‘S’ shapes, and others as extremely tight coils
If your hair is similar to what I’ve described, you could really benefit from this routine! Otherwise, hopefully my routine can give you some inspiration on products and methods to introduce into yours.
1. Cleanse
I alternate between 2 shampoos. I use Flora & Curl Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Shampoo for my regular wash, and Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Shampoo for my clarifying wash. I normally clarify on every third wash.
For long hair, clarifying is extremely important! More hair = more product used each wash day as well as more refresh products. Make sure to deeply cleanse away any buildup often.
2. Condition
Okay…I know I say this a lot, but Alikay Naturals Caribbean Coconut Milk Conditioner is my FAVOURITE conditioner! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy using different conditioners and changing up my routine simply for the fun of it, but this is #1.
3. Styling
I keep my styling routine super simple. I only use 2 lightweight products. My hair is thick enough as it is – so I try to avoid thick products. I love the amount of definition that heavy, shea butter-dense creams give me, but I find that my hair responds better to lightweight textures.
Leave in Conditioner
I start with Flora & Curl Rose Water & Honey Leave-in Detangler. This texture is AMAZING! It’s light and easily melts into strands, but don’t be deceived! It truly moisturises curls by entering the strands and conditioning them from the inside out. Thanks to the potent ingredients in this formula, the moisture it offers lasts for days. More moisture = less frizz and more definition.
Gel
I lock in results using Flora & Curl Sweet Hibiscus Curl Defining Gel. The great thing about this gel is that it not only seals in definition, but also adds to it. It further defines my curls and moisturises them too, all while creating a gentle barrier around my strands that help them to stay in place! Unlike hard or crunchy gels, my hair actually feels softer once I’ve used this gel. It’s a 10/10 for me and I highly recommend it to anyone!
4. Method
I gently rake the leave in detangler into my curls, section by section. I focus some extra leave in on my ends, since they are prone to extra dryness. I then scrunch my curls well.
Once I feel like all of Flora & Curl’s miracle leave in conditioner has been melted into my curls and well scrunched, I flip my hair upside down and scrunch gel into it.
5. Sleep
Regardless of my routine, I always sleep with a bonnet at night. It makes a huge difference in preserving my results and reducing frizz.
6. Strategic hairstyles
I’m always super careful with my hairstyles. I either wear my hair down, half up-half down (but loosely tied) or in a low ponytail. I never do hairstyles that pull or strain my curls. I only do loose hairstyles.
7. Refresh
On days 3 onwards, I use Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner to refresh my curls. It’s texture is almost like a smoothie. It’s liquid enough to easily spritz into my curls, but thick enough to replenish my strands and reduce frizz.
You can shop all of these items here: curly hair products.
Don’t forget to check out my Instagram for more tips and routines: @curlylifeau
