Updated Curly Hair Routine 2020

I wanted to share my updated curly hair routine, and explain how I treat + style my hair. I grew out my relaxed hair from 2011 to 2012. I was tired of having dry and damaged relaxed hair. I actually had some hair loss from my very last hair relaxer, which prompted me to grow out my hair. I grew out the relaxer few months prior to Hurricane Sandy. I don't remember how many months, I went without a relaxer... it could of been anywhere between 5 to 8 months. I did two big chops, the initial one I had maybe about 4-5 inches of hair. The second big chop, my hair was cut into a TWA. The ends of my hair were very unhealthy and I wanted a fresh start. I'm no longer dependent on the hair typing system however, I would say I have 3C/4A textured hair. Fast forward, to almost 8 years later, my hair is almost bra strap length stretched (or straighten, which I haven't done in about 5 years).

This is what my hair looks like today. I have lots of volume, body, and length! I mainly like to keep my hair 'stretched' meaning, choosing a hairstyle that allows my natural curls to lengthen, making the curls less susceptible to breakage. My wash day consists of a Henna treatment on dry hair, then a cowash, and deep conditioner after every wash and session. Henna has been my secret weapon for a few years now in maintaining healthy, shiny, and voluminous hair.  I first learned about Henna from the hair maven herself, CurlyNikki (much r-e-s-p-e-c-t). Using henna on a consistent or weekly basis can be a little time consuming and daunting for some women. Most women can only commit to a monthly treatment or biweekly. I try to do a henna weekly, because I see significant changes and benefits in my hair. I get looser curls (this is not universal), shiny hair, softer hair, a red tint (ahem... for the two grays I have), and it reduces the amount of time my hair takes to dry.

My Weekly Routine:

Once a week, I apply henna to my hair from either Mountain Rose Herbs or Henna Sooq (my new favorite retailer). The type of henna I purchase from Henna Sooq is Organic Rajasthani Indian henna, which yields a lovely tint and  red coloring on the hair, in direct sunlight. In regular lighting your hair will appear dark and shiny if you already have black hair. I typically like to leave henna in my hair for about 20-30 minutes with heat. Since I've been staying home more often, and less pressed for time, I follow the Curly Nikki routine, and leave it in overnight or for a few hours. Since I switched brands of henna... for some reason my curl pattern has significantly loosened however, the loosening effects is something I've experienced in the past with henna. Lately, I've been setting my hair on perm rods to maintain a consistent curl pattern. Usually, I would just flat twist my hair, and allow the ends of my hair to curl up naturally after twisting. My hair lately, unravels or does not stay twisted uniformed after my henna sessions. The loosening effects of henna are not universal, meaning not every natural, regardless of the hair type, will experience the adverse results.

Once I'm ready to wash the henna out, I rinse it out in the sink with warm water for about 5-10 minutes, until the water runs clear. Then I apply my favorite cowash by Camille Rose Naturals, which the Caramel Cowash, which I absolutely love! After my hair is squeaky clean, I apply another favorite, which is the Curl Junkie Curl Rehab (strawberry ice cream scent) deep conditioner. I've been using this deep conditioner for the past 10 years, and it always provides fabulous results, and my hair always smells great until wash day rolls around again! I usually deep condition with heat under a hooded dryer for about 15-30 minutes weekly. When I rinse out the conditioner, I leave about 5% to 10% left in my hair for extra added moisture and conditioning benefits. 

Towel drying my hair is my second to last step in my routine. Most weekends or whenever wash day is for me (which is always weekly), I like to air dry my hair with an old t-shirt or microfiber towel for about 45 minutes to 1 hours. I find I get better end results, when I do not set/style my hair on soaking wet hair. My last step in my process consists of medium-sized flat twists with perm rods on the ends only using two products. I love the Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk and I usually apply 1-2 pumps per section, before I flat twist my hair and set with a perm rod. I also apply pure and organic argan oil to my hair before styling and to seal the ends of my hair. I usually take down my hair the following day, and my hair always about 95% to 98% dry, and my sleek and stretched curls are set even further into a secured but loose bun for about 3-4 days out of the week. I like to keep low maintenance protective style for majority of the week. Once things draw closer to the weekend, or when I want and need to dress up, I release my hair out of the bun for a even more sleek and stretched out style, consisting of loose/wavy curls. 

My hair care routine is very simple, a little time consuming, since I use henna weekly as a pre-treatment. Honestly the weeks, where I will be short or pressed for time, I cut down on the length of time I keep hair treatments in my hair. I always sleep on satin and silk scarves, bonnets, and pillowcases. I even stepped things up and purchased some chic silk hair ties for when I wear my hair out. I think once you find great products and a method of hair care and styling that works for your hair and lifestyle, it's easier to maintain natural and curly hair. I mostly focus on moisture and styles that do not cause stress on my scalp or hair. My go-to styles are buns, a sleek textured bubble ponytail, and sleek loose/wavy curly look. I do not apply any products to my hair for the week, unless my hair is extremely dry, once I decide to switch up the style, and my hair is out or my ends are exposed. I apply argan oil for extra moisture and shine, no water-based products are used to spruce up my hair mid-week. To maintain my sleek styles, I apply CURLS Blueberry Bliss Control Paste to my hairline/edges nightly. 

If you have any questions on my updated hair care routine, don't be shy to leave some lovely comments! Take care everyone and stay SAFE.

- Mel