If you follow my Instagram page, @mitchellzee, then you already know that I have been experiencing some breakage lately. I have already taken steps to help strengthen my hair with protein. For this I went back to my trusty Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor but I also picked up some Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in. Both products claim to help strengthen damaged hair so I figured they may be what my hair needs right now.
When I started examining my hair regimen over the past couple of months though I noticed that I had been shampooing more often. Now, I’m not afraid to cleanse my hair with shampoo because I’ll sometimes use an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse afterwards to help restore my hair’s pH level. Recently though I was skipping this step altogether. I also started using a cheapie Suave shampoo with sulfates and silicones instead of my staple, Elasta QP’s Creme Conditioning shampoo. I like using shampoo once per week because my scalp does not feel as clean with other products. That’s why I decided I should start using oils to give my hair extra moisture and protection from the drying effects of the shampoo.
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| I’m using Olive and Coconut Oils for moisture and conditioning |
The following week I tried a pre-shampoo (pre-poo) treatment with olive oil. This was just to ensure that my shampoo wouldn’t strip my hair during the washing process. I also applied the oil to my scalp and massaged it in thouroughly to treat any dryness or flaking. After using shampoo and conditioner I used the olive oil again with the Cantu Shea Butter leave-in and put my hair into plaits. The resulting braid out was fab-u-lous!
My hair this week is feeling much more pliable and moisturized than before. Right now I’m looking for a new shampoo that is not as drying. Otherwise, I will continue to use the coconut and olive oils consistently over the next few months. I really want to start retaining more of my length this year. I can see that the oils will play a big part in helping me achieve my goals.