Restoring Hydration to DRY, FRIZZY & TANGLED Natural and Transitioning Hair

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Hair feeling wonky and out of sorts? Dry frizziness (and not the cute kind) that won't quit? Does it seem like your products aren't working, and spritzing your hair with water and other concoctions just ain't cutting it? At this point in the game, most natural hair blogs and vlogs are going to tell you that you probably need to clarify your hair with an SLS-containing shampoo, apple cider vinegar, bentonite clay, baking soda, and prayer. And then, theyre going to tell you to deep condition.

But what if you've done that, and your hair is still full of drama?

That's the exact predicament I was in. I shampooed, deep conditioned, prayed, moisturized, sealed, spritzed, and prayed some more -- and my hair still looked and felt a mess. That's when I put my thinking cap on. It didn't take long for me to have my lightbulb moment --  moisture and hydration are essential to healthy, well-managed hair. That goes for natural, relaxed, transitioning, straight, kinky, curly, coily, short, long, and awkward length hair.

You probably know how to moisturize your hair -- but are you properly hydrating it?

The difference between moisture and hydration
Moisturizing the hair involves the use of emollients like butters and oils to lock water content into the hair. That's right -- we've been looking at moisture all wrong. Hydrating the hair involves the use of humectants, proteins, amino acids, and certain vitamins to aid in the absorption and binding of  water to the hair. Does this mean throw out all your products and start over? Absolutely not. Just look at them a little differently from now on!

This also doesn't mean go around slathering on butters and oils to hydrate the hair -- because oils and butters are occlusive (they lock water in and out), any true hydration issues will be masked by how soft and smooth your hair feels. In order to correct hydration issues with the hair, a water-based product with Panthenol, amino acids, and proteins are great. You can find this combination in any number of deep conditioners, or check out my powerhouse hydrating combination below:

My rehydration process
This process can be done as a pre-shampoo treatment, after shampoo conditioning, or even as a mid-week hydration restoring treatment.

To thoroughly detangle and begin the re-hydration process, I use Infusium 23 Pro-Vtamin B5 Formula Leave-In Treatment, also known as Infusium 23 Repair & Renew Leave-In Treatment. Enriched with conditioning agents and amino acids, the Infusium 23 is lightweight and liquidy with tons of slip. It instantly absorbs into the hair to help restore hydration, strength, smoothness, and shine. For the full review of the Infusium 23 Leave-In Treatment, click here.

For additional strength, hydration, conditioning, and moisture, I follow the Infusium 23 up with One n' Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask. Packed full of conditioning agents, protein, oils, and butters, this mask has reconstructive, rehydrating, strengthening, and softening properties. When combined with the Infusium 23, I've got a moisturizing and strengthening powerhouse! You can feel free to substitute any deep conditioner for the Argan Oil Restorative Mask. Another favorite of mine is the Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask. Click here to read the One n' Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask review.

Check out my demo below for how I restore hydration and strength to my dry, frizzy, and tangled natural hair:


****Let me know if you find the demo videos helpful! I'm trying to incorporate them into my reviews more!****

10 Comments

  1. Is this your pre-poo combo? I got here from your article on Naturally Curly and I've been looking for a good pre-poo to add to my regimen...I'm not sure what I've been doing (an oil and conditioner mix on damp hair) is working well for me anymore. Thanks for the info!

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  2. Hi MsPooh! Yes it is! I use either the One n' Only, the Eva NYC Therapy Session Hair Mask (review on the blog), or the Proclaim Argan Oil Mask. But the Infusium stays no matter what!

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  3. My hair is super brittle, dry, and unmanageable.. I stopped getting relaxers over a year ago but get a wash and flat iron faithfully every 2 weeks. I want to work on my "curl pattern" so I will be using your blog as my bible! (from the look and sound of it we have the same type of hair) Wish me luck!! Can't wait to get home and hydrate/moisturize my hair

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  4. Omg thank you!!!!! That is such a huge compliment. Best of luck in your journey!!!! Definitely check out my "no heat challenge" check-ins under Christina's Mane --> My Transition. I dish on my progress every three months there. Thank you for the love, and I hope you reach your hair goals!!!

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  5. So if this is a pre poo, do you deep condition after your wash?

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  6. Absolutely! I live in LA, so combatting dry air is a never-ending battle lol.

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  7. I think I will try this method. The 5 step method on the other site is too much. I need hydration my hair is super dry but I want the most effective and cost effective way to do it. Thanks!

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  8. My hair is horrid, butI want to try to get curls that are manageable so I can lay off the braids for awhile. I will try these products, but question, I noticed you didn't wash it out. I'm guessing I don't have to?

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  10. That's the exact predicament I was in. I shampooed, deep conditioned, prayed, moisturized, sealed, spritzed, and prayed some more -- and my hair still looked and felt a mess. bridal bed sheets designs pakistani , cotton polyester duvet sets That's when I put my thinking cap on. It didn't take long for me to have my lightbulb moment -- moisture and hydration are essential to healthy, well-managed hair. That goes for natural, relaxed, transitioning, straight, kinky, curly, coily, short, long, and awkward length hair.

    ReplyDelete