Hey, Curl Chasers, Jada here! I’m taking over Penny’s blog today to tell y’all how much I luuuuuvvvv my winter haircare regimen. Now you may have read that I don’t like shampoos including the no sulfate variety. They dry me out like you would not believe. I may be a sassy head of curls, but I require a gentler approach. With Old Man Winter breathing down my follicles, I needed help. Being a “healthy” size lady I can’t fit in most hats and the rest give me headaches. Thank God that Penny’s a smart one. She came up with the perfect regimen to protect me over the winter. Let me break it down for you.
1. Cleansing: While the rampant humidity keeps it from getting to dry around here, it’s still too dry for my taste. My texture is no joke, so build up can get serious. Penny found a great cleanser for me with all the traits of a good winter cleanser. It cleans, softens, conditions, and detangles pretty well. Is it a co-wash? No, I’ve never had much luck with those, but I’ve heard that normal and high porosity naturals love ‘em. It is a cream cleanser from CURLS and Honey, it was love at first cleanse. Pre-pooing with an oil, that Penny knows I like, makes it even better.
2. Conditioning: I’m gonna come right out and say it…there is a lot of me. When it comes to conditioner, no wusses allowed. I’ve got to have great slip and even greater moisture. But, it also needs to make a great co-wash on my none cleanser days (Penny only cleanses me once a week in the winter to keep me classy. No strippin’ y’all!). Is it possible to have such a condish? Yes, though others swear by cheaper brands due to usage rates, for us newbie curls slightly more expensive bottles can still last awhile. Penny bought me CURLS Coconut Colada conditioner to go with the cleanser nearly a month ago, and we still lasting. Believe me I am thick but this stuff ain’t no joke ! It coats and smooths with little effort. Don’t be afraid to show your curls a little luxury this winter. Think moisture not price, but don’t go crazy.
3.Oil Rinsing: I probably should have mentioned this between cleansing and conditioning because that’s when it’s done. Oooooh is it a treat! It helps lock in unbelievable moisture and makes detangling far easier. It keeps me from being too oily after I’ve been cleansed and conditioned. I get a little frazzled if you apply oil after or in the middle of product application. I especially love this step in the winter. It protects me from the cold.
3.Oil Rinsing: I probably should have mentioned this between cleansing and conditioning because that’s when it’s done. Oooooh is it a treat! It helps lock in unbelievable moisture and makes detangling far easier. It keeps me from being too oily after I’ve been cleansed and conditioned. I get a little frazzled if you apply oil after or in the middle of product application. I especially love this step in the winter. It protects me from the cold.
4. Deep Conditioning: I don’t talk much about deep conditioning because I’ve had some bad experiences. And by bad, honey, let me Tell you. I’ve discovered that Shea Butter makes me greasy and itchy. Now, mango butter I love, but I’ve not a fan of any others (some we’ve never tried). You see Penny and I thought that all curls could benefit from Shea Butter products. I mean after all it’s in almost every natural haircare line around. After a few itchy days, we both came to the conclusion that Shea butter is not for me and that’s okay. If you’re anti oily butters, there are deep conditioners without Shea butter such as Eden Bodyworks Jojoba and Monoi Deep Conditioner. Or if you’re like Penny, you can make your own. One of my favs is banana with jojoba oil and honey. The key is to purée the banana first to get all the little pieces out or go the banana baby food route. I like deep conditioning twice a month in the winter to handle the drier situation.
5. Leave-In/Stylers: Now in the warmer months a simple moisturizing leave-in will do, but come winter a moisturizing styler is a must have as well. My girl, Penny, hooked me up with the Kinky Curly Knot Today and Curling Custard duo. I was skeptical at first cuz I love my humectants, but humectant free is workin’ for me…at least in the winter. Whether it’s a custard, gel, cream-gel, butter, or oil, you take it from a set of curls who knows…your waves, curls, or kinks will thank you.
*Note from Penny: Hey, fellow chasers! I thought it would be cool if “The Hair” now known as Jada broke down the rules of thumb for a newbie or any natural’s winter regimen. You might have noticed that she didn't mention protective styling. That's because we don't dig protective styles. They just don't work for us, so I rarely do them. Though protective styles aren't for everyone, you can still protect your tresses with low manipulative styling. I hope you enjoyed Jada's winter rundown!
5. Leave-In/Stylers: Now in the warmer months a simple moisturizing leave-in will do, but come winter a moisturizing styler is a must have as well. My girl, Penny, hooked me up with the Kinky Curly Knot Today and Curling Custard duo. I was skeptical at first cuz I love my humectants, but humectant free is workin’ for me…at least in the winter. Whether it’s a custard, gel, cream-gel, butter, or oil, you take it from a set of curls who knows…your waves, curls, or kinks will thank you.
*Note from Penny: Hey, fellow chasers! I thought it would be cool if “The Hair” now known as Jada broke down the rules of thumb for a newbie or any natural’s winter regimen. You might have noticed that she didn't mention protective styling. That's because we don't dig protective styles. They just don't work for us, so I rarely do them. Though protective styles aren't for everyone, you can still protect your tresses with low manipulative styling. I hope you enjoyed Jada's winter rundown!
Later Days & Merry Christmas!
~PJ & Jada