4c Hair Regimen 2017

Building a daily hair regimen for 4c natural hair doesn’t have to be complicated.  What I have learned over the past 6 years is that having healthy hair isn’t dependent on any particular product, however, the way that you manage your hair and the frequency for which you use your products can make all the difference to your success.  Building a regimen taught me that to achieve my goals, I needed to have an understanding of my hair’s needs and preferences.  I also needed to have the motivation to stay consistent and maintain a daily hair care routine.

After only a few months of being natural I started journaling my progress.  I find it beneficial to keep a diary of the things that work favorably for my 4c cottony texture.  I also journal about the things that cause my hair to suffer.  Establishing a daily regimen allows me to understand the conditions that permit my hair to thrive.  I recognize when my hair needs moisture, protein, or a trim, or if it’s safe to forego protective styling.

Since creating my first the regimen back in 2013, I have been looking for various ways to simplify my routine without creating any negative effects on my hair.  I have found that the following basic components have allowed me to create a successful hair regimen:  using a gentle cleanser and an equally gentle conditioner to wash and condition my hair; and a liquid, a moisturizer, and an oil to moisturize and daily.  My current regimen has not changed significantly over the past 4 years.

Creating a daily regimen that works has empowered me to show others that 4c hair is not “difficult” or “ugly” — that our hair is just as beautiful as other hair types and in some cases more awe-inspiring.

Find products that work for you and then create a schedule which that benefits your hair.

Current Products

Cleanser: DIY clay wash (Kaolin clay or Kaolin clay with goat milk powder)
Shampoo (occasional use): Komaza Hair Care Moja Moisturizing Shampoo
Conditioner: Giovanni Eco Chic Hair Care Smooth as Silk Conditioner
Protein Treatment:  Komaza Hair Care Protein Hair Strengthener
Moisturizer:  DIY moisturizing hair cream
Spritz:  Giovanni Eco Chic Hair Care Direct Leave-In Conditioner diluted with water
Oils:  Broccoli seed carrier oil

Current Technique

WEEK 1 — Sunday (Wash day):

Pre-shower

• I detangle my hair with my fingers, then place my hair into 6 to 8 twists.  I do NOT remove these twists while washing my hair

In shower

• I wash my hair with DIY clay wash (or Komaza Hair Care Moja Moisturizing Shampoo as required)
• I condition with Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner
• Afterwards, I squeeze the excess water out of my twists then use a t-shirt to sop up any remaining water, but do not attempt to dry my hair (plopping)

Post-shower and Styling

• (L):  I spritz my hair with Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner diluted with water
• (C):  I moisturize with DIY moisturizing hair cream.  I apply it by holding my head forward so that I can make sure that I get ends first and then apply it to the rest of my hair by working my way up to my roots.  I lightly rub the product onto my hair then squeeze the product into the twists
• (O): I oil the length of my hair using broccoli seed oil (1 dollop for each half of my hair).  Apply to hair using same method as moisturizer
• Afterwards, I let my twists air dry

Optional

• I apply liquid (L) to my hair prior to styling
• One by one, I take down one of the existing large twists so that I can break them down into smaller twists.  Conversely, I combine mini twists into larger twists until my head is completed.
• If a twist that has been washed but not re-twisted dries out during the styling process, I spritz my hair BEFORE taking the twist down so that my hair remains pliable and easier to work with
• After all of the twists are completed I apply additional liquid (L) as needed, then proceed to apply moisturizer (C) and oil (O)

Note:

• If I encounter knots, I do NOT try to take them out using a comb, nor do I try to rip them out.  I only use my fingers to gently detangle as much of the knot as I can.  If I get absolutely stuck, I will snip as few hairs as possible, then continue to gently detangle my hair.  The knot usually falls away at this point
• I do NOT take braids or twists out of my hair using a comb.  My fingers are my best tools to complete the job!
• If I only have time for a rush job, then it’s not time to do my hair

During the week (Monday through Saturday mornings):

• I use LCO method everyday or as needed
• Daily Style: I place my twisted hair in a ponytail or a bun to keep ends off of my shoulders (i.e. Hair on shoulders/clothes = damage)

WEEK 2

I repeat the whole process, except I do not remove the twists

WEEK 3

I repeat the process from week 1, but with twisted hair.  After I wash my hair, I will either break the existing twists down into smaller twists or combine them into larger ones

WEEK 4

Repeat the process from week 2

Note:

I do:

• Protein treatment on my hair every four (4) weeks using Komaza Hair Care Protein Hair Strengthener
• Trim my hair every three (3) months
• Use seamless combs to thoroughly detangle my hair, 3 to 4 times per year