This is the simplist hair regimen that I have ever had to date with my curly hair.  I attempted to loc my hair after my son was born, but then removed my locs after 10 months.  Unfortunately I haven’t had the time to mix up any awesome DIY herbal hair treatments that you can find throughout this blog.  To be honest I’m not even sure when I will have a chance to do a proper henna treatment.  Hopefully soon.

I’ve decided to create a minimal product curly hair regimen that contained only four simple steps… cleanse, condition, stretch, and protect.

1. Cleanse

I still LOVE using my simple olive oil soap to wash my hair, yet I am trying out an organic shampoo bar to see if I can find another option to enjoy as well.  I have found that certain shampoo bars and my olive oil soap don’t completely strip your hair of its natural oils.  I wash my hair every 7-10 days.

2. Condition

Because shampoo bars are alkaline, it helps to follow up with a vinegar rinse especially if you live in an area with hard water.  Although we still use a shower filter which helps with hard water, I still need to follow up with a vinegar rinse after each wash to close the hair cuticle.

I dilute raw organic apple cider vinegar with water (usually a 1 to 4 ratio) and add a few drops of essential oils such as lemongrass, rosemary, and sage.  My apple cider vinegar rinse adds shine to my hair plus makes it a breeze to detangle.

3. Stretch

As a new mom I don’t have the time for fancy hair styles or long detangling sessions.  I also don’t enjoy curious tiny fingers tugging at my hair.  Stretching my hair with the banding method and/or braids plus updos are my go-to solution for both styling and future effortless detangling.

I always generously coat my hair with organic unrefined shea butter and gently detangle my hair with a detangling brush.  I still finger detangle my hair prior to washing, but having fully detangled hair in the beginning saves me so much time by the end of the week.  Saving time is everything right now.

Banding my hair comes as close to blow drying as I can get without heat.  This minimizes knots and tangles like no other.  I can also easily remove shed hairs as needed during the week.  I band my hair 2-4 sections.  Braids stretch my curls well too especially if I use at least eight sections.

4. Protect

I’ve been wearing my hair in some form of updo 90% of the time.  My hair stays moisturized much longer this way, and it also minimizes breakage and tangles.  My main styles are buns and banded ponytails so again nothing fancy.

This minimal regimen has made my life so much easier and takes a little over an hour to complete.

I do miss the days of pampering my hair, but most days I just have way too much going on.  I noticed a lot of length retention when I left my hair alone with my starter locs.  Ever since I’ve been sold with the idea of protective styling.  I used to think of protective styles as very boring.  Now it fits into my lifestyle perfectly, and will hopefully help me reach my hair length goal.

Years ago I had wanted to grow my hair to waist length.  Since making that goal I cut and layered my hair more times than I can count over the years.  Despite my indecisiveness, I think that is is very possible to actually make that length goal this year.  I’m just going to keep things simple and see what happens.

Do you have any hair goals for 2018?  What are your plans to reach your goal?

Update to regimen here.

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

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