Where did all the moisture go?

When I posted the question: What topics do you want Your Natural Wonder (YNW) to cover on our Facebook Fan Page, Tywanda Mines replied: Styling and moisturizing tips for natural hair that's not locked.

So to Tywanda we are gonna cover Moisturizing Tips.

I always tell my clients that dry, brittle hair needs to be nourished. Properly nourished hair is never thirsty!

 NO PETRO! - Do not use petroleum or mineral oil based products. They are topical agents. Meaning when petro or mineral oil is applied to the skin and/or hair it does not get absorb. It literally leaves a layer or film on skin and hair. And this layer makes skin and hair feel smooth or soft but doesn't increase the moisture content. The film doesn't allow healthy ingredients to penetrate the hair or skin because they become what we know as 'product builup'.

Try to use plant and nut oils and butters such as olive, coconut, almond, jojoba and/or shea, mango, and aloe butters. These oils & butters will get absorbed allowing the hair and skin to be properly nourished.
SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER - This is the first step in moisturizing or nourishing the hair. Shampoo and conditioner lays the foundation for everything else you plan to do to the hair.

The first shampoo is always a cleansing shampoo. Good rule of thumb this shampoo is clear in color. It should remove all product from the last hair style.

The second or last shampoo (depending on the regimen) should be a moisturizing shampoo. Good rule of thumb this shampoo is typically creamy, white or yellow in color. It should actually feel soft on your hands.

Final step is conditioning. The conditioner should be one that is rich in humectants. Humectants by definition are substances that promote moisture retention. Natural humectants include honey, vegetable glycerin, vitamin E, panthenol (a form of pantothenic acid - Vitamin B5), collagen and elastin.

TREATMENTS - When the hair is extra thirsty it will require a moisture treatment. Deep moisture treatments are typically thick and creamy. It will be packed with humectants and vitamins to restore the moisture. These treatments normally require heat because heat allows the hair shaft to better absorb the nutrients within the treatment.

Nature has some of the best treatments 10 Olive Oil Uses, Honey Deep Treatment, Cucumber Treatment.


Overall, you have to be proactive in keeping your hair nourished. Pay attention to amount of blow drying, flat ironing, and type of products you use in your hair.