Wash day can be brutal for those of us with challenging hair. Colored hair and tight textures are especially susceptible to dryness and breakage. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your hair feeling soft and supple each wash day. Here are five easy treatments that will elevate your wash day!
Hot Oil Treatment
Before shampooing your hair, add anywhere from a quarter size amount to half an ounce of your favorite oil to your strands. Be sure to coat them gently and work in sections. Mist your hair with water, place a plastic cap over your head and let it “marinate” for half an hour before shampooing. The water and oil combination will help soften your hair and you will notice that your hair is easier to manage after washing.
Hair Rinse
Hair rinses have several benefits and are the perfect intermediate or final step when washing your hair. Each rinse has its benefits and here are some popular ones to try.
- Black Tea – DHT blocker and prevents shed hair.
- Beer Rinse – Protein treatment and volumizer.
- Coffee Rinse – Softens, shines, improves circulation, and increases cell turnover.
- Rice Water – Strengthens and thickens. Use it before conditioner.
- ACV – Smooths hair, improves manageability, and prevents dandruff.
Pour or spray the concoction all over your clean hair and scalp, wait approximately 5-20 minutes and then rinse with water. Try the rinse that best suits your hair care needs or have fun combining them.
Protein Conditioner
Some of us need a little help. Protein conditioners help strengthen fragile strands that are prone to breakage. If you don’t want to do a full Protein treatment, opt to use a quick and easy protein conditioner.
Conditioner/ Oil Mix
Just like a hot oil treatment, applying conditioner and oil prior to shampooing with guarantee softer, more manageable hair.
Dirt
It’s not what you think. Clays and herbs like Henna, Chebe, and Cassia do wonders for the hair. Use them on clean or “clean-ish” hair to give it a nice deep conditioning. Henna is excellent for porous hair. If you are having a lazy day, opt to skip wash day by using bentonite clay and tea as a gentle shampoo alternative.
