Let’s start by defining what protein and moisture actually are ⇩:
Protein is what gives your hair strength, shape, and structure. Hair that lacks protein tends to be very weak, lifeless, and prone to breakage. Moisture prevents your hair from being dry, it improves your hair’s elasticity, and it increases shine. If your hair doesn’t have enough moisture, it will be very dry and hard to retain length.
Signs you need protein:
If you have chemically treated or color treated hair, you most likely have high porosity. High porosity hair is more susceptible to dryness, tangles, and breakage because of gaps in the hair strands. It’s very important to stay on top of your protein treatments if you have high porosity because if you don’t, your hair will break off.
Protein is what makes your hair strong, so if your hair is feeling weak, that’s an indication that you most likely need protein.
Are your curls looking flat, stringy, and lifeless? A protein treatment may be all you need to make those curls pop!
Signs you need moisture:
When your hair is dry, you can tell! The frizz will be atrocious and the strands will be begging for moisture. Don’t let your hair get dried out, moisturize it sis! Deep conditioning treatments will definitely do your curls some justice. Even when you aren’t doing a deep conditioning treatment, you should always use a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair. Not only will leave-ins keep your hair moisturized but they also will serve as heat protectants from the sun and blow dryers.
If your hair is dry, it will obviously get tangled. Moisture is key if you’re dealing with tangles or knots! We definitely recommend deep conditioning treatments or hot oil treatments for this issue.
No matter how many styling products you use, you will not get your desired results if your hair isn’t properly moisturized. Make sure to keep up with your deep conditioning treatments and use moisturizing products, like creams and butters.
Why is balancing moisture and protein so important?
In order to achieve healthy curly hair, you must maintain a healthy balance of protein and moisture. It’s very important to be able to identify which one you need because that will determine what products you need to use in your hair care regimen. You don’t want to overuse either one because you can get moisture or protein overload. With moisture overload, your hair will feel mushy. With protein overload, your hair will become extremely dry and you’ll experience breakage. Just keep a healthy balance and only give your hair what it needs, you should be fine!
Thank you for reading curlies, we hope you all found this information useful. Check out our other blog articles and make sure to follow us on social media!
Recommended blogs:
⋙How to use Oils for Healthy Natural Hair
⋙Toxic Product Ingredients to AVOID!
⋙Maintaining Moisture in your Natural Hair
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Natural hair is a sucker for moisture. From tight coils for loose curls, incorporating hair oils into your hair routine will keep your locks hydrated from root to tip, and that’s when hair growth becomes noticeable. Keep your curls and coils quenched and you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy hair in no time!
Below are some of the top ways you can use oils for your naturally curly hair.
When using oils to grow curly hair, keep in mind it’s essential to clarify [your hair] regularly! A good pre poo for natural hair should contain high-quality oils that will inject your hair with a moisture boost and prevent it from feeling stripped. Pre poo treatments also help with detangling, which results in less shedding and breakage. Popular oil options include coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, or a pre-made mix like this one. Make sure you’re following us on instagram because we always post pre-poo tutorials and demonstrations!
Continue reading: Two Ingredient Pre-Poo Recipes For Natural Hair, Banana Oooh Na Na Pre-poo - DIY
Curlies, whether your goal is to see faster hair growth or to improve the overall health and condition of your hair, if you aren’t deep conditioning - now is the time! Seriously… start next wash day! Adding a small amount (1-2 table spoons depending on your hair) of oil to your deep conditioner will not only penetrate the hair shaft and restore moisture, but hydrate your curls from the inside out. This is key for growth! Alternatively, you can also apply oil over your deep conditioner, like this.
Continue reading: Deep Conditioning Your Curls The Right Way
Are you using the LOC method? Use a leave-in conditioner, seal it in with hair oil and then apply a cream or gel. On the other hand, style your hair as usual and apply your oil as the final step. These styling methods will help with moisture retention; prevent frizz and brittleness; and increase curl definition. Win! Win! Win!!
Continue reading: Maintaining Moisture in your Natural Hair
Your scalp needs TLC as well as the lengths of your hair! To keep your scalp feeling moisturized and itch free, apply a few drops of oil directly to your scalp when refreshing your hair or when rocking a protective style. Keep in mind that oils seal in moisture, so if your scalp is already dry, moisturize with water or a hair tea prior to adding the oil. Remember, healthy hair requires a healthy scalp, so give it the attention it needs! Oils will add nutrients, vitamins, and deliver replenishment to grow curly hair in length and strength.
Curly hair is often dry because natural hair oils cannot travel down the hair shaft as easily. Curls and coils make it difficult for oils to reach the ends, so it’s up to you to keep your hair hydrated. Add a small amount of oil to a bowl or a bottle, place it in a larger bowl of hot water and you’ve got yourself a hot oil treatment. Or should we say “warm oil”? Make sure you don’t burn yourself. Consistent hot oil treatments moisturize, strengthen, soften and can treat dandruff! We recommend doing a hot oil treatment at least once a month. Here's a quick tutorial.
Have you used any of these techniques? Comment below which is your favorite, or which you’re planning to try! I know you’ll be amazed at how using oils can benefit natural hair growth and overall hair health. Of course, the Dominican Curly Ayurvedic Hair Oil is perfect for any of these methods. Check out the reviews on the product page from curlies just like me and you!
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The Venus Glow Facial Mask is not your average clay mask. It is Bentonite clay based, but it contains Aloe Vera & Banana Extract which provide the skin with added moisture and nourishment. The Venus Glow Facial Mask also -
•detoxes & exfoliates skin leaving it cleansed, refreshed & rejuvenated
•fades dark marks, scars & hyperpigmentation
•tightens pores
Below are some tips for using it. Keep reading for glowing skin ✨
•Use 1 or 2x a week - this is a detox (deep cleansing) mask and it's not intended for daily use;⠀
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•Upgrade your mask by switching your liquid from water to aloe vera juice, herbal tea or apple cider vinegar (caution with acv for sensitive skin, when in doubt, dilute with water. I only use acv every 2 weeks or so + my skin type is oily/combo). Yes! You can mix with the Hibiscus Hair Tea or the Calendula Hair Tea;
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•Add steam if you can! It opens up your pores + helps loosen build up for a deeper cleanse. I recently purchased this facial steamer; ⠀⠀⠀⠀
•Rinse your mask off when it’s about 80% dry. This makes it easier to wash off. + With a bentonite clay mask especially, this also reduces the chance that you’ll be red after. Some redness is normal after a clay mask & it should go away on its own. The longer you let the mask dry on your face - the more likely it is you'll experience redness.
Of course, you can apply these tips to other masks including those you DIY. Let me know how you like the face mask!
xo
Consy Toribio
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