Confessions of a Recovering Product Junkie

Like many new naturals I got sucked into the notion that certain products were needed to achieve hair goals. I had to use specific shampoos, multiple conditioners, moisturizers and styling products depending on the season and how much definition I needed, oils the covered the alphabet and a few supplements because my hair needed a boost in growing. I had the idea, but I was a little off. 

Now every product does have a specific purpose, however that does not mean it is absolutely necessary in order to get the results you are looking for. Let's examine each category:

Shampoos: The purpose of a shampoo is to cleanse the hair and scalp removing any product build-up that has developed from the previous wash. As long as your shampoo is doing this it is doing its job. Some people like to avoid sulfates in their shampoos as they are credited with "over-cleaning" and causing dry hair which can lead to breakage. Even in this case, there are many brands catering to natural hair that offer sulfate-free options at affordable costs. 

At home alternative: apple cider vinegar and water 

Conditioners: The purpose of conditioners are to return your hair to its normal pH level after washing. This helps fight frizz, tangles, split ends and breakage while also adding some shine and moisture. If you'd like there are pH strips available to test the pH levels of products you use. ( I personally don't have the time and just go by the feeling of my hair to choose a good conditioner.) Some people avoid silicones as they can cause a build-up on hair and scalp and prevent proper moisturizing. Again there are several options available at varying cost. 

At home alternative: There are several that I will discuss in a later post.

Hair supplements: Supplements are meant to replace any nutrients that are necessary in growing hair. These are vitamins and minerals that we all get from foods we eat, however if you have a deficiency the supplements will help. With that being said, if you do not have a deficiency the body does not store a large amount of vitamins and minerals and any excess vitamins will be excreted in your urine.

At home alternative: balanced diet and WATER!!! 

Styling products and moisturizers: The purpose of these are varied. Mostly to lock in moisture or aid in creating different hairstyles. Many times these types of products have multiple uses. A good moisturizer will eave the hair soft and manageable. A good combo product will provide the benefits of a moisturizer as well as some hold to keep styles in place. This will vary on personal preference and can become a trial and error phase until you find what works for you. I would recommend trying sample sizes or travel sizes as they are less expensive and if you do not like the product there is not a bunch left over.

At home alternatives: natural oils, avocado, honey and flax-seed gel. 

After going through months of trying every product I saw in the drug store, hair store or online I realized after I had a few things I absolutely love, I didn't need a bunch of products to maintain my hair and achieve growth goals.

Are you a PJ (product junkie)?
How do you go about trying new products?
Have you made any of you own products?
What are your staple products?

My Wash Routine

I usually wash my hair with shampoo once per month. (Co-washing weekly). Here are the steps I follow:

1. Section hair into four sections for easy handling. 

2. Take down one section of hair. Spritz lightly with water. Detangle from ends to root being sure to remove any shed hairs. Repeat on each section. I have been finger detangling to prevent any unnecessary breakage, but I am not against using combs.

3. At this point I combine sections so that I have two for washing. Either one in the front and one in the back or one on the left side and one on the right. Wash each section separately. I apply shampoo to my scalp and massage. As I rinse my scalp the shampoo will run down the shaft of my hair and cleanse it.

4. I dry the excess water from my hair using a tee-shirt. With my hair still two separate sections I apply my deep conditioner. Cover with a plastic  cap for about 45 minutes.

5. Rinse the deep conditioner. 

I usually style my hair while it is wet so I don't towel or air dry. How do you wash your hair? 

The Beginning

Who am I?

My name is Zaakirah (Zaaa-Kir-ah), I'm 21 years old, a Philadelphia native and a natural hair fanatic.

Why I hated my natural hair:

One day in third grade a classmate said to me "tell your mom to fix your hair because its getting nappy." A boy next to me overheard and laughed so hard the teacher heard him. She asked why he was laughing and of course he announced to the entire class that he was laughing at my nappy hair. Most embarrassing moment of my life to date. After school, I marched right home and told my mom what had happened and demanded she do something. That weekend I got my first relaxer at age nine. I went to school on Monday feeling like a million bucks and no one dared called my hair nappy again.

Why I decided to go natural:

After years of getting a relaxer every 6-8 weeks and then turning into a lazy bum and relaxing whenever I felt like it my hair began to suffer. Dry, brittle, split and broken! One day in my senior year of high school I was fed up and decided I had enough. I was kickin' the crack and leaving relaxers in the past. I did not know at the time but this was the first step in my natural hair journey. 

The Struggle:

In my senior year I had no idea what it meant to be natural. I had no idea there was a huge online community equipped with video tutorials and How-to guides. I was transitioning alone. And hated every minute of it. The breakage got worse, more split ends, and on top of that, in the depths of my disgusting relaxed ends, I was once again dealing with my dreaded nappy hair. 

Revelations:

My first year in college was one of many discoveries. This included the world of natural hair. within a few months I was an expert. I  even learned new vocabulary like TWA, protective styling, co-wash, etc. I was in love. This is when I also met one of my close friends, Michelle. Like myself she was also transitioning to natural hair. I think I was very lucky to have someone who was going through exactly what I was with my hair. We shared advice, challenges, new things we loved about our hair and something even more important.

Big Chop:

One morning Michelle came banging on my dorm room door with soaking wet hair, conditioner and scissors. I was shocked but I knew what was happening. she pulled a chair in front of the mirror and just started cutting her relaxed ends. I stared in amazement, but said nothing. Watching her transformation was a thrill. I was high from excitement. When she was almost done, she looked at me out of the corner of her eye and said "You know you're next, right?" I started to panic inside, but just smiled and said "oh, I guess so." she finished and it was my turn. I took the scissors, but I couldn't do it. I wanted to do it but I was being a big baby as usual. Michelle took the scissors and started cutting my hair for me. I was in shock. It didn't help that the door was open and everyone on my floor was waking up and walking by. Some people even came to the door and watched. When it was all done I absolutely loved it. I couldn't stop touching it. Michelle changed my life! 

How did you journey start?