By now y’all know this blog is waaaaay more than just vegan recipes; we all need a dose of some good ole wellness because caring for our natural hair is just as important as nourishing our bodies.
Hair Care IS Self-Care
Self-care includes every form of care including hair! This hair care post has been updated since I originally posted it in 2020, but it’s definitely still unconventional. For those of you who have followed me for a while remember when I tried the Curly Girl Method (CGM) routine. That was four years ago now and goodness have I learned a lot…
For any of you who don’t know about CGM it’s a set of “do’s,” “don’ts,” and ingredients to avoid to embrace your natural waves or curls. I was born with curls that are now classified as 2A waves due to the thickness of my hair and damage I’ve done over the years not knowing how to care for it. I always thought I just had unmanageable, frizzy hair and there was nothing that could be done, until I discovered CGM. The method was popular on YouTube and certain haircare blogs back in the day, so I attempted this method for three months. I wanted to love it so badly, but the truth is it sucked, like a lot. There’s honestly no other way of putting it.
First of all, the majority of the women out there doing this method are obsessed, like achieving the perfect ringlet curl is their life goal and honey I just don’t care that much about the curl… for me, it’s all about having healthy hair using the most natural products.
While the CGM appears to advocate the use of clean, natural products it’s all smoke and mirrors folks. Sorry to burst your bubble but once these influencer-type gals —known as curlies or wavies— started contradicting themselves that was it for me.
So do I recommend the CGM? Absolutely NOT, and here’s why…
When The Trend Gets It Wrong
While the method is based on products free from harsh chemicals and sulfates it requires lathering on thick products like gels, leave-in conditioners, sprays, foams, and who knows what else. News flash: using all these products over time in combination with co-washing (washing your hair with conditioner), low-poo (low shampoo), or even no-poo (no shampoo) will result in product build-up. And how does one get rid of said build-up do you ask? Well according to CGM experts and hundred of Reddit threads all you need to do “clarify” your hair periodically with a shampoo that contains… yep, sulfates.
Honestly, you can’t make this shit up. I’m dead serious this is it. The whole thing… for curlies and wavies alike. I mean sure if you have type 4 curls then this might be the routine for you, but I’m guessing that most of y’all reading this have just discovered those little kinks that never quite seem to go away are actually your loose curls (type 3) or waves (type 2) screaming to be nourished. Before this maybe you thought your hair was a “bad” type of straight: frizzy strands that tangle easily. The best indication is how your hair reacts when wet. Do you notice your hair creates S-shaped curves after going swimming? Yes these are the classic “beachy waves,” and your hair’s natural state.
Of course, I learned this major method flaw the hard way as my hair did not react well to the prolonged use of gels or leave-in conditioners. The build-up was so bad I did the only thing I could do. A chop.
Feelin fly with my new short doo, I decided to take a more simple approach to hair health and I found a sustainable routine that actually worked. Essentially I went through Curly Girl hell so you don’t have to!
Switching to Conscious Hair Care
Instead of hopping onto the next big trend, here’s a new and improved method of hair care that I highly recommend for those looking to get luscious locks naturally.
- First of all ditch any hair care products with harsh ingredients (aka sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, silicones, and dyes). If you can’t easily read the label and recognize the ingredients it shouldn’t be touching your hair. Be aware that doing this switch will take time for your hair to adjust because your microbiome is probably off-balance due to years of using chemical ingredients, so don’t get discouraged!
- Secondly, honey, those hairs can’t take any more heat damage so get rid of any curlers, straighteners, blowdryers, crimpers, etc. Or at least minimize your use of them…
- Next, swap those hair bands for scrunchies this will prevent breakage (literally the hair shaft breaking, yikes) when you put up your hair in a pony or bun. You’re gonna want your hair up at night to prevent tangles, but silk/satin scarf wraps or bonnets work just as well if you have more hair to maintain.
- Stop washing your hair every day as this strips your scalp of natural oils and can cause all sorts of problems down the road, like inflammation and dandruff. You can spread out wash days slowly over time and you’ll notice you’ll have less oil build up!
- Get a good microfiber towel to dry your hair as regular towels can cause frizz, and that’s not good for your hair nor a good look in general.
- Lastly, do yourself a favor and switch to a soft bristle brush. NEVER brush from the root and stop brushing your hair daily. Only brush when necessary (before showering, to pull your hair back for the gym, etc.). I promise if you take care of your hair like I recommend you won’t have any crazy tangles anymore.
Ok, once we have those basics down I’ll get to my actual routine including the products and techniques that I use.
My Routine For Healthy Hair
- Start off by adding to your roots an oil of choice (see step 7 for oil recs). I usually let this sit for about 15 min. This will help replenish your hair before its fully washed.
- For maintaining a healthy pH balance do an apple cider vinegar rinse: into a spray bottle mix 5 parts water with 1 part ACV (if you hate the smell feel free to add essential oils), spray onto your scalp and gently massage it in before rinsing it out in the shower. This helps naturally clarify and prevent dandruff. I also spray this on ends of my hair and any dry, damaged parts of my hair (I really regret straightening my hair every day in middle school!!!) before I hop in the shower as it prevents frizziness!
- In the shower, once your hair is wet, wash with a clean shampoo (I’ve used brands like Love Beauty and Planet, SheaMoisture, and currently I’m using BRIXY Bars!!!). Bonus points if a brand is vegan and cruelty-free too!
- Next, use your favorite clean conditioner and use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently work it through the ends of your hair. (Warning: you will see a lot of hair come out, this is normal once you stop using a regular brush because the natural fallout is not being forcibly ripped from your head; it’s gently escorted away by soft comb strokes lol).
- Once the conditioner is fully rinsed out you can take time to gently squeeze out excess water (DO NOT TWIST OR RING OUT HAIR AS THIS WILL CAUSE DAMAGE). If you like to keep a little wave/curl this is the perfect time to scrunch, but again be gentle.
- Use a microfiber towel or cotton fabric t-shirt to continue gently scrunching/dabbing the ends of the hair. DO NOT plop wet hair on top of your head for very long as this can lead to the growth of bacteria that creates a red, itchy, and sore scalp (I have some nasty pictures of my scalp and it looks as bad as it felt…).
- While your hair is still damp use a few drops of your favorite oil (argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, or olive oil are all great) spread it on your hands and gently work it through the ends of your hair. There are specific techniques called “raking” and “praying hands” that work best for achieving optimal curl/wave results that I’ll share in an Instagram reel very soon! The most important step here is called “scrunching” or cupping the ends of the hair up to the root with a gentle squeeze. This motion should be repeated over and over grabbing different sections of hair. I spend a good amount of time doing this!
- My favorite oil blend to use is by doTERRA. This has helped my hair tremendously, it’s honestly never been more shiny and healthy… plus it smells amazing too! Get yours through my site. Let me know if you purchase so I can personally thank you!
- Leave your hair to air dry if you can (defusing with a blow dryer is an option, but even as a thick-haired girly I recommend just waiting it out to avoid heat damage). And never go to bed with wet hair if possible, no one wants fungal infections. Sleeping with wet hair could also result in tangles that need major tending to in the morning.
Maintenance
On the days between washing your may want to add a bit more oil to the ends just to give them a bit more life. A little trick to refresh tighter curls is a light mist of water mixed with a leave-in conditioner or curl revitalizer. Whether you have curls or waves please avoid brushing or combing your hair when dry; instead, use your fingers to gently detangle. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or continue to wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf to reduce friction and frizz. Additionally, use a dry shampoo (or my preference is to literally just sprinkle arrowroot powder) at the roots to absorb excess oil and maintain volume.
That’s A Wrap
And that’s all she (I) wrote folks. You’ve come to the end of my personal hair care routine. Like I said it’s nothing fancy, but it’s important to understand even if we are born with thick gorgeous hair if it’s not cared for it’s gonna end up lookin tired.
Go on now, try out my methods with your own flair of course! Share your hair care experiences with me on Instagram or Facebook, make sure to tag me @maddimadevegan and use #maddimadeveganhaircare.
Love ya!
