When I first entered the natural hair community, I was completely overwhelmed. There are several blogs, YouTube videos, and other content creators sharing what works best for them. Deciphering what technique works best for your hair, understanding the numerous terms, and when you use particular products can make things tough. So let’s get back to the basics, here is what I know about the different types of shampoos and conditioners and their uses.
Shampoos:
You would think that all shampoos are created equally, right? Well, they aren’t. The type of shampoo I grab is contingent on two things: the amount of time between wash day and the amount of product in my hair.
Luckily we have several options to choose from so let’s break a few down.
Clarifying shampoo: Its purpose is in the name. It’s created to clarify and clean your hair by removing excess product buildup. They include an abundance of cleansing ingredients that remove oils and heavy products. Perfect to use when you want a squeaky clean slate.
I prefer to use clarifying shampoos on days when I’ve used gel for styling or when I have product build-up due to restyling in-between wash days.
Moisturizing shampoo: This shampoo tends to be the most used within our community. Why? Because it’s designed to cleanse your hair gently. It removes products and oils without strong ingredients, which leaves your hair moisturized.
I prefer to use moisturizing shampoos more often since I wash frequently and I try to stick to styles that don’t require a ton of heavy products.
Cleansing conditioners: Similar to a moisturizing shampoo, it is used to remove excessive build-up without stripping your hair. The difference here is that you’re using a conditioner to cleanse your hair. But, they usually include a small number of cleansing agents to aid in cleansing your hair and scalp.
I tend to use a co-wash in between wash days. For instance, if I need a quick cleanse mid-week and don’t want to strip oils from my hair, I grab a cleansing conditioner. Bye-Bye Build-Up by Uncle Funky’s Daughter is a great moisturizing cleansing conditioner. If you haven’t tried this product yet, I suggest you go to the store and grab it now. It’s one of the only co-washes that truly cleanses my hair while also defining and softening my curls.
Conditioning:
Now that we’ve covered cleaning natural hair – let’s tackle hair masques and deep conditioners.
I use a deep conditioner or hair masque every wash day. Choosing when you should use either depends on the current state of your hair. Are you looking to boost moisture and hydration, or do you need to repair breakage from the roots to the ends?
Deep conditioners are used to help bring your curls/coils back to life by adding moisture. They enter the hair shaft to “deep condition” and restore your hair, resulting in softer and shinier hair.
Hair masks, on the other hand, go above and beyond to get the job done. Hair masks not only moisturize and condition your hair but also work to strengthen your hair.
You’ll find the perfect blend within one product if you’re lucky. One of my favorites is Uncle Funky’s Daughter’s Heal & Renew, an intensive hair masque that offers the best of both worlds.
Leave-in:
Leave-ins are used to add extra moisture after you’ve rinsed and conditioned your hair. It works as an additional protector to your hair before applying styling products.
Leave-ins such as Midnite Train are a staple in my weekly hair routine. I can’t imagine my wash day routine without it. I apply it before styling and throughout the week to revive my hair or refresh a style.
Let’s face it, wash day alone is A LOT! It’s a lot to learn, and the majority of it is learned through trial and error. It’s essential to educate ourselves. Even after years, I’m still learning. And, I hope you give yourself space to enjoy your journey, try new products, and switch things up.
xoxo
Raven (@ayeraven)
