Across the many blogs and YouTube videos we consume on a regular basis, a variety of moisture infusion methods can be found to solve the problem of chronically dry hair.
These methods range from simplistic routines of mixing honey with olive oil to trapping heat using household supplies. Two popular methods for lasting moisture are the Greenhouse Effect and the Baggy Method. Many times these two distinct methods are mistakenly used interchangeably however; they are both unique in their own respects.
What is The Baggy Method?
The purpose is to increase moisture retention and bring elasticity to the hair strands. This is done throughout the use of your own body heat, a plastic cap, and a conditioner or moisturizer. There are a few aspects of the Baggy Method that separate it from the Greenhouse Effect. The first of which is that there is an option to do the baggy method on your ends or your entire head.
Who benefits from the Baggy Method?
Some naturals may suffer from extreme dry brittle ends or a complete head of dry hair; this method is great because it can be targeted toward specific sections of the hair.
For the naturalistas that don’t exclude products non-natural products from their regimen this is for you. Another caveat to using the Baggy Method is that there is no requirement that 100% Natural products need to be used on the strands.
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This method can be performed on dry hair instead of damp hair. The application of water based products and the heat generated from the Baggy Method allow for the cuticle layer to be lifted and the infusion of the moisture throughout the hair strands.
How to do The Baggy Method
Apply a conditioner (leave-in or rinse out”> on clean dry hair that’s been placed in a ponytail, braid, twists or a bun.
Cover the ends of the hair with a plastic processing cap or plastic wrap (adding a satin scarf to the hair allows for further trapping of body heat”>.
Let the processing cap and scarf to sit on the hair for 3 to 4 hours (or overnight”>.
Unlike the Baggy Method, the Greenhouse Effect does not involve the use of moisturizers and leave in products.
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
Unlike the Baggy Method, the Greenhouse Effect does not involve the use of moisturizers and leave in products. The Greenhouse Effect encourages the usage of shampoos, conditioners, and other products that are 100% natural.
Who Benefits from the Greenhouse Effect?
The Greenhouse Effect is useful for naturalistas seeking to stimulate growth throughout their scalp. The purpose is to increase the natural sebum of the scalp by using body heat.
How to do The Greenhouse Effect
Apply a oil blend or butter that is 100% Natural on damp hair.
Place a plastic processing cap and secure it with a hair tie.
Place a satin or silk bonnet over your head and allow to stay on your hair overnight.
Although many of us have varying hair goals from retaining moisture to increasing growth, these two simple methods share one long-term goal: longer natural hair. Both methods create a better environment in the scalp that combats issues of dryness and brittle strands.
What results have you seen from using the Baggy Method or Greenhouse Effect?
You finally decided to start your healthy curly hair journey with the Curly Girl Method. “Embrace my curls” or “Curly and proud,” you repeat to yourself. A few website clicks later, and you find products that are labeled “Sulfate and Silicone Free“. You take the plunge and purchase them without checking the ingredients because you trust the labels. Now you have $70 worth of hair product on its way. Recommendations continue to pop up on your social media feed, and $300 later, you still haven’t found what works for YOUR HAIR!
“You’ll just have to try it and see if it works for you!” or “This is all about trial and error!” others would gently say.
I am here to tell you that there is another way to choose your products instead of trying everything that is on the market. Understanding how to read ingredient lists has transformed my curly hair journey without decimating my bank balance!
In the very early stages of my journey with the Curly Girl Method, I made these mistakes several times. A shampoo would have the label “Sulfate Free” at the front, and then later, I would have a hard time dealing with dryness and would finally see a Sulfate listed in the ingredients. From my experience over time, I came to understand that when advertisers label “Sulfate Free” at the very front, they are referring to one of the harshest Sulfates: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. However, this does not mean that the product is entirely free of Sulfates. On several occasions, I have found other drying Sulfates in the list, despite the “Sulfate Free” label.
Curly Girl-friendly ingredients to look for
In the Curly Girl Method, we avoid harsh Sulfates and drying Alcohols (they dehydrate the hair), Silicones, Waxes, and Mineral Oils (they build up). As replacements, we look for ingredients that are mild, moisturizing, and soluble for curly hair in order to minimize dryness and foster better moisture retention.
If you are following the Curly Girl Method like me, look for cleansers that are mild for curls, such as:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Coco Betaine
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate or Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
Slip is very helpful for detangling curls because it decreases friction. Silicones are used in traditional mainstream products to add slip and shine. The issue with Silicones is that they don’t penetrate the hair shaft to make it better and they also build up.
They are removable with Sulfates, but in turn, the frequent use of Sulfates dehydrates the hair. It becomes a vicious cycle. Soluble ingredients for lubrication, on the other hand, make the hair better over time. They also add shine and flexibility to curly hair. If you follow the Curly Girl Method like me, you can replace Silicones with soluble ingredients that are located near the top of the list, such as:
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Behentrimonium Chloride
Dicetyldimonium Chloride
Distearyldimonium Chloride
Polyquaternium 55
Cetrimonium Bromide
I came to learn this helpful information from Wendy (a scientist) on the Hair Science-y Blog and Tonya Mckay here on NaturallyCurly.
Ingredient amounts in products
The Natural Haven Bloom Blog has helped me to understand the importance of ingredient concentrations in products. For example, just because a product is advertised with an “Argan Oil” label doesn’t mean that this product has high amounts of this oil. When ingredients are listed, they appear in descending order, calculated by either mass or volume.
As a result, when we read lists, we should always focus on the first five ingredients because they are the main ingredients (in higher amounts). A product that is labeled “Argan Oil” may well have some Argan oil included in the list, but the amount should be the most important thing to look for. If Argan oil is included near the end of the list, the amount is very small and insignificant.
If you have an allergy to a specific ingredient, relying only on front labels is likely to cause problems. Here I am sharing four steps that you can take to safeguard yourself:
Read ingredient lists very carefully;
Try a single new product at a time. This is helpful because if something unusual happens, you will know that the only difference in your routine is the brand-new product;
Patch test the product on your skin before using it for the first time, even if you can’t spot any ingredients that are harmful to you: Apply a small amount of the product on a patch of skin that is located on the inner, lower arm. Rub it in and allow it to dry. Avoid washing the area for at least 24 hours and then watch for signs of a reaction;
Observe closely how your scalp reacts after product application, even if the product has passed the first three steps above. If you notice a burning sensation, itching, redness, lumps or anything unusual on your scalp, you will know that this product isn’t suitable for you.
Always remember: If you happen to have a serious allergic reaction to a product, please seek medical attention immediately.
In summary, if you are looking for a product that is healthy for curls, focus on mild cleansers that won’t dehydrate your hair. Choose conditioners and styling products that have soluble ingredients for slip and elasticity. Reading ingredient lists is a good habit when caring for your curls and overall health. It also saves money and time. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
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