I’ve got to be honest with you all though.
Getting your hair colored means that you have to be even more serious about keeping your kinky/coily/curly hair moisturized. The questions I get the most now that I have colored hair are: “Have you noticed a difference in your curl pattern or texture?” or “Have you noticed that your hair is brittle/dry?” The answer to both of those questions is: NOPE!
Firstly, my hair took a very long time to move (for the color to lift”> so I wasn’t worried about curl pattern changes. Plus I trusted that my stylist would maintain the integrity of my hair. In fact you can see the entire recap here. Secondly, with no curl pattern changes my hair needs the same tender loving care it received before…but 4 times more! I knew this going into this process so I haven’t experienced dry or brittle hair. To find out how I’m combating the “symptoms” that seem to plague many of the curly girls who go brighter, check out my new hair care routine.
Moisturize Daily!
This has not changed. I use a water based moisturizer like SheaMoisture’s Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In from their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line, or their Curl Enhancing Smoothie from their Coconut & Hibiscus line. I also like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream. I seal the water-based moisturizer (water is the 1st ingredient”> with an oil like coconut, avocado, olive or argan oil. I pat the moisturizer and oil (versus smoothing it”> on my hair twice daily to avoid frizz.Co-wash 2x Weekly
I used to wash my hair once a week, but with the weather getting colder and my hair being colored I’m making time to wash n go twice a week. I use my favorite: Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Conditioner, but go in with Giovanni’s Tea Tree Triple Treat shampoo which is sulfate-free, when I feel like my scalp needs a bit of clarifying.Deep Conditioning
Once a week during one of my twice weekly wash days I go in with my new favorite deep conditioner: SheaMoisture’s Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque from their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line. It’s awesome! I still use my Target bag to cover and either take a steamy shower or sit under my hooded dryer to really help the masque penetrate the hair shaft. I rinse with cool water until I see only a few bubbles and the water running clear, leaving in a little conditioner.Creamy Leave-Ins
After adding a bit of oil to each section of my freshly washed and conditioned hair to help seal the cuticle, I apply my leave-ins. My leave-in conditioners are just a repeat of the ones I use daily. I like to use a combination of 2 of these 3: SheaMoisture’s Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In, their Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream. These products really keep my hair soft and fluffy all week long! As the weather gets colder I’ll go back to using my Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream.Less Crunch But Great Definition
I stopped using Olive Oil EcoStyler as often because it can be really drying after repeated uses on my hair. Now I like the really “watery” gels that fight humidity and give me medium to strong hold. I have less crunch but great definition when I use Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel and Original Moxie’s Hold Up Defining Serum. I apply them right on top of my creamy leave-ins and it takes a lot less time to smooth it through each section! Not to mention my drying time is HALF of what it was when I used a heavy gel. With these I can always tell when I’ve used too much because my hair will have a little more crunch.Air Dry
The less heat I apply the better when it comes to my colored curly hair. I notice a difference in my hair when I air dry versus diffuse. I also try to air dry because I know I’ll want to use a bit of heat to stretch my roots to achieve my big hair look! [prodmod]
Final thoughts
So far so good with this routine! It just takes a little extra attention and consistency when you have colored curly hair. I’m always looking for new ways to have fun with my hair and right now I’m definitely enjoying the journey!
Watch the Video
Watch my video on my haircut and new hair color below.
