Newbie Hair Care Regime

**StefanyMxchelle** · 07-06-2016, 12:22 AM

I BC'd and now my hair is VERY short (I can't twist it or anything, but I can tug it a little lol)
This is my second BC. The first I didn't take care of it how I should have (hair was very dry).
Idk exactly what my hair type is, I know for sure it's Type 4. (I'm new so I'll learn to post a pic later, if I can.)
But I'm going to purchase all Alikay products for this journey (unless I research something better). Every time I do research for NH, I come across all these 'healthy alternatives', ie. co-washing, pre pooing, GHE, it's confusing. So I kinda just created my own regime...

I'm thinking of:
Co-washing 1x weekly
Deep Conditioning 1x weekly (same day as Co-wash)
Conditioning 1x monthly (wash day)
Shampooing 1x monthly (wash day)
Protein+Hot Oil Treatment 2x monthly
& L.O.C every night.

Is this too much??? Idk. I don't want to 'overwork' my hair, or something. I just want my hair healthy and moisturized. Idc about length.
Does deep conditioning cancel out regular conditioning? Does co-washing cancel out shampooing? Idk, what to do, where to start. Can some help me, please? BTW, I do know I have low porosity hair and I'll need more heat than others (I think). Thanks.

**StefanyMxchelle** · 07-09-2016, 06:29 AM

Can someone at least let me know if this is too much?

**deecoily** · 07-10-2016, 05:20 AM

Hi Stefany,
Welcome!
It sounds like a plan but it depends on your hair and lifestyle to determine what works for you. I think deep conditioning once a week is too often if your hair is already healthy. You may be making too much work for yourself! I deep condition once a month. Do you wear your hair in "out" styles a lot? Or do you do protective styling?

How did you determine your hair was low porosity? Sometimes if you use a lot of leave-ins your hair may appear to be low porosity but it actually isn't.

Is there a reason why you are doing a hot oil / protein treatment? Have you experienced breakage? Too much protein can cause more breakage to natural hair so be careful with that. Also be careful with co-washing and using heavy leave-ins. Your hair needs to find its own balance and it will.

But it sounds like you are doing great and caring about the products you use. That's excellent.

Dee

**LBellatrix** · 07-10-2016, 05:31 PM

Cosigning Dee. Don't overthink it. Natural hair care is actually pretty straightforward despite all this noise you hear online...

I like that you've chosen a brand to work with but be open to trying different brands as your hair grows (I'm assuming you're growing your hair). I have found that products that worked on my shorter hair didn't work on my longer hair, and vice versa.

Also, for the record, I'm more than 20 years natural and I STILL don't get the whole porosity thing. It doesn't even play a factor in my hair care, and my hair (mostly-4b, currently in a short tapered style) is doing just fine.

Good luck!

**FrizzPuff** · 07-12-2016, 05:02 PM

Is washing every other day too often

**deecoily** · 07-13-2016, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by FrizzPuff

Is washing every other day too often

It depends. If you are working out in the gym every day or getting your hair dirty, then you need to wash it. Otherwise, every second day is too much. A simple rinse or a light condition should be enough. You do not want to dry your hair using shampoo every time you get your hair wet.

**KnottyAuthor** · 07-13-2016, 11:18 AM

I haven't posted because I feel that many have over complicated natural hair care for marketing purposes and I don't subscribe to that. Find ingredients that complement your hair and stuck with them, buy products with them...
you can always cleanse your scalp with a cotton ball and witch hazel, maybe spritz with rosewater to freshen in between washes.

Wash when your scalp or hair is dirty. Period.

...and those that cowash ALWAYS return to shampoo. Pick a health friendly brand...nbox for suggestions, #noendorsements

Just keep things simple and you'll be happier.

**FrizzPuff** · 07-13-2016, 04:03 PM

Thanks ladies. Speaking of cowash, would you say its less drying to cowash every 3, 4 days and then shampoo once a month? Im going to post a question about hair regimens in the help me with hair forum too.

**JorieNHB** · 07-17-2016, 12:22 AM

most people should wash their hair once a week (twice a week at the most). washing more than that strips the hair of it's natural oils and you will have to compensate by using conditioners.