Moisture to curls is like air to humans. It's not a want...it's a need! Curlology 101: the best source of moisture is water! Not oils, or butters, or creams, but plain 'ole H2O.
I know, I can hear your "inner you" saying, "but I need those oils, butters, and creams to moisturize my parched strands." Well, actually, water is what's needed. The oils, creams, and butters can help to prevent moisture loss, but only if the moisture has entered the cuticles first! That's where cleansing comes in. If hair moisturization is "Curlology 101," then the prerequisite class is all about cleansing.
Cleansing with a product that has a gentle surfactant (an ingredient that's main function is cleansing) system is a great start to moisturized curls. Water alone cannot penetrate oily products, waxy sebum, and other buildup, to enter the cuticle layer and provide moisture. You may say, "but I co-wash (wash with a conditioner) regularly and my hair still stays dry!".
Many co-wash and no-poo products include heavy oils and do more to condition than to cleanse. They have their place in a curly hair regimen, but if that's all you ever use, you're likely missing out on the full benefts of cleansing, and may likely be preventing much-needed H2O from getting into your strands. This is especially true if you use lots of styling products (heavy creams, gels, oils, etc.) Proper curl cleansing helps prevent dandruff and other scalp conditions, allows water to penetrate for deeper moisturization in the conditioning phase, and helps prevent product buildup and problems like single strand knots, tangling, matting, and dull strands. The key is to use a cleansing product that is able to remove the unwanted dirt, debris, and product buildup; but mild enough to avoid stripping your strands of too much of your hair’s natural oils. Yes- its a delicate balance! Don’t worry- we have a solution.
Our new, Curl Renew & Restore Gentle Cleansing Rinse is formulated with mild, plant-based cleansing ingredients to gently lift dirt, debris and product buildup from strands, allowing these curl-damaging culprits to be gently rinsed away. Curl Renew & Restore uses all-natural aloe, nutrient rich coconut milk, and squalane (an ingredient extracted from olives that mimics the oil naturally produced by our scalp) to replenish lost moisture, leaving you with touchable curls and natural luster. Once your strands are clean, apply our Untie the Knot Nourishing Leave-In Conditioner, which conditions curls, smooths strands and makes detangling a breeze.
So, have you been getting the most out of your wash day? Let us know in the comments below!
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