Susonnah Gonzalez

Baking Soda

Build-up from hair products can create dull hair. Baking soda can be used to remove build-up and excess oils as well as wash away water impurities.

• Dissolve 1 tbsp of baking soda in 1 cup of water
• Pour this over your hair and scrub as you would with shampoo
• Rinse very well with cool water

MORE: Baking Soada for Hair

Apple Cider Vinegar

An apple cider vinegar rinse can help balance the pH of your hair and remove buildup from styling products and shampoos. Rinsing also closes the cuticle which covers and protects the surface of each hair shaft. This creates a smoother surface leaving your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage.

• Mix 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water
• Pour this over your hair as if doing a hair rinse
• Let it sit in your hair for a couple of minutes
• Rinse out your hair with cool water

MORE: Apple Cider Vinegar as a Hair Cleanser

FAQ

People always want to know: “But will my hair smell?”

Your hair will smell like apple cider vinegar when it is wet. Once it dries, the smell will go away. Using cool water instead of hot will help minimize the smell too.

After you rinse

Use a wide toothed comb to comb out tangles after rinsing with the apple cider vinegar. Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or a t-shirt.

Frizz Free, Product Free

If you’re having trouble with frizz, there are natural oils you can use, such as aloe vera, flax seed oil, grape seed oil, shea butter (for curlies) or even castor oil.

MORE: 7 Oils You Haven’t Tried Yet

Deep Treatment

If your hair is very curly and needs extra moisture, deep condition your hair with natural products like virgin coconut oil, honey, or banana once a week. It’s all natural and very healthy.

MORE: The Many Uses of Coconut Oil

Keep us posted in the comments on your product free journey! We love to hear about tips and methods you found worked best.

Why go product free?

Unless you’re a chemistry nerd, the ingredients on the back of the shampoo and conditioner bottle mean nothing to you. They are gibberish. Then why do we buy them if we don’t understand them?

The top ingredient in most shampoos is “sodium laureth sulfate.” Take a look at the back of your dishwashing detergent. More than likely, they share the same ingredient.

Sodium laureth sulfate cleans your dishes so well because it cuts the grease. Apply that to your hair and you’re losing valuable, natural oil that your hair needs. Especially curly hair.

MORE: 5 Hair Product Ingredients You Can Totally Live Without

What does it mean to go “product free?”

Going product free is different from following the Curly Girl (CG) method. The CG method eliminates sulfates and silicones from the hair regimen and is a preferred method by many curlies around the world. You can still use products, but you are limited on products.

This method eliminates all hair products and instead relies on natural cleansing. You’re essentially cutting out the shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, mousse, pomade, serum — anything and everything.

What CAN you use?

You can do one of two things:

Wash your hair with nothing but water. Use a comb and your fingers to distribute your hair’s natural oils.

OR:

Use household items like baking soda and apple cider vinegar to wash your hair. Style with light, natural oil.

Which is right for me?

This depends entirely on your personality and your hair type. Those with low maintenance hair might find that the first option works well for them. But for most of us, especially with waves and curls, H2O won’t be enough to cleanse our hair.

If you are the impatient type, the first method will definitely be a trying experience. It will take some time for your hair to adjust to a new type of regimen. On average, it takes about 2-3 weeks for your scalp to get used to being sulfate-free and reach a normal oil production level.

MORE: No Poo for Less Oily Hair

What to expect

Going completely product free does have its drawbacks. Many people who decide to cut the products entirely will notice very greasy hair within the first two weeks. This is normal.

Remember, sulfates strip your hair of natural oils, so when you get rid of the sulfates, you are going to have very oily hair…for a while. After about 2-3 weeks, your hair oil production will return to normal and the grease will cease.

Will it smell?

Some people are concerned about smell. “If I stop using those peachy coconut lavender shampoos my hair won’t smell nice!” That is somewhat true. Your hair won’t smell like peaches and lavender. However, it won’t smell bad either.

This blog post by Vlad Dolezal describes an experiment that involved cutting both shampoo and soap. He answers the question about bad odors…you won’t smell bad but you won’t smell like roses either. If you have a method for cutting products but still achieving nice smelling hair, I would love to hear about it in the comments.

MORE: No-Shampoo Cleansing Grosses My Partner Out

1. Too Much Contact

I am very guilty of doing this. When I style my hair, I excessively scrunch my hair to compensate for my lack of texture. As I sit in front of the computer, deep in thought, I subconsciously play with hair. I twirl it and run my fingers through it, and I don’t realize the harm I’m doing.

Over scrunching your hair and touching your hair too much actually causes frizz and breakage. When your fingers touch your hair too much, they can actually steal away essential oils, leading to dry and easily broken hair strands.

Solution: don’t scrunch too much — once you apply product to your hair, scrunch it in 1-3 times to enhance your hair texture and prevent frizz. When you are at home and tempted to play with your curls, put them up in a loose bun or cover them up with a satin scarf or cap.

MORE: Hand in Hair Syndrome Doesn’t Just Cause Frizz

2. Avoiding Regular Haircuts

This is especially common if you are trying to grow out your hair and get lush locks. Avoiding haircuts may seem like the logical thing to do, but in actuality, it’s harming your hair. When you fail to trim your hair at regular intervals, you actually encourage split ends and keep your hair from growing. A good rule of thumb is to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks, depending on your hair growth cycle. Ask you stylist to be sure. By trimming regularly, you ensure that your locks are healthy and grow out strong.

MORE: Tips for Trimming Curly Hair

3. Using Products with High Alcohol Content

In certain hair products, alcohol can be beneficial, but more often than not, it can be harmful. Be wary of hairsprays and gels that are high in alcohol, as these can cause dry damaged hair and inevitably frizz. Always check the ingredients list before you buy hair products. If alcohol is at the top of the list, toss it. Due to the ever-increasing awareness around alcohol-based products, several hair care brands are creating alcohol-free styling agents, such as Loreal’s EverStyle Alcohol Free Mousse.

MORE: All About Alcohols

4. Washing too Frequently

If you are at all aware of basic curly hair care practices, then this is a no-brainer. Washing your hair too frequently, or every day, strips your scalp of its natural oils and leaves you with dry, frizzy hair. Not to mention the harsh chemicals in your shampoo can be very damaging if used too often.

So how many times a week should you wash your hair? Try once or twice a week depending on your texture. When you do wash your hair, be sure to use products without sulfates and that contain moisturizing ingredients like panthenol and ceramides. Here are some guidelines to hair washing:

Thick, kinky, or tightly coiled hair: once a week

Medium curls, or wavy hair: twice a week

MORE: Curlies: How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

5. Over-Scrubbing Your Scalp

If you have very oily hair, you want to scrub your scalp really well to get all the dirt out, right? Wrong. Over scrubbing your hair can actually have the opposite effect. When you excessively rub your scalp, you are stimulating it and causing the blood to circulate faster. This can be very beneficial if you’re trying to grow your hair out, but be careful just how much your scrub. Excessive scrubbing will cause your hair tangle, break and frizz at the roots. You can also damage your scalp by scrubbing with your nails.

Solution: gently scrub and massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers for the amount of time it takes you to recite the alphabet.

MORE: How to Handle Your Curls with Care

6. Wearing Tight Hairstyles

Tight ponytails or some protective styles can be especially useful at the gym or in the kitchen, but be careful just how much tension you put on your hair, especially at the hairline. Pulling your hair too tightly for any hairstyle can cause hair loss and hurt your scalp.

Instead of tying high ponytails that pull at your hair and your scalp, try doing a low ponytail or a loose braid. You can also take the pressure off your scalp by tying your hair with a bandana or a loose ribbon. You will get a different style that is both cute and healthy for your hair.

For protective styles like braids or twists, don’t pull at your hair too tightly while putting them in, and use less hair if your are adding extensions to reduce the weight of the extra hair pulling on your scalp.

MORE: 5 Bad Curly Hair Habits to Break

7. Always Using the Same Shampoo

When you repeatedly use one shampoo, you are altering your hair’s chemical balance and changing the results of the shampoo. Obviously we want to see results from our shampoo, but if you don’t alternate them, then your hair’s chemical balance will work against you and you will see different results with the same shampoo over time. In a sense, you are changing the effect of the shampoo by using it for too long. In certain instances, the effect can be harmful to your hair. According to HairFinder.com:

“In the case of moisturizing and conditioning shampoos, you can get an eventual build-up on (and in) the hair shaft, which may leave the hair flat and listless after repeated use. Conversely, deep-cleaning or build-up removing shampoos can strip away more than just the product build-up they’re designed to remove when used over and over, leaving hair dry and more susceptible to damage.”

The solution? Keep two shampoos on hand, and alternate them weekly or bi-weekly.

MORE: Shampoo-Free With Cleansing Conditioners

Windy, Dry Weather

Apart from causing relentless tangles and annoying knots, wind can also cause split ends. When the wind rubs your hair strands together, brittle or dry hair will break. It’s not worth trying to untangle your hair with your fingers…that will only lead to more breakage, and in the end, do more harm than good. The key to battling the wind and protecting your hair from breakage is to moisturize. Whether you have wavy, curly or coily hair, moisture is going to be your best friend.

MORE: Quick & Easy Curly Hair Tips for Windy Days

Windy, Dry Weather

Preventative Measures

• Curly and Coily Hair: Deep condition your hair on a regular basis to keep it moisturized. This may sound like a no-brainer, but a well deep conditioned head of hair is going to fare much better in the wind than dry locks. Try using the Garnier Fructis Deep Conditioning Masque once a week during the colder, windy days.
• Wavy Hair: After you get out of the shower, apply a leave-in treatment to your waves to ensure well-moisturized locks. Try using the Paul Mitchell Full Circle Leave-in. I’ve been using it lately and I really like it.
• Curly, Wavy, Coily Hair: Try to creatively use hair accessories to hold your hair during windy days. Bandanas, scarves and hair ties can be a lifesaver when you have to venture out into the wind.

Windy, Dry Weather

Styling tips

• Curly Hair: Add a touch of gel to your cream based hair product. I sometimes do this and it’s very effective. It doesn’t matter what brand or type of gel you use. Just use a small amount that won’t negatively affect your hair product but aid you by giving you a firm hold.
• Coily Hair: Use a strong pomade that’s a little heavier than your normal product. You want something that will hold your curls in place and at the same time moisturize them. Something like Darcy’s Botanicals Organic Pomade should do the trick.
• Wavy Hair: After you apply your product, secure your strands with a firm hold hair spray. I usually wouldn’t recommend this, as strong hair sprays render crunchy, untouchable curls. However, in this case, you need the extra strength in your hair spray to keep your hair from being too tangled.

Snowy, Cold Weather

The majority of the damage here doesn’t come from the cold. According to an article by YouBeauty.com, the damaging part about winter comes from going in between cold and warm environments. When your hair suddenly goes from a cold outside environment to a warm and toasty heated house it gathers static electricity. The cold air from outside causes the cuticle layer on your hair to lift, and when you go inside, the dry air indoors will suck out the moisture.

MORE: Curly Hair Care for Cold Weather

Snowy, Cold Weather

Preventative Measures

• Curly Hair: Try using glycerin free shampoo. Glycerin can be helpful in certain weather, but in the cold, it will likely draw the moisture away from your hair.
• Coily Hair: Start co-washing for the dryer, colder months. You’ll need to supplement the moisture that’s being drawn from your hair with extra conditioner. Try using a product like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner.
• Wavy Hair: Deep condition your hair every week. The cold, dry weather will create limp waves, so counter it by adding a deep conditioner to your regimen for voluminous bouncy waves.

Snowy, Cold Weather

Styling Tips

• Curly Hair: Use a lighter gel that will hold your curls in place when the static strikes. Something such as Mop Top Anti-Frizz Gel will work wonders in the cold weather.
• Coily Hair: Try to stay away from products high in protein. Products with a lot of protein will yield dry and brittle curls in very dry, cold weather. Instead, take a look at these protein free products that will prevent build up and make your coily hair look fabulous.

•  Wavy Hair: Use mousse with a strong hold. Mousse is perfect for the winter months because it’s lighter than cream based products but will help hold your hair when there’s static.

Rainy, Humid Weather

When it’s raining or humid outside, curly hair absorbs the water from the air and expands. That causes the shaft to lose its curl pattern and turn into a frizzy mess. It may sound contradictory, but the solution to this problem is to add more moisture to your hair. Why? Because there’s not enough moisture in your hair to combat the moisture on the outside. So what’s our advice? You guessed it! Moisturize.

MORE: Curly Hair Care for Rainy Days

Rainy, Humid Weather

Preventive Measures

• Curly Hair: Stay away from humectants. Products high in humectants might work against you in rainy weather and cause you to retain outside moisture. Instead, use a sulfate-free cleanser that won’t dry up your hair.
• Coily Hair: To keep your hair moisturized during the rainy, humid days, you want to use moisturizing shampoos and a leave-in conditioner. Try Jessicurl’s extra moisturizing conditioner and Mixed Chick’s leave in conditioner, and like your curly haired friends, stay away from humectants.
• Wavy Hair: In wet, humid weather you want to use a moisturizing shampoo as well as conditioner. One of my favorite product lines is SheaMoisture. It’s in the name for a reason — these shampoos and conditioners are created to give you the moisture your waves need to repel outside rain.

Rainy, Humid Weather

Styling Tips

• Curly Hair: Try using a humidity gel, such as Ouidad’s Climate Control, which prevents your curls from expanding in the rainy weather. She recommends applying the product evenly using the rake and shake method. Smooth the product over your hands and rake them through your hair, top to bottom. When you get to the bottom, shake your hair loose to create curls.
• Coily Hair: Use a protective style such as twists or braids to minimize the frizz during rainy weather. Apply a smoothing serum to your twists and you’ll be better protected from humidity. Bottom line: you want to use a serum that will lock the moisture in and keep the rain out.
• Wavy Hair: Stay away from the diffuser on days like these, but don’t go out with wet hair either. Instead, let your hair dry overnight using a no-heat method such as the sock-bun. In the morning, smooth nothing but serum over your waves to protect from frizz.

Cranberry for Dry Scalp

Cranberry seed oil is rich in antioxidants such as omega-6, omega-3, and vitamin E. The fruit itself is one of the top disease fighting fruits, surpassing strawberries, spinach and raspberries. The fatty acids strengthen hair, prevent dandruff and stop itching in your scalp. Cranberry oil is a great substitute for fish oil, and considered very popular among vegans. Unlike vegetable oil, cranberry oil will not leave your scalp too greasy.

How to Use

After showering, apply a dime size amount to your scalp and massage. Any cranberry oil will do, it doesn’t have to be crafted specifically for hair. Camden Grey provides essential oils (including cranberry oil) that you can order online.

MORE: Herbal Hair Rinse for Dry Scalp

Butternut Squash for Thicker Hair

The vitamins in butternut squash are excellent for growing thicker hair. The orange color that you see is an indication of beta-carotene in the squash — the more orange in color, the more plentiful. Once in your body, the beta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A, an essential vitamin for hair health. Vitamin A helps to renew your hair cells (and skin cells) so you grow healthy beautiful hair. Butternut squash is also a great source of vitamin C, another vitamin important to hair growth.

How to Use

This super fruit it best utilized through consumption. Remember, beta carotene is transformed into vitamin A in your body, not on your head. There are many ways to prepare it, but here’s a recipe for spicy butternut squash soup that also discusses the benefits of this fruit for your hair.

MORE: 11 Foods for Healthy Hair

Pear for Soft Hair

Much like the butternut squash, pears are a great source of vitamins A and C, both essential for repairing and regenerating healthy hair. Vitamin C also helps to counter hair loss since it protects the body from free radicals that can make your hair brittle.

How to Use

Add a good source of vitamin C, such as pears and apples, to your diet to prevent hair loss and help strengthen hair. You can also try this pear hair mask for softer hair:

1. In a blender, combine a medium sized pear with 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar.
2. Blend until the ingredients form a smooth paste (add a splash of water if it’s too thick).
3. With your hair wet, apply the pear paste to your hair focusing on the ends.
4. Pin your hair up and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
5. Rinse your hair with warm water.

MORE: Baby Banana Masque For Soft Hair

Pumpkin for Dry, Frizzy Hair

Pumpkins contain powerful antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids to aid in hair and skin regeneration. Pumpkins are also rich in vitamins A, C and potassium, helping with overall hair health and growth. When combined with other ingredients, pumpkin acts as a great moisturizer for dry, frizzy hair.

How to Use

Because pumpkins are so soft and juicy, they work wonders as a hair masque or conditioner. Original Moxie Everyday Leave-in Detangling Conditioner offers an awesome conditioner that utilizes the health benefits of pumpkin seed oil. You can also try using this pumpkin puree masque for deep conditioning. If you’re handy in the kitchen, try making your own pumpkin hair masque using these ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked pumpkin
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix in a blender to ensure a smooth texture. After you’ve washed your hair, apply the deep conditioner to your hair from scalp to end. Pin your hair on top of your head and wait 30 minutes. To really open up your pores, hold a blow dryer over your head for 10 minutes. Rinse your hair with warm water and let it air dry.

MORE: Add Pumpkin to Your Beauty Routine

1. Pat dry

This is obviously the easiest and healthiest way to dry your waves. For the longest time, I dried my hair by rubbing it up and down with a coarse bath towel.

Then I learned about the damaging effects these towels (not to mention my method of rubbing my hair dry) had on my hair shaft. They cause breakage and frizz — both of which I did not want for my hair.

I switched over to a microfiber towel and I will never go back. Microfiber towels are gentle on hair shafts and amazingly absorbent, so it’s easier to pat dry. Patting dry is the preferred method because it doesn’t break the hair.

MORE: How to Dry Curly Hair

2. Blow dry

According to some claims, blow drying can actually be healthier for your hair than air drying. The reasoning behind it is that hair swells whenever it comes in contact with water, thereby putting pressure on our hair’s proteins to stay intact.

The more time you allow your hair to be wet, the more pressure is applied and the more damaging it is on your hair. I’d like to see proof before I completely agree with this theory, but the point is that there is a healthy way to blow dry your hair.

• Let your hair dry naturally till it is about 70-80% dry.
• Use the cool setting on your blow dryer. If you don’t have a cool setting, use the medium setting.
• Blow dry your hair, making sure to keep the dryer a good six inches away. The closer the heat is to your hair, the more likely your hair will be damaged by it.
• Always seal in your hair’s moisture with a nourishing serum or hair oil. 

3. Use a diffuser

If your waves are a little too fragile for the straight stream of a blow dryer, try a hair diffuser. It’s a great way to quickly dry your waves while encouraging more curl definition. It is also a better way to blow dry textured hair.

The diffuser slows down the fast stream of hot air by spreading it evenly over a larger surface, reducing the amount of hot air touching your hair and reducing frizz since it disturbs the curl much less.

The fingers on a hair diffuser also help your waves to form gorgeous spirals that can almost pass for curly hair!

At first, using a diffuser can be annoying — it takes a couple of tries to get the hang of it. But if you follow these tips by Curly Suzy, you can become a pro in no time.

• Put your favorite hair styler on before diffusing.
• Use the medium setting on your hair dryer.
• Hang your head upside down for maximum volume.
• Scoop the hair up, scrunching the hair up to your scalp with the diffuser.
• Work in sections until your hair is about 90% dry.

MORE: How to Use a Diffuser for Curly Hair