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My hair has always been a prominent part of my identity, and though I didn't grow up loving it (like most girls), I certainly have learned to embrace it fully. There isn't much maintenance that goes with it, but I have taken up a few pointers to ensure I'm keeping it relatively healthy: detangling hair before a shower, massaging coconut oil on ends, improving my eating habits (trying), and, most importantly, shampooing with Tea Tree Oil.
Here is a step-by-step process of how I fix up my curly mane on a regular basis!
1. Wash hair and let air-dry
This is how my hair looks like after being air-dried; no products aside from shampoo and conditioner. This specific Tea Tree Oil shampoo from Maple Holistics is made with natural ingredients and supports cruelty-free operations, which I can always get behind. Since I've started using this 2-3 times a week, my scalp has been feeling cleaner and fresher. For those who would like to sample one of their products, check this out.
2. Spritz some heat protecting spray before applying heat
My go-to protectant has always been TRESemmé, but at this point my hair is far from being salvaged. I proceed anyway.
3. Straighten out roots
This is a step I take only if I want to look extra polished since it does add an extra 5-minutes to my routine. When I do have the luxury of time, I make sure to iron out any stubborn strands for a cleaner curled look. (I've had this CHI Haircare straightener for 50 years, I feel, but still good as gold).
4. Strap on those heat-protectant gloves!
Unlike many graceful people out there who can go a day without getting burnt (or hurt in general), I need to have this glove on to prevent unnecessary burns. I can probably count about 4 scars I've gotten over the years from hair tools.
5. Curl away with wand pointing down
This Jose Eber Hair wand is my ultimate holy grail. I was introduced to it by a good friend a few years ago and my life has not been the same since. The way it shapes and holds curls is unlike any other curling product in the market - in my limited experience. I have used this wand so frequently that the black coating is wearing off slowly, which would probably explain my unruly split ends. Either way, I start curling the side with less hair and work my way around.
6. Pause for evaluation
Considering that my hair, for the most part, is curly, I don't need to work through my entire head. After I'm done with one side, I usually take a moment to look for frizzy, separated strands that can be refined for a "tighter" texture. Since daily use is bad enough, I try to be conservative with how much of my hair I touch up. Half-way there!
7. Continue curling the other side
8. Flaunt it
Just kidding... but that sums it up!
The total time to get this result is about 15-20 minutes depending on the day. Hope this was helpful (or entertaining)!
