Getting Started On Hair Regimen

Healthy Hair Journey Regimens 

Starting a healthy hair journey can often be quite confusing once you start Googling. This is a small guide to start your hair journey. One size does not fit all so don't be surprised if you start altering or mixing and matching different things from these regimens. This is simply here as a helpful guide to start you on your way.

Terms used in this guide:

co-wash - to wash hair with conditioner

co-rinse - to rinse hair with water, apply conditioner only to length of hair for a few minutes, and rinse again.

LOC - method of apply product to your hair in this order-> liquid (water or water based leave-in), oil, cream (cream based conditioner, or oil based butter)

LCO - method of apply product to your hair in this order-> liquid (water or water based leave-in), cream (cream based conditioner leave-in), oil.

LCSO - method of applying product in this order -> liquid (water or water based leave-in), cream (cream based conditioner or oil based butter), styler (gel, setting lotion, etc.), oil

B&S - baggy and stimulate: applying stimulating (tingly or warming), sulfur and/or castor oil based oil to the scalp and opening pores by adding a plastic cap to your head. Find out more here

Baggy - applying conditioner & oil or just oil to hair then adding a bag or shower cap, and scarf or hat to lock in heat.

Baggy Bun - apply oil to or cream then oil to bun then putting a bag over the bun. Bagged bun can then be covered with a fake bun, phony pony, wig, or scarf to disguise it.

Relaxed Hair Reggie

• Shampoo 1-2x a wk with ph balanced shampoo. Follow with conditioner. Comb hair out under running water. Air dry in braids, twists, or rollers.
• Co-wash or co-rinse once a wk.
• LOC or LCO on wash/cowash days
• Deep condition 1x a wk with moisturizing conditioner
• Test hair for protein/moisture balance every 2-4 wks.
• (if needed) protein treatment every 4-6 wks.
• *Optional: Baggy 1-2x a week and or baggy bun 1-2x a week
• Direct heat (flat iron, hot blow dry, etc.) no more than once every 4 weeks. 
• Bun, french roll, braid, two strand twist or roller set and silk wrap hair weekly

Also try braid outs and twist outs to avoid heat.

Natural Hair Regimen 

• Co-wash or co-rinse 3 - 4x a wk
• LOC or LCO 2 - 3x a week
• Shampoo every 1 - 2wks in 4 -6 braids (to avoid knotting & tangling of hair) with either ph balanced shampoo or sulfate free shampoo.  Follow with conditioner on loose hair. Comb hair out with conditioner in hair or under running shower water (use running water to help you comb. Ponytail or 2-strand twist hair to air dry.
• Deep condition every 1-2wks with moisturizing deep conditioner
• Check hair for protein balance every 8 weeks
• Limit heat to no more than once a month
• Baggy 2x a week
• Braid, two strand twist, or bun hair. Also try braid outs and twists outs a few days a week.

If newly natural wash n go for first 6 months to a year. LCSO method can be used here.

Weave and Braided Hair Reggie

• Clean scalp once a week with witch hazel, diluted vinegar rinse, or diluted shampoo.
• Spray hair (real hair only if wearing a weave) with coconut or olive oil and water mix 2 -4 x
• Use diluted peppermint in water to spray itchy scalp. Can be done daily.
• Take down braids or install every 3-4 weeks and deep condition with a moisturizing conditioner.
• Check for protein before going back into braids/install. If weak do a protein treatment followed by a deep moisturizing conditioner before doing a weave/braids.

Extreme Dry Hair Reggie

• Wash hair 1x a week
• co-wash or co-rinse 4 - 5 days a week
• Baggy nightly or an hour before co-wash/co-rinse
• LOC or LCO after every wash/co-wash/co-rinse
• Deep condition with moisture 1x a week
• Check for protein every 7 weeks
• Protective style 5 days a week: Bun, baggy bun, frech twist, flat twist, etc. just keep ends of hair out of air unless you just did the big chop.

Extreme Hair Growth Reggie

• Wash hair 1-2x a wk in 4-6 braids with PH balanced shampoo. Follow with shampoo. Detangle with conditioner in the hair or under running water.   
• Co-wash or co-rinse 4 days a wk
• Always air dry. You can do so in braids, two strand twists, rollers, or whatever creative way you can think of. In cases of extrem cold weather blow dry on cool (never warm or hot).
• B&S 4 days a wk. Note: when doing this you cannot wear braids that you don't take down for weeks.
• Deep condition 1x a wk
• Protective style 5-6 days a wk: Baggy bun, regular bun, etc. 
• Check for protein/moisture balance every 4 weeks
• Never use a comb in dry hair. Finger comb if hair is dry. 

Other Resources For Hair Help

Long Haircare Forum

Hairlista

Kiss aka Keep It Simple Sista