As I transitioned from color and heat damaged hair to the naturally curly hair I have today, I began to learn what my hair type actually was – it had been years, and I’m talking decades since I’d known my hair in its truly natural state. And I learned that, in its true state, my hair spans the category 3 spectrum:
- My hairline is frizzy 3b
- The nape of my neck is a silky 3a / 2c
- The center of my head, a dry 3c
- And the sides of my hair, a cooperative 3b
How I Style the Types
As many of us have multiple hair types, working with these distinctive hair types all on my head can be challenging. While it still can be a game of trial and error with new products, I’ve got a pretty standard regimen with my current products. Each section I mentioned above, gets different treatment while styling.
- My hairline: I remember to add a generous amount of conditioner to this area, I also often finger curl the pieces right around my face so that the frizzies take on a curly shape.
- The nape of my neck: I try to keep this part as product free as possible. After shampoo and conditioner, I rinse the nape of my neck more thoroughly than the other parts of my hair. I also avoid putting any styling cream on this part. Any product on this hair will weigh it down and make it hang longer than the rest of my hair. Secret revealed: I also trim this part of my hair pretty frequently to keep it in shape with the rest of my hair.
- The center of my head: like my hairline, I apply a generous amount of conditioner to this hair to keep it moisturized. Without product, it gets frizzy and dry, so I make sure to keep it as moisturized as possible.
- And the sides of my hair: Why couldn’t my hair have all been this texture? Well, it wouldn’t be as fun I guess. I keep this hair moisturized and use a styling product, I am able to use less product and see the best results.
Using Products in Multiple Ways
It’s hard to find the right products when working with a handful of hair types. What I found, after learning to work with my hair over the last few years – there is no perfect product for all of your hair, but for me, it’s important to find products that work for themajority of my hair and modify for the other parts. As I said, I add more conditioner to the dry patches, even coat with a bit of coconut oil, just to make sure it’ll stay moisturized all day. If you haven’t found a routine, my suggestion is to play around with the amounts of product you use, if you have multiple types of hair, pay special attention to working with all of the types.
Favorite Products
These are the products in my current rotation, these guys have been doing the trick to bring back life into my hair after the winter.
Everyday Conditioner: Shea Moisture – Argan & Almond
Everyday Conditioner / Cleanser: Carol’s Daughter – Monoi Line
Extra Moisturizing Conditioner: DevaCurl – Super Curly Kit
Deep Conditioner: Shea Moisture – Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment
xoxo, jackie