How To Easily Refresh Your Hair Between Washes

Ah, wash day. For many with natural hair, it’s a necessary but often dreaded ritual. While a good cleanse removes build-up and leaves your hair feeling squeaky clean, it can also strip away natural oils, leaving your strands feeling dry and lifeless. Not to worry. There are ways to extend the life of your wash day style and keep your hair looking and feeling fabulous in between washes. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to refresh your natural hair, including tips for those with protective styles.

The Power of Moisture: Your Hair’s Best Friend

Natural hair thrives on moisture, and that principle becomes even more important when your wash day glory starts to fade. Here’s your moisture-boosting arsenal to combat dryness and keep your hair supple:

• The Daily Spritz: A good water-based moisturizer like the Tsavorite Spritz Moisturizer is your go-to. Look for ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin, which attract and retain moisture. Spritz your hair lightly, focusing on the ends which tend to be drier. Apply more product to sections that feel particularly dry.
• Steam It Up: Steaming your hair helps open the hair cuticle, allowing moisture to penetrate deeper. If you have a steamer, use it for about 20 minutes. You could also visit a salon with one for a steaming treatment. Alternatively, hop in a hot shower and let the steam work its magic. The warm, humid environment will help rehydrate your hair.
• The LOC Method: This layering technique (Liquid, Oil, Cream) involves applying products to lock in moisture. Apply a leave-in conditioner (liquid), followed by a lightweight oil (coconut, jojoba) to seal the cuticle. Finish with a cream styler or hair food for added definition and hold. Experiment with different product combinations to find what works best for your hair type.

Revitalize Your Style: Breathe New Life into Your Wash Day Look

Sometimes, your hairstyle just needs a little pick-me-up. Here’s how to breathe new life into your wash day style:

• For Braids & Cornrows: Use a rattail comb to gently redefine any parts that have become flat or lost their definition. Be careful not to snag or pull on your hair too much.
• Sleek and Defined Parts: For a sleek and polished look, apply a small amount of styling gel to a clean toothbrush. Use the bristles to gently smooth down the edges of your parts and tame any flyaways.

Curly Extension Care: Restore Bounce and Definition

If you’re rocking curly extensions, here’s how to revive their definition and bounce:

• Mousse Magic: A dollop of curl-defining mousse can work wonders on tired curls. Apply a small amount to your extensions, run your fingers through gently to encourage curl formation, and allow them to air dry completely. Avoid using heat styling tools, which can damage the extensions.

Taming the Frizz: Keep Fuzziness at Bay

Frizz can be a natural enemy of refreshed styles. Here’s how to keep it under control:

• Satin or Silk Smoothing: After refreshing your hair with moisture, consider covering your hair with a silk or satin scarf or cap for 15-20 minutes. The smooth surface will help reduce frizz and create a more even look when you unveil your hair.
• Natural Shine Boost: For a touch of extra shine and to smooth down flyaways, use a small amount of natural oil like shea butter or coconut oil. Warm a dime-sized amount of oil in your palms and gently smooth it over the surface of your hair, avoiding the roots to prevent greasiness.

Scalp Care Matters: A Healthy Scalp Leads to Healthy Hair

A healthy scalp is key to healthy hair. Here’s how to keep your scalp happy between washes:

• Spot Cleanse: Let’s be honest, sometimes product build-up can happen in specific areas, especially if they weren’t cleansed properly before styling, or if you used a lot of product like styling gel in those areas. If you notice any build-up, address it! Dilute a small amount of your regular shampoo with water to create a cleansing solution. Use a cotton swab or your fingertips to gently cleanse the specific spot. Be sure to follow up immediately with some leave-in conditioner to replenish any moisture that may have been stripped and some oil to seal in the moisture.
• Gentle Scalp Massages: Regular scalp massages with your fingertips or a scalp massager can help stimulate blood flow and loosen any product buildup. Improved blood circulation promotes healthy hair growth.

Bonus Tips

• Embrace Second-Day Hair: Second-day hair can actually be the sweet spot for some natural styles. Your curls may be more defined and voluminous compared to freshly washed hair. Rock your second-day hair with confidence and embrace its unique texture.
• Deep Conditioning Love: If you have extra time, consider a deep conditioning treatment once a week, or once every two weeks, especially towards the end of your wash cycle. Deep conditioners penetrate the hair shaft, delivering intense moisture and encouraging growth. Look for ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, or honey. Our 2in1 Sapphire Deep Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment is infused with moisturizing shea butter and olive oil. Apply the deep conditioner to clean,damp hair, cover with a plastic cap for added heat benefit (promotes better penetration of the product into your strands), and sit for 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with your regular leave-in conditioner.
• Pineapple Power: This gravity-defying technique is a great way to refresh loose curls or waves while minimizing frizz. Gather your hair loosely at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie or bobby pins. This position helps prevent the ends from drying out and minimizes tangles.
• Accessorize with Flair: Don’t underestimate the power of a cute headband, scarf, or scrunchie! Hair accessories can add a touch of personality to your style and help camouflage any areas that might not be perfectly defined.

Less is More: Avoid Product Overload

Avoid overloading your hair with products, which can lead to build-up and weigh down your curls. Start with a small amount of product and apply more only if needed. Remember, you can always add more, but taking away product build-up can be a challenge.

Bonus: Refreshing Protective Styles

If you’re rocking braids, twists, faux locs, or wigs, here are some additional tips for refreshing your style:

• Scalp Focus: For braided styles, focus on refreshing your scalp. Use a gentle oil, like jojoba oil, to massage your scalp and loosen any product build-up. You can also use a spray bottle with a diluted apple cider vinegar solution to remove any residue.
• Revitalizing Edges: Braids and twists can sometimes cause the hair around the hairline (edges) to get flat or frizzy. To revive your edges, apply a small amount of a holding gel or edge control product. Use a toothbrush (clean, of course!) or your fingertips to gently smooth down the hair and define your edges. Be careful not to use too much product, as this can lead to build-up and flaking.

Every Head Of Hair Is Different

Every head of natural hair is unique. Experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for your hair type, porosity, and density. Pay attention to how your hair responds to certain products and techniques. What works wonders for one person might not be the best fit for you. Embrace the journey of learning your hair’s unique needs!

With a little knowledge and practice, you can conquer wash day dread and keep your natural hair looking and feeling fabulous in between washes. So go forth and embrace the versatility and beauty of your natural hair! Because you are a GEM.