It has taken me years to get my hair to the place I’ve wanted it to be. My hair isn’t super curly, and it isn’t super straight. It’s in that terribly annoying middle ground of thick, frizzy nonsense that is agony to deal with. I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to tame it, and trying to find a routine that makes my hair look the way it’s supposed to.
If you’ve got hair like me, then I’ve got news for you: you can cut liquid shampoo out of your hair care routine, and it will do you good. Here’s how I did it, and why I think it works for women with hair like me.
The Process
I started out by having a strict shower and hair washing schedule. I would shower every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and wash my hair with shampoo only during two of those shower days. Start by cutting out one shampoo session a week. Then slowly, as your hair gets used to not being washed as often, you can cut down to only using shampoo once a week.
There will be times your hair will feel greasy and gross, but it will be worth it in the end, trust me. Once you’re down to only shampooing once a week, you need to start using a heavy-duty hydrating conditioner, and lots of it to compensate. I use the Herbal Essences Potent Aloe Vera and Mango Sulfate Free Hair Conditioner and Curl Definer. I use this in combination with the Frizz Control Conditioner of the same collection, and let me tell you, this combo is insane.
These two conditioners combined leaves my hair feeling super soft and hydrated, while also curled in the way it is supposed to be naturally. Once you’re down to this final step, it’s time to take out liquid shampoo completely. This is the most difficult step, and even sometimes if I’m having a super greasy hair day, I have to go back and wash my hair with liquid shampoo.
In order to replace liquid shampoo completely, use dry shampoo on the nights after you have showered and used a hydrating conditioner formula that works for you. That way, you are still “washing” your hair and making sure that your scalp is clean and being taken care of. Make sure to really get at your scalp with your fingers when using dry shampoo, too!
Looking Back
Looking back, I can’t believe I didn’t see super hydrating my dry, frizzy hair as a solution to saving my curls before. As always, this is just what has worked for me in my experience. What has helped me in my hair journey may not be right for you, so it’s always best to consult a hair care professional or your stylist first. Before undergoing something as drastic as I did in taking out liquid shampoo from my routine, make sure it is appropriate for you and your hair type.
That considered, I hope that this has helped you get the most out of your thick, curly hair, and achieve the hair that you deserve! Stay beautiful!