…Or, at least, this is how I do it. Of course, there can be variations, but this is how I get my hair right after cowashing. If you have time, I recommend letting each product sit for a few minutes in order to absorb into the hair so they don’t start overlapping/mixing, which can sometimes result in white spots (not cute). Before you begin applying products, dry your hair with a tshirt or curly hair towel, if needed. DO NOT use a regular towel, your hair will be so frizzy…don’t rub your hair, simply blot. Right now, my hair is so short that I’m not even drying with anything. I just hop on out the shower and shake.

1. Apply your leave-in conditioner. You want to use enough to cover your hair, but not super saturate your hair like when you cowash. I usually use a quarter-size amount. Until my Darcy’s stuff comes, I’m still using Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle. MASSAGE the leave-in into your hair, do NOT simply rub the products over the top of your hair unless you want them to just sit there. Also, try not to rub your head too hard, because that can cause breakage. I like it rough though (wink), so I have to hold back.

2. Apply a moisturizer. Today I’m using the Cocolatte Moisture Mask, but if I am in a hurry I use something that absorbs quicker, like Darcy’s Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme. I love them both. 🙂 Again, I use about a quarter sized dollop, but that will vary depending on the length/thickness of your hair. Moisturizers are key for natural hair, as some gels can dry your hair out (IC Fantasia) and we need to counteract that. And besides, hair loves moisture, duh.

Sidenote: This chick is really wearing a thong bikini on Ninja Warrior. SMH…I’m glad she fell.

3. Here comes my fave part! Gel! When I apply gel, unless I’m being careless, I try to use as little as possible to still get definition, but not have so much in my hair it takes forever to absorb, so I’m walking around with product head. I mean, you can always add a little more. So, I take a small two-finger scoop 3x, applying to the top, sides and back of my head, massaging each one in before moving to the next section. I let it sit for a few minutes, and if I don’t like the results, sometimes I’ll take one more small finger scoop and apply it all over. That usually does the trick. I’ve cut back to using only one gel, but for some lighter products you need to combine with something else usually. For me the best “finishing” gels are Fantasia IC and KCCC, because they both give great definition and are also fairly clear. You can also use aloe vera gel. I can use IC, KCCC, and AV PWG alone though. Sometimes I use Darcy’s Curling Jelly alone as well, but sometimes I combine it. Also, I just bought the EcoStyler Olive Oil Gel today, so we’ll see how that goes.

Later on…I like to use a pomade on top when my hair is dry to “scrunch” out any crunch my gel has left. I’ve found that it is best to use a smooth and fairly clear pomade, so you don’t have to worry about making your head white or ruining definition trying to rub in a rougher pomade, like Oyin Burnt Sugar. I like Darcy’s MVSC or Herb n Life Coconut Hemp the best. I have found pure shea to be too heavy on my hair, and some styling cremes (Avocado and Honey Twisting Creme) make my hair too hard. If I do it correctly, I get a buttery soft and defined TWA. 🙂

Hope that helps! xoxo