From The Curly Girl Method, To Herbal Hair Care, Now Water Only - Part 3
I've been loving the water only hair washing hair care method. I haven't felt the need to do anything else aside from oil rinses with wheat germ oil every once in a while which has been my hair's best friend along the way. Today I wanted to share an update plus three lessons I've learned so far from this extremely simple hair care method.
In Part 1 of the From The Curly Girl Method, To Herbal Hair Care, Now Water Only series, I shared my hair history, when I started water only hair washing, and my opinion about it. In Part 2 I shared my summer hair regimen along with a few vital tips and tricks which have been very helpful for me. The journey continues and I'm still learning new things about my hair.
One of the benefits about water only hair washing is that you learn your hair's distinct characteristics apart from how your hair reacts to particular products because you are not using any. This method teaches you to become in tune with your hair as you honestly have no other option. You are also forced to put proper hair care methods into practice because although healthy hair is partly genetics and physical health, how you care for your hair is most important.
My 3 Lessons with Water Only Hair Washing
1. My Hair is Not Invincible
I have been so in awe of this simple hair care regimen, but I did need a reality check. Although my hair is more elastic and super soft because it is completely covered with my own natural oils/sebum, along with very moisturized from daily water rinses, I still have to treat my hair gently. Yes my hair's detangling process is easier with this hair care method than when using conditioners or herbal hair care, but gentle handling is important if I want to continue to grow my hair longer. Water only hair washing allows the natural oils from your scalp to travel down the hair strands which shampoos and conditioners prevent, yet this doesn't make my hair invincible.
2. Oil Rinsing Makes Detangling Wet Hair Easy
Oil rinses are the only reason that I can detangle my hair loose in sections under running water with ease. I’ve found that the natural oils from my scalp can be waxy sometimes which isn't the easiest thing to work with. Yet once I add specifically wheat germ oil to my hair my this changes everything. I’ve also found that oil rinses also help remove excess sebum from the strands without having to create any DIY hair care products. Detangling wet hair only becomes difficult if you have excess sebum on your hair strands.
3. Finding A Good Balance: Free Glorified Curls vs. Protective Styling
Another revelation that I've had is that having perfectly styled hair daily is stressful and not necessary. Having perfect curls is too much mental stress to put on yourself, and too much physical stress on your hair. Although I've been playing around with braid outs, twist outs, and wash and go hairstyles this summer, two strand twists and buns have become my go-to style out of sheer laziness. The need for perfectly styled hair creates a hair regimen of consistent hair manipulation. As I am continuing to grow my hair longer, I’m finally waking up to the fact that low manipulation hair care and protective styling is not only a good healthy hair practice, but a stress reliever, and time saver.
Styling my hair in medium sized two strand twists has been the easiest way to protect my hair and continue to rinse my hair daily for moisture. It is the same style that I recommend beginning this hair method with. It allows me to style my hair in various updos and wear various style hats easily. In return not styling or detangling my hair daily gives both me and my hair a much needed break. I'm truly enjoying the continued simplicity and product independence of water only hair washing, so what's not to love!
What have you learned during your healthy hair journey? See more articles on water only hair washing here!
Images by Dawn Michelle