*This post is sponsored by Palmer’s but as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you supporting the brands that support Sincerely Onyi*
If you are pretty familiar with me, you know that I love changing my hair up. I am the queen of wigs! My latest obsession has been my 22 inch kinky straight wig. But did you know that I have been natural since 2005? I have 4C high porosity hair that I cut into a tapered fro last year. I may have not been the best caretaker to my hair years ago, but now I pride myself in caring for my natural hair under my wigs.
According to Nielsen, African Americans reportedly spent an estimated $473 Million on hair care products last year. It’s no wonder why our hair is our crown and glory! To be completely transparent, it took some time for me to embrace my natural hair. I spent so much time and money investing in extensions but finally had a come-to-Jesus moment where I not only cared about the extensions I put on my head but also about the health of my hair underneath.
It’s all about locking in the moisture and treating any damage my hair might go through with all of the manipulation, environmental conditions, and more. Fortunately, I’ve discovered Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Hair Care line at Target and Walmart, which works magically with my hair without causing a dent in my budget. My hair care routine is not that extensive or time-consuming because, although I would want to spend more time and attention on my hair, there are more things in my life that take most of my time, like my career and family time.
Steps To Washing Natural Hair
Shampoo
1. I start off with Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Hair Care Conditioning Shampoo, which is just so amazing. I wish I discovered this sooner because I would have saved a good amount of money over the years. This conditioning shampoo is made of natural ingredients and is free of harsh detergents and sulfates, which can cause serious damage to hair. One of the things I really like about this product is that it can effectively remove buildup from my hair without being too harsh. It does not leave a greasy touch, which is amazing—especially when I just want to let my hair down on one of those rare lazy days.
Conditioning
2. This is the step that can get complicated for a naturalista because we have so many options! We could go the traditional conditioning route and place the conditioner on our hair after shampooing, then washing it out immediately. Option two: we could pre-poo with the same conditioner before shampooing. I commonly go this route for my high porosity 4C hair with Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Repairing Conditioner to help detangle and moisturize before shampooing. Option three: you may want a hair mask for natural hair to help lock in moisture and seal the cuticles. Palmer’s has a 2-step hair mask that’s perfect for this. And our fourth and final option: if you have weak and damaged hair like mine, you may opt for a deep conditioning protein treatment every six to eight weeks. The Palmer’s Deep Conditioning Protein Treatment uses two types of proteins to strengthen and restore hair. I love that it also has coconut milk to help detangle and defrizz.
My go-to product is Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Repairing Conditioner, which is sent from heaven. Unlike some other conditioners I’ve tried, this one doesn’t leave a heavy feeling in my hair. After using the entire line, it leaves a sweet coconut smell wherever I go.
What I like most about the Palmer’s Coconut Oil line is that there is nothing questionable in it. No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, or dyes. Palmer’s is so great because their products contain ingredients that don’t cause stress to your hair.
The main ingredients found in Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Hair Care
products are the following:
– Raw Coconut Oil
– Tahitian Monoi
– Vitamin E
After washing natural hair
This is the step that used to get really tricky for me. Was I supposed to use a cream? What about an oil? This completely depends on what you plan to do with your hair next. Since I tend to put my hair back in braids pretty quickly, I use the liquid/oil method to prevent buildup. My liquid is the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Leave-In Conditioner, which I work into my hair after separating it into four sections and brush it out with a Denman brush. At this point, I typically continue to air dry or blow my hair out a bit to make it easier for whoever is braiding it down.
After getting my hair braided down, I will usually use Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Strong Roots Spray. I tend to have a dry scalp, so I use this spray every 3 to 4 days to help keep my roots moisturized under my wig. ProTip: If your scalp gets itchy between washes despite being moisturized, get a QTip with some witch hazel and thank me later. It is so soothing.
To maintain my human hair extensions, I use the first 2 steps in my washing routine (shampoo & conditioner) once a month. I follow it with a heat protectant spray, blow drying straight, and curling it with my 1” barrel curling wand. Before heading out, I use Palmer’s hair polisher serum to help tame the flyaways and keep my locks moisturized.
Let me know if this was helpful and if you need more detail on how I maintain my natural hair under my extensions. And if you’re looking for a complete line of products for natural hair, Palmer’s has us covered.
