Clarifying is important.

I know many naturals suffer from chronic dry hair. You pile on all of your products and you’re hair is popping and your curls are juicy. Then it dries and your back to square one...dry, parched hair. If this is you or even if you’ve since stopped all of the product layering and still suffer from dry hair and dry scalp, you may want to consider clarifying. 

Build-up on the scalp

Clarify means to remove impurities. 

A lot of naturals suffer from an invisible build up of protein and/or products. Build up on your scalp can suffocate your hair root causing damage. Your scalp needs air, and nutrients. A healthy scalp is the foundation to healthy hair. Build up also prevents water/moisture from getting into your strands. It creates a barrier. This barrier can be metaphorically seen as wearing a raincoat when it is raining. Your rain coat is getting wet, but you are not. I hope I didn’t lose you here. In order to get wet you must take off your rain coat. 

It is important to understand that your hair needs a balance of moisture and protein to thrive. Many of us have the protein but lack the moisture/water. Ensuring that you clarify your hair at least once a month is important especially if you do not use water soluble products. I will not condemn the butters, custards, oils, or grease because you may not be open to trying lighter products yet. Please understand that these heavy products can create build up and block moisture from getting into your strands. 

It is easier to retain and maintain moisture if you use products that promote their absorption and not block them. I know, I know, that was a lot to digest but I’m here to answer any questions that this may have sparked. 

Any clarify shampoo will work to clarify your hair. You’ll want to detangle your hair before clarifying, this will help to prevent matting. 

Clarifying Steps

1: Wet your hair

2: Apply clarifying shampoo from roots to ends

3: DO NOT SCRUB YOUR SCALP IN A CIRCULAR MOTION, you will have tangles for days...

4: Work the shampoo through your hair, focusing mainly on the ends, this is where you want to go through your hair as if you are smoothing the shampoo in your hair

5:Make sure you’ve worked it through all of your hair

6: Rinse. Does your hair squeak? If not, repeat steps 2-6. If your hair does squeak...Apply your deep conditioner and use a wide tooth comb to work it through your hair

7: Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Clarifying your hair can be extremely drying

8: Rinse and style your hair as you normally do

Build-up removed 

Water absorption is vital for your natural curls to thrive. Listen to your hair and clarify as often as it is needed. Always remember that a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair.