My First Autumn as a natural

[HeChangedMyName]

So, before I do something horribly wrong to set my hair back and damage all the good growth I've had, can anyone suggest the changes that I should make to my routine as the weather cools down? I BC'd in March and it has been fairly warm since then. I've noticed that my scalp is more itchy lately so I take that as a sign that it is dry, but what can I do?

I realize that all things wont work for all heads, but I would love your input.

 

[CurlsBazillion]

I can't speak on dry or itchy scalp but a general piece of advice would be if your using glycerine or products containing that high up in the ingredients list in your leave in routine to drop them till sometime in spring. It's just safer to not risk having moisture retention problems.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

When my scalp is itchy it's usually one of four things.

1. I'm dehydrated. (My skin is dry and sometimes itchy as well as my scalp. This is how I know for sure.)
2. Product buildup. (Clarifying and then DC'ing usually clears that up.)
3. Dry scalp. (Oiling with a light oil, pomade, or moisturizer helps to soothe it.)
4. Allergic reaction to a product. (Clarifying, making a note of the product, and getting rid of it so I won't forget and use it again lol.)

In all honesty, I have super sensitive skin. When I switched to a regimen consisting of a majority of natural products, my sensitivities lessened ALOT.

 

[HeChangedMyName]

When my scalp is itchy it's usually one of four things.

1. I'm dehydrated. (My skin is dry and sometimes itchy as well as my scalp. This is how I know for sure.)
2. Product buildup. (Clarifying and then DC'ing usually clears that up.)
3. Dry scalp. (Oiling with a light oil, pomade, or moisturizer helps to soothe it.)
4. Allergic reaction to a product. (Clarifying, making a note of the product, and getting rid of it so I won't forget and use it again lol.)

In all honesty, I have super sensitive skin. When I switched to a regimen consisting of a majority of natural products, my sensitivities lessened ALOT.

1. It could definitely be dehydration, I'll have to jump on my scale and see what my overall water percentage is.
2. I considered that and clarified. . .did nothing other than dry my hair out.
3. I have been skipping the oil lately so maybe some coconut/almond oil is in order.
4. I have sensitive skin too. Sometimes it feels like i'm sensitive to the craziest things.
Thanks. I appreciate ya!

 

[Seamonster]

Try a little castor oil on your scalp it is quite a good healing oil. Castor oil is water soluble so you can put a little on you hand and add water to get the right thickness.

If it gets cold where you are, save your coconut oil for the warmer months, as it can freeze on your hair. It won't cause any problems just looks a little funny to have a clump of white coconut hanging on your head.

 

[HeChangedMyName]

I forgot about the fact that coconut oil freezes. thanks for the reminder.

 

[MzSwift]

In colder weather, I:

-Increase my moisturizing DCs. I make sure to do one weekly. I also add oils to my DC moreso in the cold.
-M&S more often. I do it twice per day, before bed and in the morning. I also make my moisturizing spritz heavier by using more condish and oil in the mix instead of mostly water.
-Use heavier products to seal. Try using EVOO instead of grapeseed oil, Castor oil instead of EVOO or butters instead of oils.
-Keep my hair strands covered more. My fine strands don't do well in the windy, cold weather so I keep them cornrowed and under wigs. We're having a more mild fall so far so I've been trying different things like 2 strand twists and I want to try rollersetting. But I tend to rock wigs for weeks at a time and try other "out" styles for no more than a week at a time.

I tend to experience a growth spurt in the fall (Sept-Dec) but it may be moreso that I have better retention because of the above mentioned practices. Either way, I plan to stick with what I've been doing.

I hope I've helped a little. GL!

 

[MsAminta]

CO washing helps me with moisture retention (you might want to try silicone-free conditioner) and itchy flaky scalp. Protective styling might be a good idea as well. You'll notice that a lot of people protective style during the winter to protect from the cold, dry conditions. I use both glycerin and coconut oil year round. I melt the coconut oil in my hands before applying it to my hair to prevent "freezing." I've also noticed that certain glycerin products (scurl/stasoffro) work better during different times of the year. Scurl is better for me during the warmer months and StaSofFro is better for me during the colder months. As you said, all heads of hair are different so you'll find out what works for you as you experiment.

 

[Blairx0]

this will be my first year rocking natural hair as well. My plan OS heavy sealing and buns along with weekly dc. I hope this enough to stand up to the Chicago winter

Sent from my PC36100 using LHCF

 

[virtuenow]

Congrats on making your first fall as a natural. This is my first fall wearing natural hair since my new HHJ (healthy hair journey) began. Learning alot from this thread. MzSwift 's advice is good, maybe I will try this M&S 2x day & thicken up my spritz. How often do you m&s during warmer weather? I'm already co-washing/rinsing daily and so far feels good, moist and refreshing.

 

[MzSwift]

virtuenow

Yay, you should try it!

During warmer weather, I usually water rinse or cowash in the morning, leave in some condish and seal with either grapeseed oil or a cone condish. At night, I spray and seal. My spray is about 90% water.

In the cold, my spray is about 50%-60% water.

I guess in both climates I'm technically still M&Sing twice per day.

I hope you try and it goes well for you!