I see it way too often- women run to get protective styles like box braids or kinky twists thinking every day for the next month or two will be a quick get up and go. Moisturizing goes out the window. The point of a protective style is just that- protection. For the duration of the style, you must keep your hair and scalp moisturized to get the most out of it.
Since then, I’ve been whipping up a moisturizing hair spray consisting of some simple ingredients:
Water: THE moisturizer.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO): Moisturizes and thickens hair making it strong from the inside out. It’s been known to increase blood flow to the scalp sending nutrients to hair follicles which, in turn, boosts hair growth.
Coconut Oil: Penetrates the hair follicle, contains Vitamin E and helps build hair strength by building protein. Also gives hair a great shine.
Aloe Vera Juice (AVJ): Balances hair’s pH. Soothes dry, itchy scalp. Great moisturizer.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Smells great! ^_^ The cooling effect leaves scalp feeling refreshed. Stimulates blood circulation to the scalp, promoting growth. Antiseptic.
Rosemary Essential Oil: Antibacterial. Improves circulation to the scalp to encourage growth.
Tea Tree Essential Oil: Treats many scalp issues like dandruff, psoriasis and lice. Prevents itchy scalp. Antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic.
Leave-in of choice: My favorite is Karen’s Body Beautiful’s Sweet Ambrosia. Oh yeah… I love it!
