I don’t know about you, but my hair has been so dry this winter! Winter go away, spring come out and play! LOL! No but really it seems like my hair and my ends have been so dry and yucky. I am on my healthy hair journey, so I am always looking for ways to help moisturize my dry hair. I recently did the porosity test and determined that my hair is low porosity, meaning that my hair is hesitant to opening up for water and moisture. Most of the time when I apply products they just sit on top of my hair. My hair doesn’t readily absorb products, and keep moisture.
I recently got back to my old ways and did the old trusty baggy method. I used to do this method all the time when I first went natural and I don’t know why I have been neglecting it lately. The baggy method is a method that is similar to deep conditioning because it traps in moisture.
To do this method you will need to apply a water based moisturizer to your hair. If you have low porosity hair like me you should definitely use a water based product. Meaning that water is the first ingredient in the product.
After applying the moisturizer to your hair, cover your hair with a plastic cap for 20-30 minutes. This method is called “baggying” because it helps to capture moisture. You can do this method two ways: to your entire head, or just on your ends only (baggying just the ponytail after your hair as been gathered). After you remove the plastic cap apply your favorite oil to seal in the moisture. I like to use grape seed oil or almond oil. These oils are not very heavy and just right for my hair. This method leaves me with soft moisturized hair every time!
The Baggy Method in 3 Easy Steps for 2023
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you get started, let’s gather everything you need for the Baggy Method. It’s super simple; all you’ll need are a few essentials:
- Plastic Shower Cap or Plastic Bag: Grab a plastic shower cap or a plastic bag big enough to cover your hair comfortably. These will be your moisture-trapping buddies.
- Water or Leave-In Conditioner: You have two options here. You can use plain water to hydrate your hair, or you can opt for a leave-in conditioner for an extra dose of nourishment. Choose what suits your hair’s needs.
- Hair Ties or Bobby Pins: You’ll need these to secure the plastic cap or bag in place.
Step 2: Prep Your Hair
Now that you have your supplies ready, it’s time to prep your hair for the Baggy Method:
- Cleanse Your Hair: Start with clean, damp hair. You can either wash your hair or simply wet it in the sink or shower. Make sure your hair is not soaking wet; it should be damp but not dripping.
- Apply Water or Leave-In Conditioner: If you’re using water, gently mist your hair to ensure it’s evenly damp. If you’re using a leave-in conditioner, apply it generously to your hair, focusing on the ends and any dry areas.
Step 3: Bag It Up
Now comes the fun part—bagging it up:
- Cover Your Hair: Place the plastic shower cap or plastic bag over your hair, ensuring it covers all your strands. If you’re using a plastic bag, you can secure it with hair ties or bobby pins to keep it in place. The key here is to create a moisture-sealed environment around your hair.
- Leave It On: Wear the plastic cap or bag for at least 20-30 minutes. Some curlies prefer to leave it on overnight for an intense moisture boost, but you can start with a shorter time frame and adjust based on your hair’s needs.
- Rinse or Style: After your desired time, remove the plastic cap or bag. If you’re doing this before bedtime, you can simply remove it in the morning. At this point, your hair should feel super hydrated and ready for styling or your regular hair care routine.
Pro Tips:
- Frequency: You can do the Baggy Method as often as your hair needs it. Some curlies do it weekly, while others incorporate it into their routine as needed, especially during dry and cold weather.
- Seal the Moisture: After the Baggy Method, consider sealing in the moisture with a natural oil like coconut oil or shea butter. This helps lock in the hydration and keep your curls soft and supple.
- Customize It: Feel free to customize the Baggy Method to suit your hair’s unique needs. You can add essential oils or other hair products to your leave-in conditioner for extra benefits.
