TCHD Reader Mail

Hi Belle,

My name is B. and I’m currently a sophomore in college. I’m writing because I’ve been searching your website for hair tips and I’m really trying to figure out a regimen to set up for my hair care.

In high school, I went to the salon religiously every two weeks, getting a simple wash and press so I never really had to mess in my hair. My beautician grew my hair from mid NL to a little past SL and growing—and that took two years for that growth. Then I went to school out of state, with no idea how to take care of my own hair and with no go-to beautician. By the end of that year, needless to say there was a lot of breakage and steps taken back!

Now, half way through my sophomore year, I’m tired of trying to depend on someone to grow my hair for me, and I’ve found plenty of tips online, but I don’t know how to put them all together to get good results… so could you give me any ideas?

I get a relaxer about every 8 weeks; right now my hair is approaching SL—I chopped off the broken ends in September; and also, my left side is much thinner than my right so my hair is very uneven! I also get my ends trimmed with every relaxer—and I don’t do my own relaxers!

Thank you so much for your time and help in advance!!

- B.

Hey B.!

I'm glad you e-mailed me. First, I want you to invest in a good shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner (moisture & protein balanced), moisturizer, and oil. For the shampoo, make sure it's pH balanced (4.5 - 5.5). KeraCare has great shampoos that are pH-balanced.

Before washing the hair, start off by finger combing the hair to gently remove any tangles. When you're done finger combing, take a large tooth comb and comb the hair thoroughly to make sure that there are no tangles or knots. If there are tangles or knots, rub on them with your index finger and thumb. Make sure to always start from ends to roots!

When washing your hair, rinse your hair with warm water for a few minutes to get rid of any dirt or debris before shampooing. Use your fingers to detangle the hair even more to prevent tangles. Then, commence to the shampooing. Apply the shampoo in sections (3 or 4 sections) and finger comb it throughout your hair. Rinse for about a minute and repeat.

After shampooing your hair, blot the excess water out and apply a conditioner of your choice. Let it sit for two minutes before combing it through and rinsing it out.

Next, blot the excess water out and apply a moisture & protein balanced conditioner. Let it sit for two minutes before combing it through and put on a plastic cap. Sit under a dryer for half an hour. Make sure that you apply more conditioner to the more damaged parts halfway through.

After deep conditioning, rinse for one minute and apply a leave-in. Comb through and air dry in a wet wrap, braids, a bun, twists, or a ponytail. Braids and twists are better in my opinion.

Before bed, apply moisturizer and rub a light coating of oil (Coconut, Jojoba, or Olive oil). Tie your hair up in a satin or silk scarf.

Throughout the week, when your hair feels a little dry, apply moisturizer (thicker moisturizers are great for kinkier hair types) and seal with oil. Then, once a week, detangle, shampoo, condition, and deep condition the same way I described above.

Within a month or two, you should see improvements. Just make sure to drink water and keep deep conditioning weekly.

- Belle Cheveux