Keeping Kinky-Curly Hair Clean and Buildup Free

Conditioner washes clean my hair and scalp pretty well, but sometimes conditioner washes alone won’t remove hair and scalp buildup.  An itchy scalp and dull hair are telltale signs of buildup for me.  I usually shampoo 1-2 times per month and try to buy shampoos, soaps, and conditioners that are gentle to my hair and skin.  Of course I’ve listed some of my favorite cleansers below.

  CHAGRIN VALLEY SOAP:  I have a hard time selecting which shampoo/soap bar I want every time I visit this site.  How can you not order with names like Babassu and Marshmallow, Carrot Milk & Honey or Honey Beer & Egg.  As you can probably tell, the ingredient list is impressive and good for you.  The shampoo bar and bar soap lists are long, but sample sizes are available.  They are big enough to get several uses out of it which allows you to try different soaps without breaking the bank.  The shampoo bar is mild, fatted, and gives a good lather, but don’t sleep on the bar soap selections.  They’re superfatted and just as moisturizing as the shampoo bars.  End result:  Hair that is soft and fluffy, never stripped.  

  V05 KIWI & LIME SQUEEZE CLARIFYING CONDITIONER – I use this condish as a substitute shampoo, especially since I rarely use heavy products (pomades, gels, etc.).  V05 Kiwi & Lime is a clarifying condish with lemongrass and rosemary extracts that removes light buildup I may get in-between shampoos.  Those who use heavy stylers may not benefit from using this as an alternative to shampoo, but it does make a great conditioner wash too.  End result:  Yummy smelling, clean, fluffy hair.   Fine haired curlies get the extra benefit of more body.  

  SIZTA 2 SIZTA:  This company has quite a few wonderful moisturizers and conditioners with good, healthy ingredients.  The products are sold locally in Detroit area at Lee Beauty Supply stores, as well as Sista’s Place.  Motown Girl also gives rave reviews on several of her products. 

• LaPhoono Gentle Loc Cleanser, 8 oz., $2.99 – A gentle, non-lathering conditioner based shampoo that detangles as well as softens hair.  Although it is a loc cleanser, it is perfect for other natural hairstyles (braids, twists, coils) too.
• Ultra Lavish Cleansing Phoo, 8 oz., $4.99 – A mild shampoo that nourishes and moisturizes dry hair.  Again, perfect for natural hairstyles.

  Avalon Organics Awapuhi Mango Moisturizing Shampoo, 14 oz., $8.95.  A sulfate-free shampoo that is gentle and nonstripping.  Perfect for dry, damaged hair.  Adds body, volume, and shine.  Ingredients include vegetable glycerin, aloe, awapuhi, mango, vanilla and ylang ylang blossom.  End result:  Moisturized, shiny hair.

BAKING SODA:  Add to sulfate-free shampoo (without Sodium Lauryl, Sodium Laureth or Ammonium Lauryl) to help remove buildup from hair and scalp.  Add a pinch to the amount of shampoo you’ll use to wash your hair.  Note:  Can be drying if used with a shampoo with sulfates as sulfates are drying on their own (which is why they are sometimes avoided).  Also works well added to conditioner washes if your hair is feeling a little coated.  End result:  Scalp is clean and fresh, and your hair soft.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:  Some hair care products have cones (amodimethicone, dimethicone, etc.) which over time can build up, leaving a residue, making your hair dull.  How can you tell?  Your daily products no longer work.  Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water and rinse through hair.  I put mine in a spray bottle which makes it easier to distribute.  Note:  I prefer apple cider vinegar, but white vinegar will work too.  End result:  Soft, shiny hair.