How to Retain Moisture

Hey guys I am fresh off a freak out about my natural hair. Although I have been natural for one year and seven months I am completely new to wearing my natural hair out. With permed hair I would moisturize my hair usually once a week and for me that was enough or else it would start to be loaded down and I would have product buildup. However what I am finding with Natural Hair is that I can not simply follow that once a week routine. For one reason products for permed hair like hair lotions contain mineral oil and petrolatum. Mineral oil and petrolatum are by products of crude oil. Yes the stuff that is pumped into cars. These by products sit on top of the hair, they do not penetrate the hair shaft and therefore deliver no benefit to the overall health of the hair shaft.

All natural products like the ones that I have been using however penetrate the hair shaft and deliver health benefits to the hair shaft. My hair eats up these natural products and so that means constant application without the major product build up. So this morning I freaked out because I had just moisturized, co-washed and deep conditioned my hair. So why wasn't it soft?

Well I turned to my online natural hair community at Nappturality.com. (Turn to them, this has got to be one of the biggest online communities. They have a wealth of knowledge-yes that's my plug for them.)To seal moisture into each strand of natural hair this is what I learned to do:

1.I took my spray bottle of plain water sprayed my hair making sure that each strand was sprayed.
2.Then I take some EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and apply it to my hair.

Follow these two simple steps and soft, moisturized hair will be yours. As a natural water is your friend, where as a permie it was your biggest enemy. The oil (and it doesn't have to be EVOO)acts as a natural sealant. Do these two steps any time your hair feels dry. Or to prevent dryness before it occurs. Use the amount that is right for you. I have a small spray bottle and plan to make a travel spray to bring with me for protection from the heat of the summer sun. Freak out officailly caput!!!!Muah!!!