9 Reasons Your Curls Need A Detox

The new year is upon us and a lot of us are going to be detoxing our bodies, our minds, our lives and our homes, but what about our hair? Yes, your hair could use a detox, too! Myself and natural hairstylist Aeleise J. of HairLoveArtStudio have partnered up for a revolutionary 30 day hair detox.

We’ve partnered together because there’s an epidemic of dry hair happening even when people are doing all the “right” things to their hair. Our intention is to explore simple techniques that lead to proper hydration. For 30 straight days we’re asking participants to forgo the use of coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil and Eco Styler. We’re also asking that participants forgo the use of any products that have these items listed in the first five ingredients on the product label.

We don’t think coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil and Eco Styler are inherently bad, but we want to end the abuse of them.

So check out the 9 reasons you should detox your curls in 2016:

1. You think oils and “the butters” moisturize your curls.

It’s simple: water=moisture and oil=sealant. According to The Science of Black Hair, written by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, “Oils are hydrophobic or ‘water fearing’ substances that repel moisture. If you use oils without a moisturizer or before one, the oil will deter moisture from entering the hair strand and lead to eventual dryness.” So please stop with the oils and butters. They are actually not helping your hair moisture ministry.

2. You only use coconut oil and/or shea butter to moisturize your curls.

According to The Science of Black Hair, “moisturization, or hydration, is a primary characteristic of water. Water is a universal moisturizer. Good moisturizers will always contain water as a first ingredient.” Oil and butter are not the holy grail so again, please use sparingly.

3. You have a serious case of buildup on your hair. 

Hair buildup is one of the main reasons we’re actually doing this curl-changing challenge. The overuse and abuse of coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil and Eco Styler lead to heavy buildup. Not only are these products contributing to buildup but the absence of clarifying shampoo in your hair regimen could also be be a factor, in addition to the layers and layers of product piled up on the hair. When the hair is not properly clarified these products remain on the hair, resulting in buildup along with a continual cycle of shampooing and moisturizing dry, dull hair.

4. Your hair is dry, frizzy and limp. 

When heavy oils and butters are used as moisturizers they block the hair from absorbing water. Lack of water distributed to the hair leads to less than stellar curls.

5. You need to re-evaluate your curl care regimen.

You want to get your curls popping for the new year, but you’ve been using the same regimen that you started out your natural hair journey with. Your curls could use a lift, along with an introduction to a new method and some new products. Well, joining the #30DayHairDetox will get you started and on the right track to the best curls of your life.

6. You need product recommendations.

The beauty of being a natural now versus a few years ago is that the number of products to choose from have grown. The hard part is finding a winner amongst all those choices that work for your luscious curls. You have no clue what or how you should go about choosing your products. The #30DayHairDetox will take all the anxiety and stress out of finding great products because natural hairstylist Aeleise J. has put together a curated list of hydrating products perfect for getting your curls right for the new year!

7. You need some simple techniques to improve your curls.

You’re stuck in a rut with your curls and you are certain this can’t be it. You’ve watched a million and two YouTube videos and you’re still not sure that you’ve got a handle on things yet. You want to unleash your curls but you haven’t got one clue how.

8. You haven’t unlocked the full potential of your curls.

You wear the same two hairstyles week in and week out. You are reluctant to try anything new because it took you so long to find something that you feel works best on your curls. You’re in desperate need of guidance because you want to uncover and discover your gorgeous curls.

9. You’re overwhelmed.

Listen, there is so much misinformation running rampant out there. Not only is there a ton of misinformation but there is a ton of information all over the Internet and none of it is right for you. You’re so close to slapping on a wig or making an appointment for that cute protective style you saw on Instagram so you don’t have to deal with your curls. The #30DayHairDetox promises not to be overwhelming, Aeleise and I have made this challenge fairly seamless and we hope to inform and empower every single one of you!

Don’t let your curls suffer another year! Join us for this amazing curl-changing challenge. Head over to http://www.chocolatecurlsbeauty.com to learn more about our revolutionary #30DayHairDetox and sign up to our email list to get your copy of our curl-changing newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.

Aishia Strickland is full-time mom to a little Chocolate Prince, full-time beauty school student, lover of multi-textured hair, tastemaker, Editor of Chocolate Curls Beauty and a knower of all THINGS!