If your hair is naturally dry, you may be experiencing breakage and what feels like lack of hair growth. Fortunately, there are a few powerful ways to retain moisture that won’t take up too much time.

1. Look for water in your ingredients.

For kinky, coily hair, the first ingredient should be water and the second ingredient should be a moisture-agent, not an alcohol. A moisturizing leave-in conditioner goes the extra mile by helping to make sure your natural oils are soft and shiny. Next, apply your “styling” leave-in conditioner, which has stronger (but often drying) ingredients. If you layer your hair with water first, you’ll cause less damage.

2. Stop using products with drying alcohols.

Hair care products tend to use alcohols that are very drying for dry, textured hair. Isopropyl alcohol, for example, is a common alcohol used in hair sprays and gel. Frequently using this type of alcohol on your edges might be drying and cause hair breakage, and you wouldn’t even know it!

3. Try the Liquid-Oil-Cream (LOC) or the Liquid-Cream-Oil (LCO) Method.

To follow the LOC method at home on Wash Day, start with damp hair while in the shower. After cleansing, rinse with apple cider vinegar, your liquid. Next, apply your favorite oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil that will serve as surfactants. Complete the moisturizing process by finishing with a heavier, thicker cream – to “lock in” the oil. With the LCO method, you simply apply the oils last, so you lock in a light cream with a heavier oil. 

Kimberly Elise Naturals® four-step organic, natural black hair care system is designed to follow the LOC method, which “layers on” the moisture step-by-step.

4. Do not over-wash your hair.

For women with dry hair, daily washing may be excessive: too many harsh ingredients can actually dry your hair out. Wash your hair every three to seven days with a gentle formula. 

5. Use a t-shirt when you dry your hair after your wash.

Kinky, coily hair textures require an extra gentle touch – especially after washing. The hair strands are swollen with water and need to be handled carefully. You can wrap your hair in a t-shirt first, then a traditional towel, to protect the more fragile ends.

6. Use a leave-in conditioner that will help your hair lock in moisture.

If your goal is to hydrate your hair, you don’t simply use oil. Instead, apply a light, moisture-rich leave-in conditioner that’s formulated for your hair type.  Look for naturally hydrating ingredients, such as marshmallow root extract, which naturally hydrates your hair strands and make strands look and feel thicker. 

7. Sleep on satin pillowcases and wear satin hair wraps to bed.

Satin is great for helping to retain moisture in your hair as cotton can cause friction and tug at your delicate strands. If you’re a wild sleeper, sleep on a satin pillowcase and double up with a scarf, bonnet, or cap.

8. Moisturize your hair every day.

Depending on your style, you should aim to moisturize your hair every day – especially the parts that are prone to dryness like your crown or edges. This is important to remember if you wear weaves and extensions for natural black hair care.