SHAMPOOING LOCKS

The washing of locks seems to be a source of distress for most new lockers. When to wash, what to use, will my locks unravel, shall I condition? Here are some tips that may work for you.

When to wash?
Every two weeks is in my opinion is often enough for baby locks. Others say 3-4 but certiantly no longer than that. Washing will not inhibit the hair from locking. It can only make it healthier. Some also feel that washing often helped their hair lock faster.

What to use?
I personally have tried several different shampoos. First I used a pure aloe vera shampoo from a health food store. Then I went on to an antiseptic tea tree oil and a regular commercial shampoo for my hair type. Of the three I most like the tea tre oil shampoo which I intend to stick with. It is incredibly antiseptic and my scalp never itches. It gets my hair very clean. I have also heard good things about Dr. Bronners peppermint shampoo which I have never used. I understand it is very strong as some feel the tea tree oil shampoo is. I would say try them and decide for yourself which you like best.

How to wash?
I was advised when I first started to groom my own hair to wash it very gently. I found that washing it in the shower was best because I lost little or no locks during the shower process. Wet the hair with a light stream of water. Put an ample amount of shampoo in your hands and make a lather. Then rub the hair in a backwards motion with the shampoo. This does not disturb the locks as it would it you rubbed the lather all over your hair. You can also take your fingertips and lightly, gently rub the scalp in between the parts. Then put your head back under the stream of water and rinse all of the shampoo. There should be a minimal of locks lost doing this process depending on hair texture. Soft and/or wavy hair tends to unravel more. Pat the hair dry by placing a towel on your head and pressing it to soak up the excess water. Do not muss the hair.

Shall I condition?
Now this was one of those subjects that I was confused on myself. Conditioners soften the hair. Soft hair is harder to lock. But I soon saw healthier, thicker roots from regular conditioning. So if you choose to condition I would say add a leave - in conditioner to your grooming routine every other time you wash. And do not use a conditioner that is formulated to detangle your hair. Also there are various hot oils that also conditon such as almond and jojoba.

**Note** Another question that is often asked is if it is a good idea to cover the hair with a stocking cap to wash the hair in order to keep locks from unraveling. I do not agree with this. A stocking cap does not rinse well and any dirt washed from the scalp will sit on the top of the hair. It will not rinse clean. Locks unraveling in the beginning is a part of the process again depending on the texture of your hair.