Applying Styling Products to Hair for Maximum Benefit

No matter what type of hair you have (curly, straight, wavy, etc) it’s VERY important to use a protective and nourishing styling aide after cleansing and conditioning. I have so many things to do in the mornings, I really don’t like to spend a great deal of time thinking about what I’m going to do with my hair. In the colder months, I cleanse and deep condition with my cordless heat cap once a week.  When the weather is warmer and I perspire more, I usually have to give my hair a thorough rinse followed with Phat Head Super Moisturizing Conditioner mid week.

After cleansing and conditioning, it takes me about 15 minutes to apply my styling products. I don’t mind taking this short amount of time to apply my leave in conditioner & moisturizer because I know I won’t have to do much else to my hair for the whole week. When hair is properly coated with protective, nourishing & moisturizing products it really “behaves” better.

If  you don’t apply an equal amount of any given styling product to ALL of your hair, the uncoated hair can look frizzy and dry, especially in comparison to the hairs that have been properly coated. As the days go by, the contrast between the adequately conditioned hair and the under or non conditioned hair is even more evident. In addition, unprotected or under protected hair is susceptible to dehydration and breakage.

When applying your styling & conditioning aides, remember: Less is more.  ALL of my Phat Head products are made without water, so they won’t evaporate. Contrary to popular belief, water is not a moisturizing ingredient: It evaporates too quickly to provide any long lasting moisturizing benefits. I use organic aloe vera juice in my Phat Head products because it is a gentle, safe and natural humectant that strengthens and fortifies the hair.

To ensure a proper and thorough distribution of styling products, I separate my hair into four sections. I secure the three sections that I’m not working on with a butterfly clip. I spray my hair with Phat Head No Knots Leave In Moisturizing Mist and then massage/finger comb it in to coat each hair. Next, I massage either Phat Head Organic Conditioning and Styling Oil, Phat Head Coconut Pudding with Silk Protein or Phat Head Silk Sheets Styling Lotion into the hair in that section.  This seals in the nourishing ingredients of the No Knots, adds additional nutrients and prevents moisture loss. Finally, I finger comb this section of hair, gripping the ends tightly to “squeeze in” an extra amount of moisture because this is where the hair is oldest and driest.  I repeat this with the remaining three sections.

If your hair is short, it’s not necessary to section it off, but make sure that you apply an equal amount of your styling product to all of your hair: Don’t just pass your hands over the top of your hair. Try this quick and effective method instead:  Mist all of your hair with Phat Head No Knots Leave In Moisture Mist, Phat Head Oil Free Daily Botanical Boost or Phat Head Daily Jojoba Moisturizing Mist. Next, rub a dollop of the appropriate styling aide into both palms. Spread your fingers and pass your palms over your entire head, massaging the product into the hair. Put a bit more cream, gel or pomade on your palm rub hands together  and then place your hands in the middle of your head, with the fingertips of each hand close to one another and thumbs near the back of your ears. Slowly, bring your hands down towards your back, massaging the styling product into your hair.  Next, using a bit more product on your palms, place your hands on top of your head with your fingertips facing behind you, pinkies next to one another, thumbs near your ears and wrists close to your forehead. Bring your hands down towards your ears, massaging the product into your hair as you go down. Finally, with your hands right at the hairline, index fingers towards each other, thumbs extended outward, near the front of your ears, pull your palms over your hairline, towards the back of your head, as though you were going to pull your hair into a ponytail. Voila!

This is also an ideal method for those with medium or long hair to apply pomade, pudding or conditioning oil to dry hair, as a touch up or refresher during the week. It won’t disturb your curl or wavy pattern, nor will it tangle your hair. For my mid week touch ups, I use Phat Head Organic Conditioning and Styling Oil or Phat Head Shea & Honey Pomade.

Take a little bit of time to properly apply your styling products: It will save you time and money because you won’t have to wet and restyle your hair every day. Give it a try and let me know the results!