Silicone can create an illusion of silky, shiny hair because it smooths the hair cuticle making it appear healthy. Silicone can also  cause buildup in the hair, if the hair isn’t clarified of them on a regular basis, but to know how to clarify the hair, it’s best to know what kind of silicone you are putting in your hair. There are 2 types of silicone’s: The chemically modified water soluble kind, and the non-water soluble kind. The water soluble kind can be washed out with regular co-washes and water using a non-silicone containing shampoo and a good rinsing. On the other hand the kind that isn’t water soluble will need certain ingredients contained in a shampoo to remove it.

Below I have a chart that I borrowed from naturallycurly.com which breaks down the most common types of silicone used in hair products, and what ingredients to look for in your shampoo to remove them:

If you want to view this chart on their website click here.

If you have decided to stop using shampoo, your hair will still need to cleansed and clarified every once in a while. Co-washing the hair, even with conditioner that does not contain silicones, mineral oil, beeswax, etc., will eventually cause buildup on your scalp and hair if you don’t clarify your hair at all. My suggestion is to clarify your hair every 4-6 weeks with either sulfate free shampoo or by cleansing the hair with baking soda. I usually mark the 1st of the month on my calendar as a reminder to clarify my hair.

This method can be used on both natural and relaxed hair. Co-washing the hair is beneficial for both types of hair and clarifying the hair without the use of harsh clarifying shampoo’s is better for your hair’s health as well as your pockets. While the average bottle of shampoo is about $5, you can purchase a box of baking soda for as little as $1.

Baking Soda Clarifier Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tsp baking soda

Mix the above ingredients in a cup or small bowl until the baking soda is dissolved. Do not use more baking soda than suggested because using too much baking soda will cause your hair to become very dry and brittle. A rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of warm water per tablespoon of baking soda. Once you have this mixed thoroughly, rinse your hair completely with water. Next, pour the baking soda mixture on the hair paying close attention to the scalp. Make sure it runs on your scalp and use your finger tips to massage your scalp releasing any buildup. For intense buildup try the Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub along with this clarifier. Next work the mixture down to the ends of your hair by smoothing it down with your finger tips. For longer hair, double or triple this mixture.  Rinse your hair throughly and follow up with your deep conditioner.

Credits: Photo from 1greengeneration.elementsintime.com

I decided to use baking soda instead of shampoo to cleanse my hair which I will write an article on later this month, but my scalp was still a bit itchy. I examined my scalp and to my surprise, my scalp where my hair in the front was cornrowed had some buildup. I did a brief scalp check by gently scraping my scalp with my finger nail to find gunk underneath. I did not want to use shampoo so I reached for the next best thing: Brown Sugar!

I mixed about 2 tablespoons of conditioner with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. I then applied it to my entire scalp as if I was greasing my scalp. After I applied all the Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub to my scalp, I massaged my scalp gently for a few minutes. I rinsed my hair completely and my scalp was completely clean. No more buildup!

If your scalp has that “gunking” buildup due to sweat, products, etc., this mixture will remove it without stripping your hair. This will become a staple in my regimen whenever I discover buildup on my scalp.

Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub Recipe

1 tsp brown sugar

2 tbsp silicone free conditioner

Directions: Mix together and apply to scalp. Massage to remove buildup and impurities. Rinse thoroughly.

Credits: Photo from iemommy.com

If you’ve experienced these common irritants, you’re not alone. These tiny knots are known as “fairy knots”, because of how small they are. Fairy knots are knots that appear on single strands close to the ends of natural hair. They can be caused by frequent wear of free styles, such as braid outs, twist outs, and fros. They are also caused by other factors such as failing to seal your ends at night, using a comb in dry natural hair, etc. Some even say that these little knots are “split ends.” I beg to differ. Fairy knots are a natural occurrence in naturally curly-kinky hair. They are caused by the hair having a tight curl pattern which results in the hair wrapping around itself resulting in a tiny single strand knot. The following can help alleviate these pesky knots from appearing:

• Seal your ends every night with shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil
• Do not comb dry natural hair. Only comb your hair when it is soaking wet and saturated with conditioner
• Wear protective styles often
• Always tie your hair down at night with a satin scarf to prevent matting and tangles
• Condition often – Every time you wash, meaning at least twice a week

The above tips will lessen fairy knots, but when your hair is natural you will probably still get them from time to time because of your hair being naturally curly. If you see these knots appear in your hair, just take a pair of shears and cut them out. It’s best to do it once you notice them at the ends because if left untreated the hair will continue to knot up from the ends up causing extreme breakage.

Answer this question for me if you would:

Would you put melted candle wax in your hair?

Heck no, would be your answer right? Wax wouldn’t absorb into the hair, neither will it moisturize the hair or be beneficial in anyway. Instead it would do nothing but cause buildup, breakage and seal the hair preventing any absorption of moisture. Beeswax is just as bad as using products with mineral oil and/or petroleum.

Ladies please stir clear of any product containing this ingredient. If you are a natural sister there are other alternatives to holding your twists and locks. Beeswax will be harmful in the long run if you decide to use it. If you are currently using this product or products containing this ingredient, stop now and find a good clarifying shampoo to try to remove the beeswax from your hair which is also going to be struggle. This stuff is very difficult to remove from the hair when it’s applied. It’s almost like glue!

Beeswax A.K.A Paraffin is bad and it’s an absolute no no for black hair! Do not use products containing this ingredient.

Credits: photo from www.timeinc.net