by no means am i an expert on all things related to haircare, however, i am quite adept at learning and applying the techniques that work best. upon inquiring a few years back, i was told by a former hairstylist that natural oils are not suited for textured hair as it is difficult to shampoo out, but i beg to differ.

i first began venturing into oils when i started wearing my hair in its natural state, circa 2012. similar to other online hair gurus of that era i had a love affair with coconut oil that lasted for years. sealing my hair with coconut oil after conditioning, to prevent split ends and dryness, just made sense…

i don’t remember how or when i discovered jamaican black castor oil (JBCO), but it remains a staple in my haircare arsenal, though i don’t use it as often. the viscosity of JBCO is very thick, and probably too heavy for most, but i find it works wonders as a hot oil treatment when reverting the hair from straight to textured, or vice versa to minimize heat damage.

the oil showcasing in my haircare ritual nowadays is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and i cannot swear by it enough. i’ve been using it consistently for the past seven months and it is beyond – my hair oil of the moment. i’m almost certain the quality of EVOO has a lot to do with the results, but, in general, it is unbelievably absorbent.

unlike the other two oils, i use EVOO on both my straight and natural hair. on three-week old straightened hair, i generously douse the oil throughout my scalp and strands, paying careful attention to the ends, and put it in two braids [secured by foam flexirods rolled mid-shaft] at night avec silk scarf, resulting in a wavy mermaid look the next morning.

the first time i tried this method i was surprised at how my hair wasn’t left with an oily residue to the touch, but, instead, hydrated and shiny. more importantly, my scalp felt soothed and clean. i liken the scalp relief has a lot to do with the properties contained in EVOO, as oil cleansing is a popular beauty ritual in many countries where the fruit is native.

i am a poster child for the mantra creature of habit because, if it works, why fix it? thus, my techniques, especially for haircare, are tried and true.

anyways, i hope this helps you in your beauty journey.

love & madness,