The girls have enjoyed their summer safety swimming lessons donated from @frobabies founder @kanika_nigist these last two weeks. However that constant chlorine and shampoo daily for two weeks has wrecked havoc with all our hair. So I’m taking this weekend to get us all back where we need to be. Next up is Riley. 

We use Melanin Haircare African Black Soap Revitalizing Shampoo and Multi-Use Softening Leave-in Conditioner for all of our heads (Except me now that I’m red). When we run our of Melanin Haircare we use Alikay Naturals Moisturizing Black Soap Shampoo and Lemongrass Leave-in Conditioner.

The shampoo visor is still the star of our wash routine. We absolutely love that thing. It took Riley much longer to like the visor than Paris. It takes Riley longer to try any new experience. I demonstrated first on me and on Paris multiple times to show her how it protected her eyes from water. She had such anxiety to even snap it around her head. She would panic and not even realize the water was dripping from the visor and not in her eyes. However, after the third wash, she understood. She will even allow Paris to pour water on her head with it on.

Due to the damage of swimming and washing daily, we deep conditioned Riley’s curls with Melanin Haircare’s Multi-Use Softening Leave-in Conditioner and a plastic cap for 15 minutes. Paris demanded to join her.

After she was washed and conditioned I set her on the counter to brush her teeth. I divided her hair in four sections while it’s wet and with leave-in conditioner. I start at the ends while holding the hair to protect the roots and I use a detangling brush. We don’t use rubber bands just satin ties. I sing songs about shapes, the alphabet, and count to 100 to keep Riley distracted.

Then I lock in the moisture and braid out with Lottabody Wrap Me Foaming Mousse with Coconut & Shea Oil  and braid 8 braids on Riley’s head.

To close out the night I wrap Riley’s hair with a silk or satin scarf. I used an old Ralph Lauren scarf.

The next morning I take down the braids with a DIY 10 oil mixture scented with jasmine that I use for the entire family. Then I allow Riley to pick a bow to keep her hair out her face.