Every so often you need to clarify natural hair to remove product build up and detoxify the scalp. If not, your hair won’t be able to absorb all of those hella expensive products and live it’s best coily life. How often you need to clarify differs from head to head.
I have low porosity hair making it harder for my hair to absorb products. Which means I need to clarify often to remove the excess products sitting on my hair. Therefore, I try to clarify at least once per month. Or when my hair shows signs that it needs it. Like super dry no matter how much I moisturize, and brittle ends. If you have high porosity hair you may not need to clarify as often. But it is necessary to clarify natural hair every now and then to get it squeaky clean. So clarifying should still be a part of your routine.
My go to methods to clarify natural hair is to use a clarifying shampoo and/or bentonite clay treatment. I usually do both to ensure that my hair and scalp gets as clean as possible. But it’s important to use a clarifying shampoo that cleans thoroughly without stripping hair of it’s natural oils. My current favorite clarifying shampoo is the Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap Extra Moisture Shampoo. It’s sulfate free and gently detoxifies with African black soap, while moisturizing with wild honey and baobab oil. I use a bentonite clay mask with apple cider vinegar after shampooing. Just to make sure that my hair is thoroughly cleansed.
As clarifying can strip the hair leaving it dry and brittle, you absolutely must use a thorough conditioner after. This will restore moisture to your hair. It’s best to do a deep conditioning treatment with heat for deepest penetration. The Alaffia Authentic African Unrefined Shea Butter Extra Moisture Conditioner is a great choice. I also love the Camille Rose Oud Rich Infusion Moisture Treatment and As I Am Hydration Elation Intensive Conditioner.
Watch my Clarifying Wash Day Routine Video to see how I clarify and restore moisture to my type 4 natural hair.
