With the heat of the summer upon us, it’s time to keep moisture on our priority list for our hair. There are certainly a lot of ways to keep curls and waves moisturized, but at what cost?
The cost of conditioners and moisturizing treatments varies from just three dollars all the way up to $50 and beyond! But just because a product is more expensive, does not always means it is more effective. There are a number of ways to up the ante on your curl moisture on a budget.
Moisturize On A Budget
Shop Your Stash
Before you head out to buy new products, it’s always a good idea to shop your own closet. Start by looking at your cabinets, baskets and shelves for products you haven’t used in a while. Curious about the shelf lives of your curly hair products? Check out this guide.
Some of you (especially the Product Junkies out there”> may find a treasure trove of products in the far reaches of your shelves. If it is a product you tried briefly and didn’t like, play with the quantity and the way you apply the product. You may also find old favorites that were set aside when you bought new products.
Know Yourself
This is a common phrase among curlies, but we can’t stress it enough: know what works for you! When trying new products, always pay close attention to what types of conditioners and moisturizing treatments work for your hair type. Luckily, there are thousands of product reviews by your fellow curlies here to help you pick a conditioner for your hair type.
Budget Conditioners
A few to try under $20:
Do It Yourself
The idea of doing it yourself can be a bit intimidating, but there are some quick and easy DIY moisturizers out there that require minimal time and effort! Here are a few easy moisturizing treatments and leave-ins to try.
This simple recipe combines two of our favorite ingredients in the pantry: a ripe avocado and some coconut milk.
Directions
- Peel and pit the avocado, then mash it up well.
- Slowly pour in enough coconut milk until the mixture has the consistency of conditioner.
- Put in a container with a lid and use as needed.
Curly Cocktail
This cocktail is a perfect add-on to your favorite store-bought conditioner.
What You’ll Need
- Conditioner 2 oz
- Distilled water 1.5 oz
- Olive oil 1/8 cup
Combine the ingredients and use this as a nourishing leave-in treatment.
Coconut & Aloe Spray
- Purified water 1 cup
- Aloe juice 1/2 cup
- Melted coconut oil 1 tbsp
- Water from a can of coconut milk
- Lime juice 3 tbsp
- Vitamin E 5 capsules
- Glycerin 2 tbsp
- Essential oils a couple drops each
Combine all of the ingredients. Once mixed, you can store it in a spray bottle and mist after your shower or on dry hair for a “pick me up.”
When to Moisturize
Use leave-ins right after a visit to the pool or beach – bring some along in your beach totes! Treat yourself to a hair masque or deep moisture treatment at least once a week in the hot summer months too – your hair will thank you for it.
And don’t forget to allow your curls and waves to reap the benefits of your leave-in moisturizers by allowing your hair to air dry.
