Chicoro's Three Levels of Moisture

Since I am committed to being more caring for my natural hair, and have done some research lately on what methods people rave about, I have come across the Chicoro method of moisturizing. Chicoro has a very detailed Grow It process, which includes six steps, but instead of implementing the entire method, I myself will just be implementing her advice of three level moisturizing.



The three levels start after washing and conditioning with products that don't strip the hair and leave it soft and manageable. As you may already know, my favorite shampoo is Shea Moisture. I have a great many conditioners I have used, but in the end, my favorite brand has proven to be Yes to Cucumbers. It gives the best slip for wet detangling. After washing and conditioning hair, moisture must be added in three levels.

1. Water or Aloe Based
2. Oil Based
3. Cream Based

In essence, I have been doing steps one and two religiously. My favorite store bought leave-in conditioner is Giovanni Direct Leave-In, which is water based and also contains aloe as the second ingredient. My favorite homemade leave in is the Kimmaytube Leave-In, which contains aloe vera juice and I currently make with Shea Moisture conditioner.

As for oils, you know I have so many which I love that it is hard to choose which ones I like the best. I will break it down into two categories: light oils and heavy oils.

Light Oils - jojoba, sweet almond, apricot kernel
Heavy Oils - olive, coconut, castor

The third level of moisture being cream based, meaning an emulsified product, is a bit tricky for me. Chicoro herself has used petroleum jelly in the past. I am not too excited about that prospect. She also recommends a butter, but I don't like butters. Perhaps mixing my butter with an oil or whipping it will change my mind. The other option is to use a store bought styler, which is what I will do most likely. Ultimately, I will probably use something from Shea Moisture. It will not, however, be anything from Coconut and Hibiscus line. I know others love the Curl Smoothie, but I hate the smell.

Another great thing to note about Chicoro is that she is into raw food, which is an interest of mine. Her fotki includes both information about her hair care regimen, hair care recipes, and raw food adventures.

I digress. Back to the cream based moisturizer. I may even look into purchasing some whipped shea from Oyin Handmade. Their products hardly ever let me down.  If you want the full six steps with pictures of the Chicoro method, you may follow this link.