Sandy Esprit

Beauty and Lifestyle content for the everyday Millennial!

My Natural Hair Journey + Current Hair Care Routine

If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know that my natural hair journey has been filled with lessons, trial and error, and so much growth—literally and figuratively. When I first started, I had no idea what my hair really needed. I just wanted healthy, strong hair that could thrive without constant breakage.

Over time, I realized that the secret isn’t in chasing every new product—it’s in understanding what your hair needs and creating a routine that supports that.

For me, that routine starts with scalp care. A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Once I learned to treat my scalp like the rest of my skin—gently but consistently—everything changed.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting my work and my hair journey!)

My Weekly Wash Day Routine

Wash day used to feel like a chore, but now it’s my self-care moment. Here’s how I currently take care of my hair each week:

Step 1: Cleanse with CeraVe Anti-Dandruff 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
I actually prefer the shampoo on its own, but I ran out recently, so I’ve been using the 2-in-1 version. It contains pyrithione zinc, which helps keep dandruff under control while being gentle on my scalp. It’s a great first step to get rid of buildup and flakes without stripping my hair completely.

Step 2: Deep Clean & Shine with L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Gloss Line
After my first wash, I follow up with the L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss Shampoo, Conditioner, and Lamination Rinse-Off Treatment. This line has been such a game changer for bringing back shine and smoothness. The glycolic acid helps remove dullness and adds that healthy gloss without making my curls feel heavy.

Step 3: Post-Shower Care – Treat & Protect
Once I’m out of the shower, I focus on moisture and scalp health. My post-wash lineup looks like this:

Joico Vitality Scalp Spray – to keep my scalp balanced and refreshed.
L’Oréal Glycolic Gloss Serum – for extra shine and protection.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner – this helps strengthen my hair and lock in moisture.
A lightweight hair oil to seal everything in and keep my ends protected.

(You can shop all the products I use through my affiliate links below — thank you for supporting my content!)

Protective Styling: My Go-To Braids

After all that, I usually put my hair into braids. It’s the easiest way for me to protect my hair and give it a break from daily manipulation. Braiding also helps me retain length and maintain moisture longer.

The key, though, is keeping my scalp clean and nourished even while it’s in braids. That’s why I make sure my products work to keep my scalp environment healthy. Because if your scalp isn’t thriving, your hair won’t either.

Final Thoughts

My natural hair journey has taught me patience, consistency, and the importance of listening to my hair. Right now, my focus is on scalp health, moisture, and length retention—and so far, I’m really pleased with the results.

Every product I use has a purpose: to nurture my scalp, strengthen my strands, and keep my hair looking and feeling healthy. Growth will come naturally when your scalp feels safe and cared for.