How to Care for Raw Hair: Washing, Conditioning, Heat & Maintenance Guide

Good raw hair can last for years—but it still needs to be cared for.

Once hair has been cut from the donor, it no longer has a scalp supplying it with natural oils. So washing, conditioning, heat protection and the products you use matter.

Keep it clean. Keep it moisturized. Protect it from unnecessary damage.

WASH IT. YES, ACTUALLY WASH IT.

Product buildup, sweat, oils and styling products eventually weigh raw hair down. If your bundles suddenly feel stiff, dull or aren't moving the way they used to, they may simply need a wash.

For regular cleansing, we recommend Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo. Use lukewarm water, work the shampoo through the hair gently, and avoid aggressively rubbing or bunching your bundles together.

Gently work through the hair with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb when there is plenty of slip. Detangle from the ends upward.

CONDITIONER IS NOT OPTIONAL.

Raw hair loves moisture. After shampooing, follow with a moisturizing conditioner or mask. Some of our favorites include Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner, Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, Fenty Hair The Richer One Moisture Repair Deep Conditioner and amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner. A good moisturizing cholesterol conditioner can also be worked into your routine.

Let the conditioner sit, gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb, then rinse thoroughly.

RAW RULE: Moisture is your friend. Heavy product buildup is not.

HEAT ISN'T THE ENEMY. UNPROTECTED HEAT IS.

One of the best parts of quality raw hair is its versatility. Straighten it. Curl it. Blow it out. Just protect it first.

Before using hot tools, apply a heat protectant such as amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray. Use the lowest temperature that gives you the result you need and avoid repeatedly passing a hot tool over the same section.

Your bundles do not need to fight for their lives every time you want a silk press.

A LITTLE OIL GOES A LONG WAY.

Raw hair should have movement. If your bundles look like they could stand up by themselves, we may have gotten a little too excited with the products.

For shine and softness, start with only a few drops of a lightweight oil. We like OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil or Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil. You can always add more.

Removing half a bottle of oil from your bundles is a different conversation.

GIVE HER A LITTLE REPAIR SOMETIMES.

Even well-cared-for raw hair experiences normal wear from brushing, washing, styling, heat and everyday friction.

An occasional bond-repair treatment can be incorporated into your maintenance routine, particularly if you frequently heat-style or manipulate your hair. OLAPLEX is our preferred option for periodic bond care.

The important word is occasional. Your regular routine should still center around cleansing, moisture, gentle handling and protection.

AND PLEASE… GO TO BED CORRECTLY.

Before bed, gently detangle your hair and secure it so you aren't rolling around on loose extensions all night.

Use a silk or satin bonnet, scarf or pillowcase. If you're wearing a glueless wig, remove it when possible, gently brush or comb it out, and store it on a wig stand or mannequin head.

For wavy or curly raw hair, loosely braid or twist the hair before bed to help preserve the texture and reduce tangling.

THE RAW115 CARE FORMULA

Cleanse. Moisturize. Protect. Use less product than you think. Repair when necessary. Sleep cute.

Raw hair is an investment—but maintaining it shouldn't feel like a second job. Treat it gently, keep unnecessary buildup and excessive heat under control, and your RAW115 hair can stay soft, beautiful and wearable for a very long time.

Take care of her. She'll return the favor.