Hair Care Tips for Premium Raw Southeast Asian Hair

Premium hair deserves gentle, dedicated care to maintain its silky softness, natural shine, and airy flow. Whether you wear it straight, curled, or color-treated, follow this expert monthly routine to keep your bundles looking brand new and luxurious for years to come..

Wash Day Routine (Once a Month)

Step 1: Olaplex Treatment (If Needed)


Olaplex No.0 + No.3 is recommended only if your hair has been:

 • Professionally bleached or colored, or

 • Heat styled frequently (daily flat ironing or curling)


Skip Olaplex if:

 • This is your very first wash before installation, and

 • The hair has not been bleached


Important: Bleaching should always be performed by a licensed professional colorist. A skilled stylist will know the best aftercare routine to keep your hair healthy and vibrant. However, you should use Olaplex No.0 + No.3 every single time you wash your colored or bleached hair, which for most will be monthly, to maintain strength and repair.


How to apply Olaplex:

 • Hair must be dry before applying No.0

 • Apply No.0 generously and leave on for 10 minutes

 • Without rinsing, apply No.3 over No.0 and leave on for 30–45 minutes

 • Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water

Important Note About Washing Raw Hair Premium raw Southeast Asian hair is most fragile when wet. You may notice temporary matting or difficulty managing while shampoo is on the hair — this is completely normal. To protect your bundles:
    •    Avoid combing or detangling when the hair is wet or coated with shampoo.

    •    Only detangle using a wide-tooth comb after applying conditioner or deep conditioner.

    •    Once dry, the hair will return to its natural softness, flow, and manageability.




Step 2: Clarify (Every 2–3 Months After First Installation)


Clarifying shampoo removes buildup and refreshes the hair’s natural movement. Use only after installation and after you’ve worn the hair for some time. There’s no need to clarify before your first install.


 • If your hair is super greasy and not color treated, use Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Clarifying Shampoo—it’s the best option to deeply cleanse and remove heavy buildup.

 • If your hair is dry, or color treated/bleached, use Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo—it cleanses gently without drying the hair out further.


How to clarify:

 • Shampoo 1–2 times, rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water between washes

 • Use clarifying shampoo every 2–3 months only

 • Follow with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner



Step 3: Cleanse & Condition (Monthly)


Maintain softness and shine with one of our recommended shampoo and conditioner options. See the charts below to choose your best option for your hair needs and budget.


 • Gently massage shampoo into hair, rinse with lukewarm water

 • Shampoo 1–2 times as needed to cleanse fully

 • Apply conditioner generously, leave on for 3–5 minutes

 • Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water



Recommended Shampoo Options:

 • Virtue Recovery Shampoo (Our No. 1 Choice)
 • Pureology Hydrate Shampoo (Runner Up)
 • Not Your Mother’s Repair & Protect Shampoo (Affordable Option)

Recommended Conditioner Options:

 • Virtue Recovery Conditioner (Our No. 1 Choice)
 • Pureology Hydrate Conditioner (Runner Up)
 • TGIN Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner (Affordable Option)

Refer to the shampoo and conditioner charts below to compare their benefits and decide which option fits your hair needs best.

Our top recommendation for premium hair care is the Virtue Recovery Duo for its balanced gentle cleansing, hydration, and frizz/static control without weighing hair down. If you prefer a slightly more affordable option, Pureology Hydrate is excellent. For those on a budget, the affordable options offer good performance but may not be as luxurious or effective long term.

Shampoo Comparison Chart

Feature Virtue Recovery Shampoo Pureology Hydrate Shampoo Not Your Mother's Repair & Protect Shampoo
Cleans Hair (Without Stripping) Excellent – gentle but effective Very good – hydrating, mild cleanse Good – sulfate-free, mild cleanse
Gentleness Highly gentle, suitable for damaged hair Gentle and nourishing Gentle but less rich
Moisturizes Without Weighing Down Yes, lightweight hydration Yes, more moisturizing Moderate moisture, lightweight
Best for Daily Heat Styled Hair Excellent, protects and restores Good, hydrating for daily use Fair, supportive but basic
Best for Bleached/Color Treated Hair Excellent repair and strengthening Very good color-safe formula Good, but less targeted
Frizz & Static Control Very good, smooths well Good, hydrating helps frizz Moderate control
Sulfate-Free Yes Yes Yes

Conditioner Comparison Chart
Feature Virtue Recovery Conditioner Pureology Hydrate Conditioner TGIN Triple Moisture Conditioner
Moisturizes Without Weighing Down Lightweight, rich hydration Very moisturizing but still light Very moisturizing, slightly heavier
Best for Daily Heat Styled Hair Excellent, repairs heat damage Good hydration and protection Good moisture, may feel heavier
Best for Bleached/Color Treated Hair Excellent strengthening Very good color-safe care Good nourishment, less targeted
Frizz & Static Control Very good, smooths and softens Good, hydration helps frizz Good, moisturizes well
Lightweight Feel Yes Yes No, slightly heavier
Step 4: Deep Conditioning (Monthly)

Maintain the softness, movement and longevity of your bundles with monthly deep conditioning. This restores essential moisture and keeps the hair looking and feeling luxurious.

Recommended Options:

1. TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask (#1 recommended for raw bundles)

Perfectly balanced for raw hair, this mask delivers deep hydration without weighing the hair down or disrupting its natural texture.

 • Apply generously from mid-lengths to ends

 • Cover with a plastic cap for enhanced absorption

 • Leave on for 15–30 minutes

 • Rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture


2. Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Masque (best for very dry, or chemically treated hair)
A richer formula designed for deeper nourishment—ideal for bundles that have become especially dry or have been color-treated. Use sparingly on finer textures.

 • Apply to mid-lengths and ends (avoid oversaturating)

 • Leave on for 15–30 minutes under a plastic cap

 • Rinse thoroughly with cool water to avoid buildup


TGIN is the top choice for most raw bundles due to its weightless moisture, softening effect, and anti-frizz control.
🧴 Shea Moisture is a great backup for drier or coarser hair that needs a richer boost.

Feature / Need TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Masque
Moisture Balance Excellent — deeply hydrates without heaviness; maintains softness and natural flow ideal for raw bundles Very rich and deeply moisturizing; can be heavier, better for very dry or coarse hair
Suitability for Raw Bundles Perfect — formulated to nourish without weighing down or altering natural texture Good — can be used but may feel heavier or slightly weigh down finer bundles
Frizz & Static Control Very effective — smooths and tames frizz with natural oils and honey Good — hydrating and helps reduce frizz, but can be heavier, which may cause buildup if overused
Protein Content Moderate — helps strengthen hair without causing stiffness or dryness Moderate — includes natural proteins but more focused on moisture and softness
Hair Type Compatibility Best for fine to medium textured hair, including chemically untreated hair like your raw bundles Better for medium to coarse or very dry hair; excellent for chemically treated or damaged hair
Ease of Use Absorbs well with moderate rinse time; non-greasy finish Requires thorough rinsing due to richness; can leave residue if not rinsed properly
Overall Impact on Bundle Longevity Helps maintain hair integrity and softness, extending bundle lifespan Adds moisture but may require more careful use to avoid buildup or heaviness over time
Step 5: Drying

 • Never blow dry your hair—air drying preserves integrity and softness

 • Gently blot with a towel; avoid rubbing

 • Hang hair to dry completely before styling or storing

• avoid drying in direct sunlight as this may dry the hair out


Styling Product Recommendations

Heat Protection


Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press

 • Mist lightly on each section before flat ironing or curling

 • Use sparingly; a light mist is enough

 • Provides heat protection and light hold

 • Suitable for both straight and curled styles

 • Must be used every time you style your hair with heat


Dry End Softener

Kenra Silkening Gloss

• Apply a tiny amount to dry ends only, either before or after heat styling

• Applying before heat (along with your heat protectant) can help smooth the product into the hair more evenly

• If you prefer, you can run it through the ends after styling instead, for added shine and softness

• Adds shine and softness without weighing hair down

• Can be used daily if needed, especially on dry or dull ends

• Not required every day or every time you style, but safe for daily use when used sparingly

Shine & Static Control

Sebastian Dark Oil Silkening Mist

 • Spray from at least 6 inches away

 • Apply after styling, focusing on mid-lengths to ends

 • Calms flyaways and adds a lightweight shine

 • Can be used daily if needed to refresh shine and control frizz

 • Not required every day or every time you style, but safe for daily use when used sparingly

Extra Tips for Luxurious Hair Care

 • Always rinse with lukewarm water, except after deep conditioning—use cool water to seal cuticles

 • Detangle gently using a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working upward

 • Sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a silk bonnet to reduce friction

 • Seal wefts before installation with a quality weft sealer (e.g., Aleene’s Stop Fraying) to minimize shedding

 • Store bundles in a breathable bag or hang neatly when not in use


Your premium raw hair deserves nothing less than the best care. Following these expert steps will keep your hair looking flawless, feeling soft, and moving naturally — every day.