Taking care of natural hair looks very complicated. Yet, you just need patience and perseverance. I have been doing so for so long. Here are my eight tips to take care of your hair easily.
- Moisturize your hair.
There are no miracle products that will keep our hair hydrated until the end of our life. It is impossible because afro hair is not naturally constantly hydrated. Our hair, like the human body, needs water, just as if we drink water every day; we need to moisturize our hair with water every day. It is not a question of really wetting them. Use a spray. It is better when you add a little bit of oil in your mixture to seal it and prevent the evaporation of the water from your hair. Coconut oil or Black Castor Oil is very helpful.
- Shampoo is not good for your hair.
The shampoo contains sulfate, which is found in household products. In other words, what you put in your hair to wash it is what you can find in the products you use to clean the house. This substance dries and break the natural hair, so using shampoo too often dries the hair. The detangler or the conditioner will be better to use because it does not dry the hair and cleans it anyway. However, as in all things must be a fair measure, it is important to remember that washing your hair only with detangler and/or conditioner will little dry your hair in a long run. I would personally advise you to use shampoo after protective hairstyles such as box braids or weaves. Moreover, you should use natural shampoos from natural hair products, or homemade shampoos. Honestly, I use shampoo once every 4 months and it is an anti-dandruff just to prevent the pellicle. I use ‘Amla Legend Shampoo’ or ‘Head and Shoulder’.
- Massage the scalp.
It is good from time to time with any vegetable oil; it relaxes and helps the good circulation of the blood in the scalp and it will boost the growth of the hair too. It is so good to do it while having a hair mask or washing your hair.
- It is necessary to use large combs with wide teeth to comb.
It breaks less hair and hurts less. And, detangle the hair when wet starting at the bottom to go up slowly, the water limits breaks and facilitates disentangling. I would advise you to start by finger detangling before using any comb so it will hurt less. I personally almost never detangle my hair with combs. I do not like combing my hair. It is so painful and useless according to me. I only use my fingers. I do not comb my hair unless I want to do box braids, and it is only when my friends yell at me because they want my hair not to overflow in the braids.
- Know your hair type.
What is your hair type? Check the board below to see the different hair types that exists. When you know your hair type, you will know what you can and what you cannot do. It might save your hair from damages and bad experiences. My hair type is 4C.
- Nutrient baths and/or masks are important.
At least once a month or more, if possible, nourish your hair. The frequency is important but not an obligation. Masks are the way of dealing with hair issues. You can hydrate your hair, help detangle it, nourish it, protect it, etc. There are very easy masks and nutrient baths you can do. My favorite is the hair mayonnaise. Try to figure out what mask will fit you the most.
- We must use less and less dry hair, babyliss, straighteners …
Intensive heat greatly weaken the hair, making them lose their natural shape. It ends up breaking the hair.
- You have to do protective styles to let the hair breathe.
Too much care is bad care. Nevertheless, sometimes, the hair needs to rest. While having protective hairstyles, you can still take care of your hair, but less than usual. I do not like braiding my hair. For me, it is unnecessary pain, but, when I know am going into busy periods, I do a protective style so I will not be bothered by all the cares I would usually do.
It is easier than it seems. You are not oblige to do everything, every time. Find a routine that fits with your life. When it is too much, it is never good. Do not forget to let your hair breath from time to time and do not pressure yourself. The most important thing is that you have to love your hair.
