How To Care For Your Natural Hair

Having natural hair is never easy! Yes, I said what most of us don’t want to say out loud, believe me I know the struggle too.

It is a tug of war between your comb and your scalp…Ouch!

Your hair is always everywhere and you can’t seem to tame them. Whew! The hustle though.

Oh, yeah! Add that stubborn dandruff into the mix, it can be so annoying to see. And, the itching? Oh don’t get me started on those, they are simply the worst. I know that a lot of you natural haired ladies can relate — except for the lucky ones, I guess.

All in all, having natural hair can be very frustrating but trust me, it is definitely worth the hassle. Crazy, I know! I’m sure you’d agree with me that there are many pecks to having natural hair, the beauty of it is beyond any adjective in the dictionary.

We’ve all been there and some of us are still there, I have got good news ladies… Say goodbye to those hair troubles, pick up a pen and paper, start taking notes because the solution is here!

Woohoo!!

I have found the solution to this age-old hair trouble and it boils down to how you care for your natural hair. It’s that simple, how you care for your natural hair plays a big role in its growth and health. By incorporating these natural hair care tips into your hair routine will keep dandruff and itching far away from you.

Are you ready? Let’s get to business…

How To Care For Your Natural Hair | 5 Tips

1. Conditioning Your Hair

Washing your hair with conditioner instead of just shampoo to cleanse your hair helps to gently remove dirt, and better hydrate the hair. It is quite beneficial for people with extremely dry hair like me. Conditioning my hair maintains the natural oils in it so it is easier to do.

2. Use Protective Styles

I like to wear my hair in protective styles because they help prevent my hair from breakage, shedding or damage. It also helps me detangle my hair a lot easier. Some protective styles I use include doing my hair in weaves, buns, twists Bantu knots, cornrows, etc.

3. Go Easy On Strong Chemicals

Certain chemicals are not good for your hair as they tend to damage or weaken the health of your hair. I use natural products that have no sulphate on my hair. Reduce the use of strong chemicals on your hair, there are many natural hair products that you can buy in stores or you can make your own just like I do. I specifically mix some natural oils like castor oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, black seed oil, etc.

4. Reduce The Use Of Hot Irons

Hot appliances, like flat irons, hairdryers, and curling irons should not come close to your natural hair. Why? They are very bad for your hair because they lead to serious hair damage due to their high temperatures which can cause brittle and breakage. If you have to use them, use them only once in a while — never overuse them. A better option is air-drying your hair, I know it takes longer to dry but it protects your hair from excessive hair breakage.

5. Wash With Lukewarm Water

I used to use hot water until I found out that it can strip the scalp of sebum. Sebum is a protective oil that acts as a natural conditioner and also gives your hair that shine. Also, I’d advise that you use lukewarm water to wash your hair since that’s what I use to wash my hair and it helps. I usually wash my hair once a week — I never miss hair washing day.

BONUS TIP:

• Make sure you eat healthy foods such as low-fat proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains to promote stronger and healthier hair.
• Oiling your hair frequently is great for sealing in moisture into the hair and keeping it hydrated for an extended period.
• Always sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet because it is much gentler on the hair and helps to maintain your hair’s moisture.
• Let your hair breathe, don’t hide your natural hair under a wig all the time. Try styling your natural hair in various natural hairstyles like a beautiful afro crown.
• Braid your hair before you sleep. Never go to bed without splitting your hair into a few braids. Braiding before sleep helps to seal in moisture throughout the night.
• Always hydrate your hair as it tends to dry out quickly and lose its moisture, to prevent that, consistently hydrate your hair. Also, drink lots of water!

FINAL NOTE

Caring for your natural hair can be a walk-in-the-park if you follow these steps religiously. Once you accomplish this, your natural hair struggles will be yesterday’s news and you will have achieved a great looking and healthier hair.

Exciting, right? I can’t wait for you to get to that part of your natural hair journey. Please, feel free to share your progress, questions and concerns.

And as always, remember to Eat healthily, Live happily and Look stylishly!