From dealing with dryness, breakage, and frizz to finding the right products and techniques, taking care of natural hair can be overwhelming.
But with the right knowledge and techniques, it’s possible to achieve healthy, manageable, and beautiful natural hair. This article will discuss eight tips for maintaining healthy natural hair.
We will cover proper washing and conditioning techniques, protective styling, and the importance of regular trims.
By following these tips, you will be on your way to achieving the healthy natural hair you’ve always wanted.
Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner
Having a good shampoo and conditioner is essential for maintaining healthy natural hair. It’s important to choose a product specifically formulated for natural hair, as it will have the necessary ingredients to cleanse, moisturize and nourish the hair.
When looking for a shampoo, it is best to avoid harsh ingredients such as sulfates and parabens, as they can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing dryness and breakage.
On the other hand, a good conditioner should contain ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, and coconut oil known to moisturize and strengthen the hair.
Detangle your hair before washing
Detangling helps to remove knots, tangles, and mats that can occur in natural hair, which, if left untreated, can lead to breakage and damage. The best time to detangle is when your hair is dry, before washing, as it is more fragile and prone to breakage when wet.
When detangling, using a wide-tooth comb or a Denman brush is important, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Using a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner is also recommended to make the process easier and less painful. Additionally, it is important to be gentle when detangling, as pulling or tugging at the hair can cause damage.
By detangling your hair before washing, you are preparing your hair for the washing process and reducing the risk of breakage. This is an essential step in maintaining healthy natural hair.
Use a wide-tooth comb or a Denman brush.
The wide-tooth comb is ideal for detangling and distributing products throughout the hair, while the Denman brush is great for styling and creating definition in curls.
The wide-tooth comb’s teeth are widely spaced, allowing soft hair detangling without causing damage. Additionally, the comb’s design allows for easy distribution of products such as leave-in conditioners, oils, and gels throughout the hair.
Avoid using heat on your hair.
Using heat on natural hair can cause damage, dryness, and breakage. Heat tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can dry out the hair and scalp, leaving the hair brittle and prone to breakage. The high temperatures can also cause heat damage to the hair, leaving it with a fried and damaged appearance.
Instead of using heat, several heat-free alternatives can be used to style natural hair. These include:
- Air-drying: Allow your hair to dry naturally; this is the best way to avoid heat damage.
- Twisting: Twists can be done on wet or dry hair and left in for a few days to a week, depending on the desired style.
- Braids: Braids are a great way to achieve a heat-free style and can be left in for a few days to a week.
- Roller sets: Roller sets are a great way to achieve curls and waves without heat.
By avoiding heat, you can maintain healthy natural hair and preserve your hair’s natural oils, moisture, and overall health.
Use a leave-in conditioner.
Leave-in conditioners can help to detangle, add shine, and reduce frizz, making it easier to style and manage natural hair.
When looking for a leave-in conditioner, it is important to choose a product formulated for natural hair with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, and coconut oil. These ingredients help to hydrate the hair, making it feel soft and manageable.
Choosing a leave-in conditioner that is lightweight and doesn’t leave a heavy residue is also essential, as it can weigh down the hair, making it difficult to style.
Use a hair oil or serum.
Hair oil or serum is an effective way to add moisture and shine to natural hair. Oils and serums are formulated to penetrate the hair shaft, providing deep nourishment and hydration to the hair. They can also help to repair and protect the hair from damage caused by heat and environmental factors.
When choosing a hair oil or serum, it is important to select one formulated for natural hair and contains ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil. These oils are known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties and help to strengthen and protect the hair.
It is recommended to apply a small amount of oil or serum to the ends of the hair and any particularly dry areas, focusing on the tips of the hair. It can be used daily or as needed, and applying the oil or serum to dampen or dry hair is best.
Protect your hair at night
Protecting your hair at night is important in maintaining healthy natural hair. During the night, your hair can become tangled and matted, leading to breakage and damage. Additionally, the friction caused by your pillowcase can also cause damage to the hair cuticle, leading to breakage and split ends.
There are several ways to protect your hair at night, such as:
- The pineapple method involves gathering your hair on top of your head and securing it with a silk or satin scrunchie. This method helps to keep the hair from tangling and matting while you sleep.
- Braids or twists: Braids or twists are a great way to protect your hair at night. They help to keep the hair from tangling and matting and also can be a way to achieve a different style the next day.
- Satin or silk pillowcases: These are less abrasive than cotton pillowcases and can reduce friction on the hair, helping to prevent breakage.
Trim your hair regularly
Trimming helps to remove split ends and damaged hair, which can cause breakage and damage to the hair shaft. Additionally, regular trims can help promote healthy hair growth by removing the damaged hair that can hold back healthy hair growth.
The trimming frequency will depend on the individual’s hair type, growth rate, and level of damage. Generally, it is recommended to trim natural hair every 6-8 weeks. This will help keep the hair healthy and strong and promote healthy growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining healthy natural hair requires a consistent and tailored hair care routine. By following these tips, you will be on your way to achieving healthy and manageable natural hair. Remember, it’s important to find the right products and techniques that work best for your hair type, and to be patient, as it may take some time to see the results. With the right care, your natural hair will thrive and be a source of pride and confidence.
