As a black woman with natural locks, you may have noticed that despite their appearance of being robust and dense, they can be surprisingly delicate. This is why it’s crucial to prioritize their upkeep to showcase the stunning tresses you were blessed with. If you’re eager to learn how to maintain your natural hair in top shape, regardless of the season, here are twenty practical tips to incorporate into your hair care routine.
Drink lots of water
As humans, our bodies are comprised of approximately 55-60% water, making it essential for every aspect of our well-being. Even if you’re not a fan of plain water, there are ways to make it more palatable. Consider incorporating sparkling or mineral water into your daily routine and adding a squeeze of fruit juice for a touch of flavor, which can help mask any bitterness.
Eat right
When it comes to maintaining healthy locks, it’s no secret that a balanced diet plays a significant role. In fact, your hair is a direct reflection of your overall well-being. To promote luscious locks, make sure you’re consuming an array of essential vitamins and minerals.
As you strive for a healthier ‘do, take it easy on the junk food and focus on incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like flax seeds, vitamin C-rich options such as strawberries, biotin-boosting brown rice, and iron-packed leafy greens.
Take vitamins
One of the primary reasons for taking vitamins is to supplement our diets with essential nutrients that might be lacking in our everyday meals. Vitamins like multivitamins and biotin are particularly beneficial in fostering healthy hair growth, as they provide crucial building blocks for strong and luscious locks.
Go with a light hair oil
Black hair, often characterized as being dry, does not necessarily require an overwhelming amount of heavy hair oil to combat this characteristic. In fact, applying a thick, heavy oil can have counterintuitive effects, such as attracting dirt and dust, and clogging pores. Instead, consider opting for a lighter, more gentle option like coconut oil that can help nourish and moisturize the hair without creating additional problems.
Use a leave-in conditioner
To maintain healthy, soft, and moisturized hair, consider incorporating a leave-in conditioner into your routine. You can purchase one at a local store or create your own by searching for ‘leave-in conditioner recipes’ on your preferred search engine. This simple step can make a significant difference in the overall appearance and feel of your locks.
Trim your ends
When it comes to maintaining optimal hair health, there’s more to consider than just overall length. In fact, a crucial aspect of natural hair care is keeping those pesky split ends at bay. Regular trims, performed by a knowledgeable stylist, are essential for preserving the integrity and appearance of your locks. By clipping away damaged or frazzled ends, you’re not only preventing further breakage but also promoting a healthy, luscious look that’s sure to turn heads.
Comb from the bottom up
When it comes to detangling natural hair, it’s essential to approach it with caution. You see, our locks are notoriously fragile, making them prone to breakage if combed too aggressively. To avoid causing unnecessary damage, opt for a wide-tooth comb and use it gently from the bottom up. This not only helps to preserve your hair but also reduces the risk of tangles and knots as you work your way through.
Limit your chemical usage
When embracing a natural hair journey, it’s essential to be mindful of the chemical products you’re using. While it may seem obvious that harsh relaxers should be avoided, it’s equally important to recognize that texturizers and hair color can also have detrimental effects on your locks. These chemicals can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage and damage. As you style your natural hair, consider the cumulative impact of these products on its overall health.
Limit your heat usage too
When it comes to maintaining healthy and thriving natural locks, it’s essential to keep heat usage in check. Just like this stunning example of curly goodness, we’re sure her strands don’t suffer from excessive heat exposure. For many natural-haired individuals, heat styling can be a major culprit behind dryness, damage, and frizz. To minimize the negative impact, consider embracing air-dried styles or, if time is a concern, utilize your hair dryer on its coolest setting.
Condition-wash your hair
Revitalize your locks by adopting a unique approach to hair care: condition-washing. This technique involves swapping out traditional shampoo for a rich conditioner, allowing you to gently remove impurities while preserving moisture. By leveraging the nourishing properties of a conditioner, you can effectively cleanse your hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
Seal your ends
To ensure the integrity of your hair, it’s essential to focus on sealing the most vulnerable area – the ends. This crucial step involves applying a richer oil to nourish and protect these fragile sections. A standout product for this task is Jamaican castor oil, which has been hailed as a miracle worker in the realm of hair care.
Dry your hair with a T-shirt
When it comes to drying your hair after showering or swimming, using a towel can sometimes be harsh on your locks. To combat this issue, consider repurposing an old T-shirt from your wardrobe (or perhaps even your partner’s). The soft fabric will provide a gentler alternative for drying your hair, making the process more comfortable and less damaging.
Use henna instead of hair color
When looking to add some vibrancy to your locks, consider opting for henna over traditional hair color options. Not only is henna a more gentle alternative, but it also doubles as a nourishing treatment that leaves your hair feeling silky smooth and healthy-looking. This dual benefit makes henna a truly attractive choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet effective way to enhance their natural hue.
Clarify monthly
To thoroughly remove any lingering residue from your locks, consider clarifying your hair. While this step may seem old-fashioned, it’s surprisingly effective. In fact, one of the most budget-friendly options for doing so is also one of the most unexpected – baking soda. By following the steps outlined in our previous post on how to clarify with baking soda, you can restore your hair’s natural balance and bid farewell to any stubborn impurities.
Use a satin pillow case (or bonnet)
When it comes to protecting your locks from drying out, the humble pillow case is often overlooked as a potential culprit. In addition to cotton pillow cases, another common offender is the fabric used in bonnets and wraps. To keep your hair healthy and hydrated, consider switching to a satin-based option for both your pillow case and any covers you use at night.
Satin’s smooth surface allows for less friction and reduced breakage, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to minimize damage and promote healthy hair growth.
Go with low-maintenance protective styles
When it comes to preserving your locks from the unforgiving forces of nature, consider opting for low-maintenance protective styles that not only shield your hair but also allow you to enjoy a break from daily styling routines. Options like cornrows, braids, and twists are great choices when you want to keep your tresses safe and sound.
Massage your scalp
To stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth, incorporate regular scalp massages into your routine. This can be as simple as dedicating just five minutes, two or three times a week, to gently massaging your scalp. You can perform the massage yourself or enlist the help of a willing participant. As you work to increase circulation throughout your head, you’ll be supporting healthy hair growth and overall well-being.
Avoid shampoos
Many experts, particularly those specializing in natural hair care, advise against using shampoos containing sulfates. These harsh chemicals can strip away essential nutrients from the hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, and a loss of natural shine. This concern is why we previously recommended condition-washing as a gentler alternative, preserving the delicate balance of your locks’ natural moisture.
Keep your hands out of your hair
When it comes to luscious locks like those, it’s natural to feel an overwhelming desire to touch and play with your hair. However, it’s crucial to maintain some restraint when it comes to handling your strands. Excessive manipulation can compromise the integrity of your hair, leading to breakage and damage. By keeping your hands at bay, you’ll help preserve the health and vibrancy of your tresses.
See a professional a few times per year
One of the perks of having natural hair is that it’s relatively easy to style yourself. However, when you require a trim, want to achieve an elaborate look or add some color, it’s best to consult with a professional stylist. They have the expertise and know-how to provide you with a customized solution while ensuring your hair remains healthy and thriving in the process.
