Healthy Natural Hair Habits that could be BAD for you

Hey Lovely 'Listas!

If you're in Nigeria, then you're having a loooooooooooong weekend, and maybe including some much needed hair care to your tresses. If you're not in Nigeria, then maybe you're going through your weekly natural hair regimen over the weekend. Regardless of where you are, there are some healthy natural hair habits that could be potentially damaging to you. Some of these I'm writing about, apply to me.

1. Using a satin bonnet/cap - Now, you might say, "Berry, you so cray! Ain't nothing wrong with a satin bonnet." In reply, I'd ask you to take a closer look at the elastic band of your bonnet. Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes the elastic band causes friction and rubs against my edges. And you know what that means - the hair around your edges may start cutting.
   

   

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   INSTEAD - Use a satin SCARF!
2. ACV rinses - I know I've mentioned using an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse during my hair care regimen. However, something I noticed in the past 2 years is that I developed a citric acid allergy. This means I can't eat pineapples, oranges, lemon, i.e. anything too acidic or else my lips/mouth get sores and start peeling and bleeding. I tried drinking ACV a few months ago to combat a sore throat, and ended up with a week of sore and bleeding lips. But it didn't stop me from doing ACV rinses. However, last week, I decided to wash my braids myself (instead of going to a salon), and I was bent forward, into the bathtub. My conditioner and subsequent ACV solution got on my face. By the following day, I noticed my face had a rash of small pimples all over. I can only attribute it to my use of ACV. By deduction, I've reasoned that if Apple Cider Vinegar adversely affects my skin, then it quite possibly could be damaging to my hair.
   

   

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   INSTEAD - Do your research. If you have any allergies, make sure to know what ingredients are included in products you're putting in your hair. Imagine having a nut allergy, and using coconut oil...
3. Protein treatments - At a naturals meetup, a moderator mentioned how a fellow natural-haired lady had tried a protein treatment on her hair, because she'd seen it mentioned on blogs, Youtube, etc. However, her hair became too soft and dry (like cotton candy) and started falling off!
   

   

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   INSTEAD - Know that not all hair is created alike. Know what you need and what works best for you.
4. Protective styling - When I say protective styling, I'm mainly talking about braids, weaves, wigs. Protective styling is good, don't get me wrong. But you have to take care of your hair while it's still in the protective style. Some people make their braids too tight; don't moisturize their hair under weaves; or don't realize the wig bands might be rubbing against their edges. Even wearing your hair in a bun all the time can have a negative effect (the hair band, if used in the same position all the time, will cause some friction against hair strands where the hair's tied up).
   
   
   *sorry, I couldn't find a good picture*
   
   INSTEAD - Make sure your braids aren't too tight and pulling your hair out. Make sure you keep your hair clean and moisturized under your weaves/wigs. Switch up the position of your buns. 

Are there any recommended natural hair care tips you've used, that ended up not working for you? Please share.

Have a nice weekend :)
Berry Dakara