3 Tips For Managing Your Natural Hair In This Recession

Hello, everyone!

Except you've been living under a rock all this time, you're probably aware that Nigeria's economy has gone to shit. It didn't really hit me until about two months ago. I went to buy my favorite bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV). Apparently, in my month-long absence, the price had almost tripled. I didn't even know where to start from. I ended buying a cheaper brand which turned out to be apple juice which I eventually threw away.

TIP: In the course of finding cheaper alternatives, it also important to avoid buying fakes. This is not the time to throw money away.

It finally dawned on my that things have really changed and I would have to fix up if I still wanted to have the things I wanted. Most, if not all prices have gone up which means that we would need to make some lifestyle adjustments. Our natural hair is not left out. I know many people have dropped their staple foreign products for made in Nigeria products because they're cheaper. It only makes sense.

So, I'm going to be sharing tips for managing our natural hair in this new situation we have found ourselves.

Access your stash and search for cheaper alternatives where necessary.

Like I mentioned earlier, the exchange rate has plummeted and it not exactly advisable to bank on it coming down soon so that you can replenish your stash. Look inwards and research for similar cheaper indigenous alternatives. That way, your doesn't suffer because of the economy. There are tons of Nigerian brands popping up every day. Do your RESEARCH and find one that works for your budget.

Substitute healing clays for shampoos and conditioners.

If you're anything like me and you like to pop in and out of the bathroom on wash days, then you should be a fan of healing clays. Just recently, I stopped using shampoos and conditioners except it is absolutely necessary like during a henna treatment. I replaced them with clays - Bentonite, Rhassoul and Multani Mitti. These clays have the capacity to detangle, cleanse and condition my hair at the same time and they have gently taken their spot in my regimen. At the moment, I'm super glad for that decision because I've saved money on shampoos and conditioners. Especially conditioners. I just have one bottle for co-wash and detangling after protective styles. In this economy, clays are your best friend especially since they swell so it lasts for up to six months. But if you can't be bothered about DIYs, please stick to your products.

Embrace Crochet braids.

I don't know about you but this is the time to be prudent with money and cut costs where necessary. More than ever before, YouTube is your friend. If you've been spending a lot of money making your hair, you can as well use some of that money to buy data and watch videos. At the moment, the easiest and fastest way to make your hair is through crochet braids. Right now, there's really no hairstyle that you want to do that cannot be done with crochet braids. If I were you, I would buy a few extensions or repurpose my old extensions for crochet braids. If you like box braids, you buy pre-twisted/braided extensions and if you feel like faux locs, you can also buy pre-loced extensions. This saves money in the long run as they can be used multiple times.