We all want beautiful, lustrous, healthy hair. The rave of the natural hair woman is back and here to stay. We keep saying we want long hair that is full and able to bend into different magazine-worthy styles. You claim you are doing right by your hair, but you constantly struggle with hair that is dry, dull, and not at all what you see in natural hair magazines. You can swear you follow the natural hair product manufacturer’s instructions. You even saw a trichologist in Nigeria to help you at some point. Still, your hair is running away from you. So, what are you not doing right?
Having healthy hair is underrated. A lot of people erroneously think that by using just natural hair products, you will miraculously grow healthy, lustrous natural hair. Some even focus on length only and ignore everything else. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. The health of your natural hair should be a top priority and it doesn’t take a lot to change small unhealthy hair habits. Here are 7 small natural hair habits you should indulge in to give you and maintain healthy natural hair.
Moisturize your natural hair
Did you just sigh? Probably because you always moisturize your hair and try to keep it that way. However, you may be doing it wrong or not doing it enough. Depending on your hair type, your hair may need more moisture or less moisture than normal. Do a hair porosity test to know how much moisture you require. The best time to moisturize your hair is right after washing and deep conditioning when it is wet. Use your choice of leave-in conditioner and seal in the moisture with an oil. This way, you end up with soft, fluffy, natural hair. You are one step closer to healthy natural hair. Well moisturized hair is easier to handle and has fewer tangles. No more worries about detangling every morning before you step out. For more on how to keep your natural hair moisturized and soft, check out this post.
Protect your natural hair at night
Your hair is moisturized, so fluffy and soft with no tangles in sight. You slew your day and sleep time comes. Your nighttime routine even involves moisturizing your natural hair and twisting it. But you wake up in the morning with frizzy and tangled hair and you are asking yourself why the gods of natural hair are doing you dirty. They aren’t. It doesn’t matter if you soak your hair in a bottle of leave-in conditioner every night, if you don’t use a satin pillowcase, satin scarf or satin bonnet to wrap your natural hair, you will wake up every morning with frizzy and tangled hair. The reason is that other materials cause friction with your natural hair and result in breakage. It also dries out your hair because materials like cotton absorb the moisture from your natural hair, leaving it dry and dull. Keep your satin bonnet or scarf close by so when you are ready to sleep, it is within reach. One more step closer to your healthy natural hair goals. The African Naturalistas Satin Bonnet is just what you need. It's even reversible!
Be careful with natural hair products
There are so many natural hair products in the market these days that make it a bit tough deciding what products to use to give you healthy natural hair. The first thing you want to ensure is that whatever products you use are sulfate-free with no other harmful chemicals. Sulfates strip your natural hair of whatever moisture is in it and leaves your hair dry. Use products that are sulfate-free like our African Naturalistas range. They contain no sulfates or harmful chemicals. They also do what they say they will: gently cleanse and moisturize your natural hair, leaving you with soft, fluffy, and healthy natural hair.Turn down the heat
Too much heat on your natural hair can lead to damaged hair that will eventually not revert to its natural state. Also, improper use of heat can lead to brittle, dry hair which will result in split ends and breakage then you wonder why your hair isn’t growing or retaining length. If you must use heat, use it sparingly. Use the low setting on your heating device, and be sure to use a heat protector before you start. Most importantly, ensure your natural hair is ready for the heat. During your moisturizing and deep conditioning stage, ensure your hair is well hydrated.Get regular trims
Hopefully, you are not one of those who think trimming your natural hair means reducing your hair length. Hopefully. Getting regular trims is one of the steps to healthy natural hair. Trimming regularly gets rid of split ends and reduces breakage. You can prevent serious damage to your natural hair by trimming every 4 to 6 months. Read more about how to prevent split ends in your natural hair here. You would be surprised how regular trims can help boost natural hair growth and improve your hair length.Wear protective styles
Natural hair is delicate and should be treated as such. One of the greatest enemies to healthy natural hair is the weather. Harsh weather conditions can damage your hair and all the hard work you’ve put into it. Keeping your hair in a protective style is one way to fight back. Protective styles are not too tight. Use styles that will require little or no maintenance for days or weeks.Eat Healthily
You can’t be searching for healthy natural hair and fruits, vegetables, and healthy foods are far away from you. Having healthy hair starts from inside. If your body isn’t healthy, you can’t expect to have healthy natural hair. Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables into your daily meals. You can even turn them to smoothies. Simply blend it all up and drink. Also, drink lots of water. Your natural hair needs lots of moisture especially if you have high porosity hair that loses water easily. Your hair follicles will reward you with healthy natural hair that is full, soft, and lustrous.
Healthy hair is happy hair. Spend less time worrying about the length of your hair and more time on how healthy your hair is. Before you realize it, you will be rewarded with long, healthy natural hair. So tell us in the comment section, what other healthy natural hair tips do you stand by? Which of the healthy hair tips above has worked wonders for you?
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