How to Protect Your Natural Hair From Chlorine While Swimming

You are probably here because you've realized the difference in the feel of your natural hair after taking a swim or you simply want know how to protect your hair before swimming. This is because chlorine is one of the many known chemicals like magnesium, copper, iron and calcium in hard water which have been found to be unfriendly to the natural hair.

7 Do’s and Don’t’s for Coloring Natural Hair

If you are someone who has a bit of flair for the dramatic, you may have considered coloring your hair at least twice in your life (that’s if you haven’t done it already). But, there’s a small problem. You have heard stories of women who have dyed their natural hair before and their hair never remained the same. Their hair became damaged, dry, and brittle, prone to breakage and lacking that shine and luster they were formally known for. It can be a really sad situation especially if your hair was full and beautiful. 

You don’t want to be like them, that’s why you are reading this. You want to know what you can and can’t do to ensure that your hair doesn’t end up “un-beautiful” and you get the amazing color you desire. That’s why we are here. Below are 7 do’s and don’t’s that can help you get the hair color for your natural hair that you truly desire.

Popular Natural Hairstyle Trends of 2015

Hello hello!

With each year there is a definite fuss over particular hairstyles which seem to have everyone enthralled. Here's a quick look-see at the most popular styling trends of 2015 in the natural hair community.

1. Faux Locs

Faux locs began to pick up in late 2014 and by March of 2015 they were definitely the in-thing, and still happen to be quite popular. Faux locs give you the versatility of rocking locs without having to commit to years of growing them out full and long. The downside to them is that most have complained that they can be heavy on the pocket..and your scalp especially if kanekalon extensions are used. For lighter and easier to carry dreads, opt for yarn or marley hair. You can take it up a notch by going for ombred dreads or fiery red to switch from the traditional black or brown. As with all protective styles, they should not be kept in for more than 8 weeks to avoid your hair locking. Do take care if you have a sensitive hairline as some have complained of losing their hairlines to the beautiful style. You want want to DIY it rather than go to the hairdresser if you have concerns about your edges.

My lovely friend Nangisai rocking a more fiery version of faux locs

Add Colour to Your Natural Hair in 2 Easy Ways

Have you thought about colouring or dyeing your natural hair? Lots of naturals out there with TWAs, Locs, Waist-Length Hair and everything in between, have colored hair ranging from fiery red to beautiful blues to blonde and more. Just search for "coloured natural hair" and you're bound to be greeted with many images of lovely naturals in an array of rainbow colours.

Source: INSTAGRAM- KehindeAdeyemii

But what if you're not quite ready for a drastic change? What if you want to test the waters a little bit, and experiment before making a commitment. Well, here are 2 very simple ways to add colour to your natural hair.

1. Hair Chalk! Yup, you read right - chalk! Hair chalks can come as the stick chalks you remember from nursery and primary school, or in little tubs. They come in a dazzling variety of colors, so it's really up to you!
   
   
   
   
2. Hair Spray! Actually, hair spray was the genesis of this post, as a friend asked me where she could get coloured hair spray in Nigeria (for the record, I don't know where, but if you do please share). This offers a quick and easy way to get some colour in your hair. Be careful though, as your fingers may get stained. See a short video below of a natural who used hair spray.
   

I also saw online where someone used eye shadow to put colour in her hair!

NOTE: be careful while using these items, as they can leave color on your hands and/or clothes.

Have you ever tried using any of these methods to colour your hair? If not, would you?

Berry Dakara.

How To Maintain Your Colored Natural Hair

I've chemically colored my hair twice now with permanent dyes. Even though I didn't get the result I wanted, the dyes have left significant highlights on my hair. Plus, my henna/hibiscus treatments never fail to redden my hair.

Anyway, a lot of naturals still have evasions for color generally. And I'm like why would deprive yourself of such beauty. Seriously, except your hair is jet black, I don't see why you shouldn't take the plunge. Yeah I know people are scared of damage. But the thing is if you've done a bad dye job or you don't properly maintain it afterwards, of course you'd suffer severe damage and then you're quick to throw blames on the dye. It's a misconception that needs to be corrected.

Both times that I've colored my hair, I haven't suffered any form of damage whatsoever. My hair is not excessively breaking or drying out because I properly and regularly deep condition and moisturize. In fact, My hair's as healthy as ever.

Speaking of which, there are two things you need to bear in mind when coloring your hair.
1. You're gonna have to double your efforts.
2. Deep conditioning and moisturizing is of optimum importance.

See, I do not joke with my deep conditioners. I invest in DCs - including henna - than anything other product. My spray bottle is my bestie. So far, I've been able to contain whatever dryness the dyes might have caused.

There are a few things you need to do - that have worked for me - when coloring your hair.

1. Deep Condition immediately after the dye job. That way, you can start working on the moisture immediately.

2. Moisturize and seal twice daily. Remember, you're is more prone to excessive dryness now. Find a way around your moisturizing routine. Moisturize before it's dry again. Overtime, the level of dryness reduces.

3. Incorporate all types of moisture-intensive treatments. Remember you need to keep your hair moisturized at all times. Try any treatment that will help retain moisture for a longer period e.g The Greenhouse method.

4. Don't forget to sleep in your Satin Bonnet/Scarf. Very important. You do not need the extra dryness.

5. Have fun and let your hair out. It will thrive. When you're done, repeat the steps again.

See?! People pick and throw that anxiety out of the window. You'll be glad you did.

How have you been able to maintain your colored natural hair?

Love, kinks and knots.
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