5 Ways to achieve your Hair Goals in 2022

The journey of your natural hair is a never ending one because you have to keep up with maintenance, the right product and the right regimen even if your goal is simply to have healthy hair. 

For some others, their hair goal might be length retention, tackling a recurrent hair or scalp condition such as traction alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, breakage, shedding or dandruff. 

If you are just about to start your hair journey, or you have been at it for a couple of months/years or you are about to make a big transition like locking your hair or doing a big chop, then you have to keep reading. 

We want you to be able to achieve your hair goals in 2022 and we are here to guide you every step of the way.

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.

Here is how to Transform your Hair Care Game

Hiya! how are you doing? I have really great news for you. Are you one of those people who have not been giving your hair the nourishment it needs? Maybe your hair is long, full and healthy. Maybe you consider yourself a "Lazy Naturalista" or you have just gotten confused about how to care for your hair because of so much conflicting information out there

Are you one of those people who have been battling dry hair for ages? Maybe you have listened to many people talking about how you can daily moisturize and seal your hair, but you have not seen how that works in practical terms.

After a decade of helping women achieving their hair and scalp goals, I’ve created the Ultimate Moisture Challenge that is for you if...

• You are dealing with dry hair and scalp
• Your hair breaks a lot
• You have not been able to properly nail your moisturising and sealing routine
• You moisturise regularly your hair but it dries fast
• You have not been able to retain length
• You want to build a habit of regularly caring for your hair
• You need communal support in hair care
• The Ultimate Moisture Challenge is a FREE 15-Day challenge to help your hair get the maximum hydration it needs.
• 
  

Once you sign up for the challenge, you get

• Daily Task Prompts
• Ultimate Moisture Journal
• Products and Tools checklist
• Live Q and A Sessions with a Certified Trichologist
• Access to an accountability Group

Registration starts  on July 26, 2021, so click here to sign up before the doors close. 

KNOWING WHEN TO CHANGE YOUR NATURAL HAIR ROUTINE

You’ve had the same hair care routine and used the same brand of products ever since forever and could not be bothered to change it. After all, that is why it is called a routine – consistency, repetition, and structure are the bedrocks of a hair care routine, asides from the products of choice. However,  it may be necessary for you to change your hair care routine from time to time. I know you’re thinking, “why fix it if it isn’t broken?” but not every regimen is a good regimen. You may have picked a regimen because it works for Sister A but it just might not be the best for you because your hair needs are different. You need a regimen built just for your hair. Let’s show you when to switch your hair care routine

10 EASY WAYS TO REPAIR DAMAGED HAIR

As a natural haired chic, it can be traumatic having damaged hair that is dry, brittle, and filled with split ends. You literally have to restrain yourself from tearing your hair out (what’s left of it, anyway) and you may be wondering what you can do to restore life to your hair. Some hair damage may be permanent especially given that hair is a collection of dead cells. But depending on the kind of damage, health can be restored to damaged hair. Otherwise, a pair of scissors, time, and better hair care routines may be the solution. 

The first step to fixing damaged hair is to identify the cause of the damage. The most common causes of damage to hair are dyes and heat.

There are some habits and practices that over time will help to restore life, shine, and elasticity to your natural mane. Let's get into it.

TOP 5 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HAIR CARE

As a naturalista, you must have asked yourself “What can I use to make my hair better?” a number of times. Even though there is no one thing that can guarantee your hair growth and all-round hair-health, a combination of healthy hair habits can sure help. 

Essential oils are one of the things you can add to your natural hair care regimen to boost your natural hair health. Essential oils with promises of impressive hair growth and a host of other benefits. Why essential oils? Essential oils are extracted from the aromatic parts of plants and contain a wide range of unique medical components. They are so versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to

Best Oils for Natural Hair

Which oils do you use on your hair and your kids' hair? How do you use them? For my kids and myself, we actually make an oil mix that has different functionalities. In this video, I highlight the difference between penetrating oils and sealing oils and share with you some oils that are beneficial for nourishing the scalp and also helping the hair be luxurious.

Watch below or click here
 

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

5 Things I No Longer Do to Natural Hair

When you first go natural, you do EVERYTHING that you see on Youtube, now after 6 years, here are things that I no longer do to my natural hair.

Watch below or click http://bit.ly/DN_Natural_Hair_Do_Not

Protein Overload and Moisture Overload in Natural Hair

Breakage can be caused by Moisture Overload (Over-Moisturized) and Protein Overload on Natural Hair. Find out the Signs of Protein Overload and Signs of Moisture Overload and how to reduce breakage and fix protein overload in hair and moisture overload. 

When your natural hair routine is does not have a moisture-protein balance, you have a tendency to experience Moisture Overload or OverConditioned hair, or Over Moisturized hair or hair experiencing Hygral Fatigue. On the flip side, you can also encounter Protein Overload. When these components are not balanced in your hair, you can have breakage, loss hair elasticity and eventually hair loss. It can also affect your hair growth.




HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED ANY OF THESE ISSUES?

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Caring For Your Hair in a Protective Style

I've had my self-styled individual faux locs for about three weeks now, and while I plan on taking them down soon, I am trying my best to make sure I take care of the style, as well as my hair underneath. As far as moisturizing goes, I've been doing the following:

1. African Naturalistas Daily Hair Mist - I try to spray my hair at least every other day. This gives my hair and scalp much needed moisture.

2. I follow it up with the African Naturalistas Anti-Dandruff Herbal Spray -

3. Then I apply Leave-In Conditioner (Cantu or African Naturalistas) to my roots. When I did the hairstyle, I attached the locs loosely to my roots, so that I would have easy access to them.

4. I apply African Naturalistas Hair Growth Oil Elixir to my scalp.

5. I finally finish with the African Naturalistas Anti-Breakage Butter Lotion (and sometimes, add the butter as well).

These steps have largely kept my scalp and hair in pretty good shape.

'I'm impressed by how healthy my hair is now and can't imagine going back to relaxers' Mane matters with Anna Suberu

Hi Naturalistas

Meet Anna

Can you tell us who you are and what you do?

My name is Anna and when I'm not caught up with schoolwork I'm either playing chef(running a part time catering business or making neck accessories (chokers to be precise). I also do a little bit of writing and blogging. @noasarch.wordpress.com

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

I love it! 

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I would say for about two years I had tentatively considered going natural but I had little or no encouragement to go through with it,up until recently, I just did it!

I officially went natural in February 2016.

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I transitioned for about  7months and then I did the big chop. 

What was the experience like?

It was exhilarating to say the least.. When I chopped off the first section of hair I was horrified.. It was exciting and scary all at once. 

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

Not retaining enough length. Or just generally lack of "growth". 

Do you have a regimen you stick to? What is it like?

I'm currently working on having a steady routine. Right now I just try to pay close attention to my hairs needs.  I do protective styles and whenever I take them out  (after three weeks at the most)  I wash with Dudu osun,  once in two weeks and then I deep condition my hair after each wash, I use the LOC method and then do a protein treatment every five months or so lol I'm not faithful with that aspect.

protective style

What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural?

I think my major struggle was during the TWA stage.. I could never step out with my natural hair mostly because I felt I would look awkward. I had been so used to long relaxed hair at the time and I felt people would see me differently. 

Do you think you are in it for the long haul or is it just a phase?

I'm definitely in it for the long haul.. This 'natch hair' ain't going nowhere!  I'm so impressed by how healthy my hair is right now I can't imagine going back to chemical relaxers 

There are people that definitely have negative comments about your hair, how do you deal with that?

I just shrug it off because I feel they don't know better.. Natural hair is healthy and so versatile and I love how it defines my identity as an African. 

Protective style

What's your must have product and accessory?

My must have product is definitely eco styler gel.. It does wonders for every style and I can't go without a velvet rope in my purse.. It's perfect for a puff.. Blowout.. Everything! And to keep my edges laid. 

What is your go-to style?

Formerly a regular puff was my main but right now I'm stuck on braids outs(suggested to me by a dear friend and fellow naturalista).. The curl definition is just divine! 

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

I'd say stay strong because there will be a lot of negative attitudes  and little encouragement but it's all worth it..  Wear your mane with pride! 

Where can we find you? Your social media platforms…

My instagram @noasarch , twitter  @anna_suberu and snapchat @annasuberu and of course my blog http://noasarch.wordpress.com

Ps: Don't forget that to get featured on the blog, you only need to send a mail to manematters@africanaturalistas.com and you would get a response Asap

Till then

Leeznijis

Why Cowash?

I told my sister I wanted to incorporate cowashing into my regimen this year. To my surprise, she said she has stopped cowashing This is someone who diligently cowashed at least once a week or every two weeks. I asked her why, and she said she didn't see the point of cowashing anymore. Her exact words were, "What's the point of cowashing?"

Co-washing as we all know means Conditioner Washing, which is basically washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. It is important to note though that cowashing doesn't clean your hair as much as washing with regular shampoo will. Shampoo contains cleansers that are meant to remove product from your hair. Most conditioners don't have those cleansers, although there are some touted cleansing conditioners in the market.

As someone who tries to moisturize a few times a week, using some of the products here, it's very easy for my natural hair to have product build up, so at the end of the day, I'm not sure if cowashing needs to be a staple in my regimen. It can be something I do in between regular DC and washing, but it will definitely not take the place of my shampoo washing.

What do you do in regards to cowashing?

Whether or not you cowash, check out our African Naturalistas Store for the best products for your hair.

What Inspired Teyonnah Parris To Go Natural

Hello, everyone!

Season's greetings!

After Solange, Teyonnah is another major natural hair icon in the natural hair community. Her luscious mane is constantly a source of envy and 'natural hair goals'. Sometimes, we even wonder if she added extensions but we have come to learn that's it's all her hair and we can only appreciate it.

I'm sure you're just as curious as I am to find out what exactly inspired her natural hair journey which she began in 2010. Well, in a chat with New African Woman, she reveals how and why she ditched relaxers to embrace her gorgeous natural hair.

 

Read excerpts below.

On how she manages her big hair: 

I mean, it’s the hair that came out of my head, so it’s literally learning how to style it, how to love it, how to care for it. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Felicia Leatherwood, who has taught me so much about my hair. It’s all about learning, it’s a learning process.

On her exact reason for going natural:

Hair can be an accessory like anything else, you don’t have to be natural. For me, it was really about self-acceptance. And from that point, if I can wake up as God made me and then decide if I want to have straight hair or put on a wig today, that’s fine. It’s a choice. But it wasn’t a choice for me before, I felt like I had to look a certain way, and I would like young women to know that you don’t have to look like anything or what anybody says you should look like. You can look like yourself just like God made you. You’re unique! You don’t have to bend, lighten and straighten to look like somebody else. You’re beautiful just the way you are. It’s only right, to learn to love and accept that.

On accepting her natural hair:

There was a moment when I realized, I am manipulating myself to look like something else. What do I actually look like? And I really wanted to know. So that began, a year of figuring out the transitioning process, and how to love and accept myself as I am.

Head over to NewAfricanWoman to read the rest of the interview.

Why Trimming Is Necessary

Hello everyone!

I've never really been a fan of trimming. Heck, for the first two years of my natural hair journey, I didn't trim my hair. I actually got my first trim this year and I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Why the change of heart, you might be wondering. I think it finally dawned on me that I am doing myself. See, I've always been particular about the length of my hair. Particular and not obsessed. There's a difference. So, I really wanted to see the length my hair could go so I did not trim because I thought it meant that my hair would be shorter. What I should have done was to get mini trim so by the the time I went got to the salon, they gave me a major trim without my consent. I didn't realize this until weeks later when I was doing a length check. My hair was actally shorter. I didn't get over it for months.

Now, that I'm over it, I've come to appreciate it.

So why do you need a trim?

Your ends are the oldest part of your hair. Which means the longer your hair get, the older and weaker your ends become. If you are anything like me, you will know how hellish it is to hold on to your weak ends. Deep conditioning and moisturizing become a nightmare so it's best you let go of them.

Also, it unhealthy. Those ends become more prone to split ends, single strand knots and breakage. If you don't cut it off, it increase and join the rest of your healthy ends. So, the earlier the better. Try not to hold on to your ends because of length.

How do I know it's time to trim?

When your ends become ragged and doesn't take products. As much as you try to moisturize and deep condition, it never seems to bulge. CUT IT OFF!!

Ideally, trimming should be part of our regimen so there's no particular method to it. Find what works for you and stick to it. If it's every three months? Fine. Every six months? No problem. Once a year? whatever works for you.

Who should trim for me?

Asmuch as I advise DIY, I think it's better to get a natural hair stylist to trim for you rather than doing it yourself. If you're not a fan of salons, just make sure you wash your hair from home. That way, they won't charge you an arm and leg for washing and trimming.

So, how often do you trim?
Let's hear it!

Love, curls and coils.

Ebun Oluwole

How to Finger Comb Your Natural Hair

In this video, I show you how to Finger Comb your Natural Hair. This is different from Finger Detangling.
When you finger comb, you are styling the hair, whereas, when you finger detangle, you are detangling the hair to wash your natural hair. Finger combing natural hair helps to retain length which shows how to grow your natural hair. It reduces breakage on the hair and also split ends caused by using a tool .

HOW TO FINGER COMB NATURAL HAIR:
Step 1: Make sure that hair is sectioned into workable parts
Step 2: Moisturize your hair using the LOC method or the LCO method. Try not to saturate the hair with too much water. Doing so will cause shrinkage and further knots and tangles.
Step 3: Working from the ends of your hair to the roots of your hair, use your fingers like a comb and comb through.
Step 4: Shape your afro to the size you want

 

Is Natural Hair care really more expensive?

Hello Naturalistas, How are you all doing? Kinks and all?

I recently saw on twitter a guy saying that Natural hair care is cheaper and someone replied insinuating that it's infact not cheaper but more expensive. 

The question now, Is Natural hair care more expensive? 

If I am being totally honest, when I had my hair relaxed, it was way cheaper for me but one thing I realised after asking a few people this question is that we are all different and our difference will affect our response to this question. 

One person I asked in a heartbeat said keeping her natural hair is cheaper because she knows how to make some styles herself and it will still look good as against having to buy weave all the time. Another person was of the opinion that if we add weaves and natural hair salons into the mix then natural hair is not cheaper. 

At the end of the day, the answer cannot be straight forward. There are different factors involved. 

Products, I think natural hair products are more expensive considering the amount of things you need to buy but then you don't buy products every month. 

Hair styling; This I would say natural hair is cheaper, except when you add extensions to the mix.

Salons: This one too is another tricky one. Read The Big question: Natural Hair Salon

Time: I would say Natural hair is more expensive.

I would want to add stress and events but then you also know the answer to that. I understand that this is not everyone's reality like I stated initially, our experiences differ, but for some of us this is the reality.

While by the look of things natural hair care is looking more expensive then relaxed hair, and whether it is more expensive or cheaper to maintain our natural hair, we do it for the love and for healthier hair regardless of the cost. 

Let's talk. From your experience is maintaining your natural hair more expensive or cheaper?

4 Ways To Save Money On Natural Hair Products

At #NITC16

Hello everyone,

Now that we have found ourselves in this situation, it's only right to find a way around it. Which is why I'm sharing four ways you can save money on your natural hair products this season.

• Research and compare prices.

I recently discovered that there was a store that stocks essential oils at a cheaper price. If you know me well, you know I don't joke with my essential oils. I was so pained when I realized that it wasn't even a new store as it has been here all this time. This is what happens when you don't research adequately or simply don't pay enough attention. You lose out on deals, discounts, and opportunities to save money. Research also helps you compare prices and make better choices

.

• Look out for sales. 

We're at the end of the year which means a lot of retailers will be offering their products at highly discounted prices. This is the time to look out for them and stock up for the new year.

• Buy at meet-ups.

Every time, we come here to reiterate the importance of attending meet ups. Apart from learning new things, it's also an opportunity to choose from the array of vendors. Also, you get to compare prices before deciding on what to buy.

• Simplify your regimen.

If you have an overly complicated regimen, you might want to consider simplifying it by cutting out some unnecessary steps. If there's a way to merge two steps together without completely losing out, I'd advise you to do so to save products.

Have you taken any measures to save money on products?

 Do share!

Love, curls, and coils

Ebun Oluwole

How to Do Scalp Massages for Hair Growth

Scalp massages are touted by hair gurus and enthusiasts everywhere to aid and promote hair growth. We've written about it ourselves - throwback to Bee's post on How to Get that Salon-Style Scalp Massage at Home. Some people are more visual though, so today I'm sharing a video from Discovering Natural that shows you how to do a scalp massage properly.

How often do you do your scalp massages?

Berry Dakara.

'My friends hate natural hair' Mane Matters with Omotayo

Hi Naturals,
Happy new month.  I can't believe we are in the eleventh month.

Meet today's Mane matters feature - Omotayo

Can you tell us who you are and what you do?

My name is Omotayo Faustina, I’m a Corper presently serving in Ogun State, Nigeria

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

My thoughts about natural hair, is that its versatility, it allows you do whatever it is you like with it.

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural in Jan 2016 because my hair was seriously falling out and Elizabeth of Love your natural hair BBM Channel was an inspiration too.

 

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?                   

I had a big chop o, it was a low cut.          

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

My biggest fear was that my hair won't grow on time because I’ve a slow growth.

Do you have a regimen you stick to? What is it like?

I don't really have a regimen because my hair is always in a protective styling but i do a DC every two weeks and sometimes it's wash day, I rotate it

What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural?

No emotional struggle though

Do you think you are in it for the long haul or is it just a phase?

It's a long haul for sure, though sometimes I feel like giving up (covers face)

There are people that definitely have negative comments about your hair, how do you deal with that?

A lot of my friends are against natural hair, they tell me I’m wasting my time and money buying products, I only smile and tell them to mind their business.

What's your must have product and accessory?

My UBH products (consists of Shampoo, DC, Detangler, Moisturiser) and a band to put my hair in a bun.

What is your go-to style?

Hmmmm, go to style, it's a Bun for me. My hair shrinkage level has no chill at all.
 

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

My advice is you have to be determined and have a lot of patience you might not be seeing growth but if you take good care of the hair, treat it like you would treat your own baby, you will be surprised at the growth, and always have a trim it helps a lot .

Where can we find you? Your social media platforms…

On IG ...Tayo_minaj, on SC:Tayoakinbolude1 (I show my hair off well on SC. Lol)
Am excited to be a part of the journey

Till then
Leeznijis

4 Lesser Known Sealants

Hi ladies, happy Friday!

We are all familiar with the common sealants: shea butter, castor oil, coconut oil and so forth. I want to share some lesser known oils and butters which can be great alternatives for those who may be looking for something different, or are allergic to the more popular ones.

Cupuacu butter

Cupuacu butter hails all the way from the amazon regions of Brazil. The seeds of the cupuacu tree are ground to extract the butter. It is known for its emollient properties as it increases moisture retention. Lightweight and non-greasy, fine haired naturals will find it a better alternative to thicker butters which weight the hair down. Due to the fact that it has a high concentration of saturated fats, this butter is known to actually penetrate the hair strands and will thus nourish it from the inside.

Mango seed butter

This butter is made from the extract of the mango seed, is semi-solid and non-greasy. Who would have known, most of us just throw the pips away. Mango butter tends to share the same properties as cocoa butter and Shea butter. However what sets it apart is that it has a higher content of fatty acids which makes it a much more effective sealant than its companions.  Ladies with thicker hair, or high porosity hair should want to look into it.

Shea Oil

Shea oil is a by product from processing Shea nuts. If you find Shea butter too heavy a sealant try this oil as it still packs most of the benefits of the butter such as natural sunscreen, and vitamin e just to name a few.

Babassu oil

Native to Brazil, this oil is extracted from the kernel of the babassu tree. The babassu tree is a variant of the palm tree. Its benefits include treating ailments such as eczema and psoriasis. It has a similar fatty acid composition to that of coconut oil. This means it''s a great alternative to coconut oil if you happen to be allergic to it but still want to reap its benefits. It is a light and effective sealant.

 You can incorporate it in your regimen as a preshampoo treatment, scalp oil, hot oil treatment or sealant.