Moisture is good for our hair! It is an extremely important factor in maintaining obtaining healthy-looking hair. There is a tendency for naturally textured hair to be dry, and keeping natural hair properly moisturised is vital for healthy hair.
Take these steps to ensure your hair stays hydrated, healthy, and moisturized all day long:
Shampoo correctly
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the sole purpose of shampooing is just to clean the hair. It is important to understand that shampoos are also supposed to moisturise the hair and scalp. For this reason, it is important to avoid using products containing sodium lauryl sulfate on afro hair, as these are known to dry out the hair.
Don’t wash/shampoo too often
Washing hair too often strips the hair of its natural oils and should not be done. Sometimes, it is better to co-wash instead of wash wash. A co-wash is a hair wash done with non-sulfate shampoos or a co-wash conditioner.
Deep conditioning is great
Deep conditioning afro hair regularly makes for less damaged, softer, and healthier hair. For best results, it is best to use a clarifying shampoo just before deep conditioning. Want more protein balance? Add natural oils and honey to the conditioner.
Oils are important
It is important to oil afro hair frequently, as oils are essential to maintaining the health of natural hair. Oils either lubricate hair, or seal in already existing moisture. Some of our favourite moisturising oils are avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil, while some of our favourite sealing oils are Jojoba oil, Grapeseed oil, and Jamaican black castor oil.
A trim is great
Trimming natural afro hair when needed gives it a healthy foundation for growth, makes for healthier hair, and actually makes hair look thicker.
Satin bonnets and scarves help too
Satin bonnets or scarves do more than keep hair from tangling and breaking while sleeping. They also help to seal in any moisture that the hair has. A silk or smooth satin pillowcase can also serve the same purpose.
Heat is not the best
Afro-textured hair is really fragile, and there is always the risk of damaging the hair when heat is applied to it. Beyond hair dryers, it is best to avoid heat as much as possible. This is because heat cause water to evaporate from natural hair.
Afro hair should be protected against harsh weather conditions
Whether it is excessively warm or cold, it is best to put a bandana or head wrap on natural hair. At the very least, an umbrella should be used to protect the hair from becoming frizzy, unmanageable, and dry.
Hydrate from the inside out
Whether afro hair is kinky, coily, or curly, it needs to be properly hydrated. One way to keep hair hydrated is to drink adequate water throughout the day so that hair is hydrated from the inside out.
Use a spritz bottle
A little spray bottle can be used to spritz the hair with water. It can be mixed with a bit of conditioner if it needs a little love during the day, especially during the drier summer months.
In conclusion
Keeping natural hair properly moisturised is not hard. All it takes is thoughfulneas,, the right products, and a determination to have the healthiest head of hair possible.