Natural hair can be fragile, porous and dry. This is partly due to the coiled structure that prevents oil produced naturally by the scalp from spreading evenly through the hair. It becomes worse if the hair is heat-styled or over-processed. We have some tips to help you keep your hair hydrated and your coils shiny. See below:
- Keep your hair hydrated
Stay hydrated by getting water into the dry hair strands. Washing your hair with a water-based, sulfate-free shampoo and warm water is the way to go. Avoid sulfate-based shampoos for they will strip away too much of the natural oils needed to keep your hair healthy and cause dryness.
- Practise deep conditioning
After your hair is washed, you can now start putting the moisture back in. Apply a deep conditioner that would combat dryness, frizz and scalp flakiness. Use a shower cap with your masque to create a natural steam effect that opens up the hair cuticles and allows all that hydrating goodness to penetrate the hair shaft. Use cool water to rinse out and close the open cuticles.
- Apply Liquid, Cream and Oil (LCO)
Natural hair has low porosity, which in essence means it is difficult to get moisture in. An easy way to do this is by using the LCO method -Liquid (water or water-based leave-in), Cream (moisturizer), and then Oil. This method keeps your hair moisturised and healthy.
Other tips include:
- Wear protective styles that keep your ends protected and prevent excess dryness and breakage. So you can look good while keeping your hair moisturised.
- Spritz water over your hair daily with close attention to the ends. Water is a major moisturising agent for the hair. Don’t comb your hair without applying some water to it first.
- Buy a silk scarf or a satin bonnet. The satin helps to keep moisture that is already in your hair from escaping like it would with a cotton pillowcase and prevent split ends from friction.
- Trim your ends. Split ends contribute to hair dryness, so getting rid of them is important.
- Finally, develop a consistent personal regimen. It can be as simple as cleansing and moisturising, with a regular deep condition. Determine how often you are going to cleanse and moisturise your hair and how often you are going to style it. Besides, showing your hair a little love is a great way to practise self-love too.