The afro hair is naturally thick and coarse in texture that it can be hard to comb or maintain. If you have this kind of hair texture you can relate. You have to find a way around your coarse hair by covering it with a scarf. Some ladies decide to cut their hair or even apply relaxers to soften their hair. If you are still dissatisfied and can not deal with your coarse hair, you can try the following remedies:
1. Stop overwashing your hair
Over-washing does not only strip your hair of its natural oils but also makes your hair drier and coarser. Strive to wash your afro hair no more than once every two weeks. For those with sweaty scalp, consider washing once a week to maintain cleanliness without drying out your hair.
2. Switch water temperatures while washing your hair
While washing your hair, start with warm water to open up the hair cuticles and cleanse your scalp. Then, switch to cold water during the final rinse. Cold water does not open the cuticles. Instead, it seals in moisture thereby promoting a smoother texture.
3. Olive or coconut oil treatment
After partitioning your hair, apply a generous amount of olive or coconut oil on each part from the roots. In this case, you need to be consistent with this treatment to get results. You need to keep doing it for at least a month to see improvements in your hair.
4. Moisturise with shea butter
Shea butter moisturises the skin and hair. Apply a generous amount of shea butter to your hair before heading out. This would lock in moisture and keep your hair hydrated. It will also make your hair soft throughout the day.
5. Sleep on satin or silk pillowcases/ scarves
Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases and using satin scarves decreases friction and prevents your hair from breaking or frizzing out. Use these materials because they are gentler on hair compared to cotton.
6. Drink enough water and eat balanced diet
Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients contribute to the overall health of your hair. Drinking enough water and consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and other essential nutrients can make your hair soft and grow.
Take note that everyone has a different hair journey, what works for one, may not work for another. So you need some experimentation to find the routine and products that work best for your hair type. Be patient and consistent in the process of achieving a softer afro hair.