10 Ways to maintain natural hair

People differ and so do their hair style preferences. wearing a weave is not for everyone and they rather prefer to have their has as natural as possible. The common perception though is tat natural hair hurts. The good news is that it doesn’t have to. Here’s how to maintain natural hair:

1. Cut down on shampoo
Wash your hair with conditioner not shampoo. Shampoo has products that dry your hair out. If you must, dilute you shampoo with 75% water and 25% shampoo. If you have product build up, use a mud rinse in your hair instead of drying soap. The longer you keep the conditioner in the better.
2. Learn the science
Black hair is not coarse, black strands’ are finer than any other group – which is why is cannot take heavy handling. Black hair has tiny nicks in the cuticle layer which makes it harder for natural scalp sebum to distribute to the ends of your hair. These nicks also cause breakage so handle your hair with care and keep it moisturized.
3. Use organic products
Look for the term organic not natural. The term “organic” is strictly defined in the US by uniform, federal regulations. “Organic” means the food or fibre bearing the label was made with a set of farming and production practices defined and regulated, in great detail, by the USDA. That means it had no toxic chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides that are harmful to humans and animals.
4. Select products carefully
Choose products with natural ingredients such as grape seed, olive oil, or jojoba oil. Aloe Vera is the same PH of your hair which is 4 and will close your cuticles and make your hair shiny and smoother than ever before.
5. Create and maintain a regimen
Co wash your hair at least every 3 – 5 days a week deep condition it at least twice a month.
6. Avoid products with petroleum
Petroleum makes hair stiff, dry and greasy. Instead of grease, try natural oils (coconut, jojoba, olive, or castor) or natural shampoos and conditioners which are great for your hair because they don’t have all those sulphates, sodium’s, and preservatives in them.
7. Moisturise ends
Water is the ultimate moisturiser. Natural hair can be washed daily to hold more moisture. Be sure to keep them moisturized so you don’t end up with split ends. Seal your ends with either coconut oil or castor oil.
8. Avoid heat on your hair
If you must, use a heat controlling moisturiser so that your hair doesn’t break.
9. Tie your hair up with a silk scarf when you sleep
Prevent acne because there is not as much bacteria on them every night.
10. Comb carefully
Use a wide tooth comb to comb your hair. Your hair does not need to be combed every day, just detangle with your fingers. Excessive combing will break your hair off.

Mbali Radebe