Afro hair is prone to dryness; however, it will have a beautiful sheen when properly moisturised. Today’s post will provide tips for keeping your hair moisturised with that gorgeous sheen.
- Shampoo only when needed
Washing your hair is important and should be adapted to whatever lifestyle you have. If you are into sports and work out regularly, then you will need to wash your hair more often than someone who does not. It is important not to overwash your hair with shampoo each week because this can strip the hair of its natural oils each time. You can also look at co-washing your hair, using conditioner instead of shampoo all the time.
- Deep condition more often
Afro hair needs all the moisture it can get, so on your wash day, after using your shampoo, a regular routine of deep conditioning can take moisture to the next level. You can try adding deep conditioning to your weekly or bi-weekly routine to help build up moisture. For extra added benefits, you can also use heat by wearing a plastic cap after putting the conditioner on your hair and sitting under a dryer. If you don’t have a hooded dryer, you can simply use a blow dryer on top of the plastic cap for some minutes.
- Moisturise enough
In order for your hair to retain moisture, you not only have to moisturise it enough, but you also have to use the right products. When it comes to moisturising, the LOC (leave-in, oil, cream) method allows you to layer products that will help to seal in and retain moisture. The leave-in serves as a water base which automatically hydrates the hair, the cream deeply nourishes the hair, and the oil seals the hair and locks the moisture into place. The LOC three-step process guarantees your hair is able to stay moisturised for several days on end, depending on your hair’s porosity.
- Moisturise for your hair type
Natural hair isn’t a one size fits all affair. It is important that you pay special attention to the ends of your hair when moisturising – these tend to be the driest. Be sure to use a moisturiser and oil that is suitable for your hair type, watch how your hair reacts to it, and respond accordingly by sticking to the same moisturiser and oil or switching it up.
- Minimise heat
Too much heat on natural hair can over-dry strands that are already prone to dryness and, in turn, weaken the hair and lead to breakage. If you are looking to maintain moisture in your hair, try to minimise how often you use heat on your hair. If you are using heat to style your hair, use the low-medium temperature setting and prepare your hair to prevent over-drying and permanent damage. You can prepare your hair by applying a heat protectant (such as a heat protector serum or spray).
- Protect your hair at night.
Using a satin or silk scarf/bonnet when you go to bed will prevent moisture loss from your hair. If you don’t like using coverings on your head, try a satin/silk pillowcase instead to protect your hair. Cotton pillows and pillowcases are highly absorbent and remove moisture from your hair.
- Wear more protective styles.
Wearing your hair out can be great fun, but this also exposes it to the elements (especially when you are in an area with harsh winters!), resulting in moisture escaping. We would recommend keeping your hair in a protective or low-manipulation style which helps to retain moisture longer. Remember not to keep the protective style for too long, as this will put too much tension on your hair over a period of time and leads to breakage.
Bonus Tip: Drink more water!
Having healthy hair starts from the inside. Dehydration will affect your overall body, and this will reflect on your hair. Try to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day.
I hope these tips on moisturising your natural hair help you on your healthy hair journey! Remember, as we always say here, with proper care, your natural hair can flourish and become your crowning glory!
Note: All pictures free to use under the Unsplash License
