Anyone who has natural hair knows that it is quite literally an everyday struggle. Whether you are transitioning, or just trying to find out what works for your hair, here are some tips that have helped me moisturize and retain some length.
1. Do your research
Learning about your hair will be your biggest aid in trying to revive or maintain your curls. Do your research and learn about different hair types (3B, 3C, 4A, 4C etc.), your hair porosity (low means your hair does not retain and keep easily, high means you hair does retain and keep moisture easily), and what types of products and processes will be most beneficial to your hair because of these things. Finding the right products can be an expensive and tedious trial and error process. This will be easier if you have already figured out your hair type and porosity, to see if your hair will like thicker products like butters, or different leave-in conditioners that may be thinner depending on the brand. Now when it comes to oils, certain ones are better at penetrating the hair shaft and should be applied directly to the scalp. Others are better for sealing products into your hair. My favorite penetrating oil is olive oil, and grapeseed is my favorite sealant.
2. DEEP CONDITION!!!
Deep conditioning is one of the most important things you can do in trying to maintain or restore your hair. At least once a week after you wash you hair (or if you don’t wash it weekly you should still try and do this regularly) apply a masque to your hair, cover it with a shower cap or just a plastic bag, and let it work its magic for at least 15 minutes, although I would suggest up to 45. You don’t want to leave it in too long because there is such a thing as over-conditioning which can weaken your hair, so up to 45 minutes should do the trick. A huge saving grace for me has been deep conditioning with heat, sitting under a dryer for a while will open up your hair follicles and allow moisture in leaving your hair soft and moisturized. Now I totally understand that this seems like a hassle and something you don’t have time for, but trust me, it is so worth it and makes a big difference. Even just applying the masque at the beginning of your shower and washing it out at the end will help. Deep conditioning locks in moisture and is the best way to hydrate and maintain hydration in the hair, besides water.
3. Apply your products correctly
No matter how many great reviews you read, or how expensive the product you just got was, if it is not applied correctly and evenly it will not make a difference in you hair. When you apply your product you hair should be wet, sectioned off and detangled as to get everything in there evenly. The LOC method is a popular technique which means leave-in, oil, and cream and has worked great in my experience to seal in product and maintain moisture on days that I haven’t washed my hair. Another important part of applying product is to be gentle with your hair. It’s really easy to think since our hair is so thick and coarse, it is super strong and can withstand harsh styling. No! Breakage and excessive hair loss are your worst enemies, especially if you are trying to grow your hair. Since natural hair is so textured and thick, when new strands of hair grow in and old ones fall out, they often stay on our heads rather than falling out. This could explain the amount of hair loss while detangling, so don’t be alarmed, but don’t rush! Start doing your hair when you have time, and handle your curls with the TLC they deserve as to avoid breakage.
4. Wash day-stick to a routine
It is very important to get into a routine for you hair, and helpful to those of us with super busy schedules to map out when wash day is going to be! I like to wash my hair every three to four days to avoid excess breakage and build-up, but that may not be the case for people with more coarse hair. Try and shampoo only when absolutely necessary, as doing this in excess could seriously dry out your hair. Test out what works for you, and stick to a routine of a regular schedule of washing and styling so your hair can adjust, and get used to it.
5. Don’t give up!
The most important thing to understand in any natural hair journey is that it is not easy. Trust me, there have been plenty times when I just wanted to shave my head and start from scratch. It can be very frustrating not seeing results when you have put a lot of time, money, and effort into your hair. But don’t give up! Keep experimenting with new products, find out what works and doesn’t work for you, and the end result will be rewarding!
Embarking on a natural hair journey can have its ups and downs, but the most important part is being comfortable with your natural self. Not everything Youtubers with “perfect” hair suggest will work for you because everybody is different. Own your own fro, embrace, and love your curls!