Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Caring for your natural hair, can seem like such a tedious task. For most of us, we associate taking care of our natural hair as something that will just be too complicated to maintain. BUT if you commit to a routine and do more research, you will find that this is not true at all, and that you can have healthy natural hair with these 4 simple rules.
From personal experience with my own 4a/4b natural hair, I know how overwhelming it can be to do research on having healthy natural hair. This is why I have listed 4 simple rules when it comes to ultimately having healthy natural hair. Please have a read, and let me know how you will incorporate my suggestions into your routine.
1. Moisture, moisture and more moisture!
BUT balance it. Products and techniques of application will depend on your hair type such as porosity. However, a lot of naturals focus so much on moisture that they neglect to strengthen their hair periodically with protein treatments. Deep hair treatments or hair masks that moisturise but also contain protein are the best bet. If you are like me and don’t like having too many hair products, then definetly try products that contain both moisturising ingredients and ingredients with protein!
My ALL TIME favourite deep conditioner mask that just quenches my curls and adds all the moisture and protein I need is the Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment , also this brand is VEGAN! Another staple deep conditioner of mine is the Shea Moisture Superfruit Masque .
2. Cleansing routine.
Your cleansing routine will depend on your schedule and how long your hair can go without it being washed. But a rule of thumb for majority of naturals is that you should wash your hair at least once a week! But if you cannot wait that long, then be free to wash it twice a week. And in case, once a week is too frequent for your natural hair, then once every 2 weeks may work better for you!
My above advice is based on the assumption that you are doing similar hairstyles after every wash day. However, the key is to also be flexible, depending on which hairstyle you are rocking that week!
3. Be familiar with your hair.
I can list out a bunch of products or techniques, to have healthy natural hair. However none of it will work, if you do not know your hair. When you are familiar with your hair, and know what type of products and techniques tend to work or not work. You will find it easier to be consistent with your hair. For example, some naturals are not protein sensitive, however they may have more sensitivity to the protein that is derivative from coconut oil. Therefore, they will stay away from products with coconut oil.
A way for you to be familiar with your is by finding your hair porosity and density, as this will aid you in selecting the best hair products for your hair. I personally, do not believe that traditional hair typing (3c, 4a, 4b, 4c, etc…), is helpful in maintaining healthy natural hair. However, traditional hair typing does help to inform you how your natural hair will look in certain styles.
4. Trim it, the dry ends are not worth it.
If you are having more trouble than usual detangling your hair, or you are experiencing more shedding than usual. Then it is time for a trim.
Your final confirmation on whether to trim or not to trim, is to check your ends. Are they dry? Do you have more single strand knots than usual? If yes, it is time for a trim.
However, please do not get so bogged down with a trimming routine, that you start trimming your hair when it does not need a trim, just because you told yourself you’d trim every 3 months. But having a flexible routine, will help remind you to check your ends.
I agree with everything. It took me a while to learn what my hair likes and needs but I’m at a point where I know what to do.
That is lovely to hear Anissa! The satisfaction from just being familiar with your hair is everything!