Shrinkage for kinky hair is real. While this is no news to anyone with Afro-textured or kinky hair, caring for your natural hair is a different ball game, because natural hair needs treatment every week.
Treatment for your hair includes a wash, conditioning and a leave-in conditioner.
First off, though, before we get down to the basics of caring for your precious strands, it’s important to figure out which curl pattern you have. Raging from slight waves to super kinky locks, the spectrum of natural Afro is vast.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CURLS
It starts with the least curly where the waves don’t have a lot of definition, and moves through to the kinkiest, curliest, fluffiest ‘fro you can grow.
Know what type of curls you have, so that you can adjust your hair treatment accordingly.
Coarser, crazier hair may need heavier, creamier products.
Using the right protective measures and products on your Afro will keep it strong and healthy, ensuring a speedy natural hair growth.
An Afro can be difficult to maintain but with a little patience and proper care, it can be your crowning glory.
Follow a weekly strict wash-and-conditioning routine to keep your Afro healthy.
WASH YOUR HAIR
Properly shampoo your Afro at least once a week. Choose a shampoo that has enough moisture elements in it to keep your hair hydrated.
USE A CONDITIONER
Choose a conditioner designed for thick and curly hair. After washing your hair, use a dampener or leave-in conditioner to prevent hair knots.
WATER IS YOUR FRIEND
When it comes to your Afro hair, water is an absolute necessity. One of the keys to maintaining healthy natural hair is water.
It is a good idea to try to drink eight glasses of water daily and also consistently apply water to your hair. One of the ways you can use water is to detangle your hair as, due to its curls, naturally kinky hair is more susceptible to knots and tangles.
NEVER COMB WET HAIR
Avoid combing wet hair as this makes the strands more susceptible to breaking.
GIVE IT THE OIL TREATMENT
An Afro is mostly dry and needs regular oil treatment to keep it glossy and hydrated.
Use A Sulfate-Free Shampoo
You may find that many shampoos contain chemicals such as ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl sulfate. And they tend to cause dryness and breakage for your natural hair. It’s recommended that you use a sulfate-free shampoo (and conditioner) weekly to add more moisture to your hair, while also being more gentler to your scalp. You can use the Jamaican Black Castor Oil shampoo with shea butter and apple cider vinegar, which strengthens and restores your kinky curls.
However, if having to buy a sulfate-free shampoo regularly is a little above your budget, a more reasonable option would be to wash your hair with black soap, preferably the local ones sold in the markets. Or even better you can make your own natural hair sulfate-free shampoo.
Oiling Your Hair Frequently
Naturally, kinky hair needs an oil, lots of it. Oils should be part of your everyday natural routine. Oils play a key role in maintaining and ensuring that your natural hair stays healthy. Oils can be used to moisturize your hair or seal in already existing moisture, this is solely dependent on the type of oil.
For oils that absorb into the hair shaft and hydrate the hair as well, you should invest in the use of coconut oil, olive oil, or avocado oil. These oils are best applied after the use of a leave-in conditioner and for tighter textures, so as to add necessary moisture to your hair.
Oils like Jamaican black castor oil, Grapeseed oil or Jojoba oil are great for sealing in moisture into the hair and keeping it hydrated for an extended period of time.
WRAP YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT
To reduce the loss of hair and protect your hair from falling out, wear a silky scarf to bed.
GIVE YOUR HAIR A BREAK
Wear a protective style, such as braids and cornrows.
Eat Healthy Meals For Your Hair Needs
As nutritious meals are essential for your body, they also contribute to stronger, healthier hair. A balanced healthy meal rich in low-fat proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will aid your hair growth. For a healthy scalp, eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts, and avocados.
To get stronger hair, increase your intake of protein in your diet by eating foods such as poultry and eggs. To keep your hair hydrated you should eat foods rich in vitamins A and C, such as green leafy vegetables like spinach and asparagus.
