Natural Hair Care Tips

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You’d never dream of washing good wool or cashmere sweater with just any old detergent, but most people don’t think twice about applying shampoo to the priceless fibre that’s sitting on their head. 2

The problem is that shampoos have a dirty little secret…they contain harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl sulphate, ammonium lauryl sulphate, which are foaming agents found in dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent. 2

Sure they are great for pots and pan...because they cut out grease! Your hair on the other hand, needs to preserve its natural oils to protect it, and your scalp. Stripping them away deprives hair of necessary moisture, amino acids, and antibodies, and thus makes it look dry, dull, and lifeless. It also does the same thing to your skin! 2

Let me emphasize again that I am not a fan of Shampoos. Since I wear protective styles a lot I co-wash every 7-14 days and cleanse monthly using Karen’s Body Beautiful Ultimate conditioning Shampoo (97% Natural), Deva Curl No Poo, or Authentic West African Black Soap.

I often wear my twists for 3-4 weeks hence every few days I use a homemade DIY Lavender spritz to cleanse and deodorize my hair and scalp.

Conditioner: The moisturizing conditioner you use is the heart of your healthy hair care regimen. A little trial and error will be required to determine the conditioning products that best suit your hair needs. It is critical to note that conditioning products look after the bulk of protein and moisture balancing in a healthy hair care regimen. 1

I use Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner as my moisturizing conditioner weekly or as needed, and Aubrey organics Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner every 2 – 4 weeks.

Me

I do an intensive protein conditioning treatment every 3-6 weeks using homemade DIY recipes such as Eggs & Molasses or Avocados. I often alternate these recipes with Moroccan henna gloss treatments.

Daily moisturizers: These are a must-have in every healthy hair care regimen. The best water based moisturizers do not contain heavy, hair shaft coating oils such as mineral oil or petrolatum; rather, they contain a mixture of water, humectants and natural oils or butters. 1

Some of my favourite DIY moisturizing daily spritzes are listed below:

• Hibiscus & Calendula Hair Tonic
• Rose Water

Handy Tip: Do not forget to lock in moisture using a light coating of a natural oil/butter. This helps to reduce breakage and prevents outside humidity from frizzing the hair. 1

I use Kinky Curly Knot Today as my leave-in water based conditioner, and as a protein based leave in I still use Aubrey Organics Glycogen Protein Balancing conditioner! I apply them after my hair is shampooed and conditioned, and every 1-3 days as needed [after spritzing]

• After taking out my twists [before cleansing/"shampooing"] I pre-poo with Coconut oil always.
• Some of my favourite carrier & essential oils include: Jojoba, Castor oil, Lavender, Rosemary & Tea tree oil.
• I rarely use hair gels & only air-dry.

I detangle only before and after I cleanse using a Denman brush and wide toothcomb, and most of the time I style with my fingers (my nails are kept in check so that they don’t snag /break my hair)

To be honest, I do not usually stretch my hair, nor pick my fro, as I do not mind shrinkage, but when I do I utilized the method below.

When using metal free ouchless band to stretch hair, pre-soak them in oil (coconut oil, olive oil, grape-seed oil, avocado oil, etc). This method is less drying to the hair. When taking them out, do so gently, or cut them out to avoid breakage.

I run a small business so I’m always on the go! Hence, as mentioned above, I use a lot of protective styles, such as: Bantu knots and two strand twists. 

Furthermore, I really enjoy cooking so I make most of my hair treatments too. Lastly, I always sleep in a satin cap. My pillows are also covered in satin! J

While you’re getting your 8 hours of beauty rest moisture is evaporating from your strands into the night air. That’s why hair can feel dry and straw-like after being slept on, uncovered, for hours. You can slow down the evaporation process by covering your hair at night, thereby keeping moisture locked in.

Your thoughts?

Reference:

1. Davis-Sivasothy, Audrey. The Science of Black Hair. Texas: Saja, 2011. Print.

2.Massey, Lorraine and Bender, Michele. Curly girl The Handbook. New York, 2010. Print.