While tighter curl types such as kinks, coils and afro hair need a little bit of ✨extra✨ curlcare, we still urge you to find out your hair's needs; your porosity level and hair density really matters here, especially if you have had protective hairstyles for a long time, if your hair is dry, if you've had treatments and straightening done, or any kind of damage.
We have listened to our community and we gathered together the tips that YOU have given us about beautiful black hair. PS: number 8 is especially a good one!
Afro hair is unique and requires special care to keep it healthy and looking its best. If you have afro hair or are thinking about embracing your natural texture, here are some tips on how to care for your hair, from the community:
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Moisturize regularly: Because of the tight curl pattern there is, afro hair is more naturally dry and needs regular moisture to prevent breakage and damage. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and follow up with a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to keep your hair moisturized. We urge you to use products with ingredients that are formulated for your hair's needs. If your hair isn't dry and doesn't need moisturize, don't suffocate it with oils and heavy creams. It will do more bad than good!
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Use a good detangling and styling brush: Afro hair is prone to tangling, so it's important to use a good high quality brush to gently detangle your hair. The feedback that we received from the community is that the best brush you can get for this hair type is the tentacle brush or the flexible brush, as we call it. Thanks to it's design and the flexibility of it, it easily glides through your curls, detangling without pulling or ripping off your hair. It's also very easy to clean, so goodbye to dusty brushes! Start at the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage. We also recommend using an oil if dry brushing or brushing on wet or damp hair using conditioner in the shower.
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Avoid excessive heat styling: Heat styling tools can damage any hair type, but especially afro hair, so it's best to use heat sparingly. For example, ensure you always use a heat protector before you apply heat, even when drying your hair. If you're straightening your own hair, make sure you do a one-and-done; don't go back later on that day to straighten again as this can damage your hair. If you need to minimalise frizz after straightening, consider applying a serum or oil to seal.
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Protect your hair while sleeping: Sleeping with a satin or silk pillowcase or wearing a satin or silk scarf can help prevent breakage and damage while you sleep. This is such a simple change and it can be a cheap silk pillowcase from Amazon, it doesn't have to be mulberry silk necessarily. You will see the difference immediately after night 1!
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Deep condition, do hot oil treatments and clarify - The trick to maintain your afro healthy is to give it what it lacks. If your scalp is itchy or you see signs of buildup such as your styling products not doing a great job anymore - it's time to clarify. If your hair is dry or has been in protective hair styles for longer than 2 weeks - consider a hot oil treatment. It is known for opening the hair cuticle to allow all the goodness of the oil to go in. If you have been doing straightening treatments such as silk presses or normal straightening, deep condition that hair to replenish the moisture lost in the process.
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Be gentle when styling: Avoid tight hairstyles that can pull on your hair and cause breakage. Opt for gentle hairstyles that allow your hair to breathe and move freely. If your braids are too tight, try to loosen them up using a hair pick or divider brush. Ensure you add oil to keep your hair and scalp happy!
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Trim regularly: Regular trims can help prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy. Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks.
- If your hair is very dense or low porosity, make sure you wet your hair properly in the shower and take as long as you need doing so! Consider sectioning so you can properly distribute the shampoo and conditioner in your hair. The underneath sections often get missed. A trick is to emulsify the shampoo in your palms and then apply directly to the scalp in different areas - don't forget the underneath!
By following these tips, you can keep your afro hair healthy and looking its best. Remember, afro hair is beautiful and deserves to be treated with care and respect. Embrace your natural texture and enjoy your beautiful, healthy hair!
We hope you found these useful and keep an eye out for more tips and tricks from the curly community!
Say it with us:
Don't touch my hair!
xoxo