The term "going natural" has never been more popular. Many women of color are choosing to forgo the ravages of harsh chemicals and heat styling in favor of wearing their hair nappy and natural. Long gone are the days where hair that was "fried, dyed and laid to the side" was considered the norm. But being happily nappy means that you must take extra special care of your textured, kinky tresses to keep them beautiful and healthy.
Step 1
Wash your natural hair in the shower. Start by thoroughly rinsing hair first. Using approximately a quarter-sized amount of shampoo. Apply it to your scalp, and stimulate the scalp by massaging with your fingertips. Apply shampoo to hair, making sure to wash your hair in sections to decrease the amount of tangling. Rinse the shampoo from your hair, and repeat the shampooing process again.
Step 2
Apply a moisturizing conditioner. Use a conditioner that also acts as a detangler, as natural hair tends to tangle easier after washing. Apply a leave-in conditioner and allow hair to air-dry. Remember to use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment on your hair at least once a month.
Step 3
Comb your hair carefully while it is wet and has conditioner on it. Use a comb specifically designed for the coils and kinks of naturally textured hair, since these coils and kinks are very susceptible to breakage. Avoid using brushes with synthetic bristles, opting instead for those with boar bristles which are gentler for brushing natural hair.
Step 4
Use a daily moisturizer on your hair. The key to healthy, shiny natural hair is keeping it well-moisturized.
Step 5
Refrain from wearing stressful hair styles such as braids that are too tight, or abrasive headbands that pull and tear your hair during wear. Protect your hair while sleeping at night by tying a scarf around your hair, or by sleeping on a satin pillowcase.
Tips and Warnings
- Squeeze your hair dry with a towel instead of rubbing it dry. Be gentle at all times when handling your hair, whether wet or dry. Pay special attention to the ends of your hair, and apply oil to keep them from splitting and drying out. Get a trim if you're experiencing excessive tangling and knots on the ends of your hair. Experiment with different styles frequently. One way to avoid the temptation of going back to chemical and heat styling is to keep your hair interesting by wearing new and flattering hairstyles often. Try just leaving your hair alone occasionally. Leave it loose and free from hair accessories just to give it a break. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Eat properly and take a multivitamin.
- Never comb your hair when it is dry, as this is when it is in its most fragile state.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Hot oil treatment
- Comb
- Brush
- Daily moisturizer
- Scarf
- Satin pillowcase
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