BY DAISY AWITI
The natural hair wave has been widely embraced by many women and girls all over, some sticking to it like religion, while others throwing in the towel after a few months. However, keeping hair in its natural state does not automatically make it healthy. Whether or not you are part of this movement, healthy hair is our goal. Let’s have a recap of the basics, ladies:
Hair regimen– Decide on your washday. Hair can be washed and conditioned once a week. Deep conditioning and treatment must be done no less than twice a month. It can be treated with organic products such as henna, avocado and banana hair masks and even honey. A protein treatment once a month using egg white will add shine and prevent breakage.
Shampooing– Avoid the overuse of shampoos, as they tend to strip natural oils and dry the hair shaft. Dilute your shampoo in a 50:50 ratio or use a sulphate free shampoo. If you wash your hair as often (5-7days), it is advised to co-wash (washing with hair conditioner) or baking soda rather than shampoo.
On shampoo days (in cases of product build-up or really dirty hair) a pre-shampoo oil treatment ensures that your hair does not dry out and makes it easier to detangle before washing. Use lukewarm water and apply the shampoo to the scalp, gently spreading it from roots to end. Do not rub and scrub the hair shaft, as this creates knots and tangles.
Pre-styling: Dry your hair with a microfiber towel or a t-shirt by blotting and patting the hair. An ordinary towel dries hair while causing it to break by snagging and pulling at hair strands.
Do not be that hair product junkie, always buying the latest hair products in the market. All you need is leave-in conditioner (or treatment), oil and (optional) a suitable hair cream that works for your hair. Avoid petroleum-based products as these make hair greasy and weigh it down. If you use heat to straighten or curl your hair, use heat-protecting oils to prevent heat damage.
Styling: Wear low-tension styles that do not pull and damage the hairline. Every 3 days, moisturise the ends of the hair as they are the oldest and most exposed. Over manipulating hair increases breakage and prevents length retention. For colour treated hair, more moisturising is required.
