If you are about to join the natural hair train, then you already know you have to take good care of your hair. Going natural means you would not apply products like relaxers to the hair. But this does not mean you would not take care of the hair in any way – you still want to keep your hair soft and shiny. In fact, you would pay more attention to your hair when rocking it naturally compared to when you relax it.
As you can already tell, the way you take care of your natural hair would be quite different. Since you would not be using relaxers and similar products on your hair, you would need to find alternatives that would allow you to maintain your hair properly.
So today, we would be looking at ways to take care of your natural hair in Nigeria.
Moisturise Regularly
Even though you will not be using the usual hair creams you buy at stores on your hair, you will still need to keep it moisturised somehow. The way to do that is by using natural oils, like virgin olive oil, and creams like shea butter.
Co-wash Your Hair
Co-washing your hair means using a cleansing conditioner on your hair. Conditioners are a better option than shampoo, which contains sulfur. Co-washing would help get rid of dirt from your hair and keep it fresh and hydrated. It also helps to lock in your hair’s natural oils. Co-washing is particularly great for people with harsh or dry hair as it would help to soften it and make it easier to comb or style.
Pre-poo Your Hair
If you must use shampoo your hair, then you must pre-poo it. Pre-pooing your hair would prevent it from being affected by the chemicals, especially sulfur, in the shampoo. It also adds moisture to the hair, reduces breakage, and makes it easier to detangle the hair. To pre-poo, apply any oil of your choice on your hair 15 minutes before you wash it with shampoo. Oils you can use include coconut oil or olive oil. You can also mix the oil with a conditioner if you choose.
Use A Wide-Tooth Comb
When it comes to combing your hair, make sure you use a comb that has a wide tooth. This is to prevent breakage when combing the hair. Combs with wider teeth have enough space in between to allow hair to move without breaking or tearing them. This would also make combing the hair less painful when detangling it.
Use Protective Styles
A lot of things have to change when you decide to go natural, including how you style your hair. Using protective styles would prevent your hair from damage and shedding. Some styles you can try include keeping your hair in twists, braids and knots. This is important in knowing how to care for your natural hair in Nigeria, because plaiting protective styles will really help your hair growth.
Regularly Trim Your Hair
One thing you will add to your routine is regularly trimming the split ends of your hair. If left alone, split hairs can affect the overall look and feel of your hair, not in a positive way. To prevent that, feel for split ends on your hair and trim them off. You can do this at least once a month.
Make Use Of A Sulfate-Free Shampoo
A lot of shampoos in Nigeria contain chemicals such as ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate. Shampoos with these ingredients tend to cause dryness and breakage for your natural hair. Thus, it is advisable to make use of a sulfate-free shampoo.
Put On A Satin Scarf Or Bonnet When Going To Sleeping
It is crucial to put on a satin scarf or bonnet before going to bed. Doing this will prevent your hair from tangling, thinning, and breaking while you sleep. Furthermore, sleeping with satin bonnets means no more split ends. It also protects your hair from the dryness caused by friction between your hair and moisture-absorbing materials like cotton.
In addition, you can use a smooth satin or silk pillowcase.
Cover Up Hair During Harsh Weather Conditions
In Nigeria, there are a lot of weather conditions, such as harmattan. Thus, always wear a hat or headscarf over your hair during any harsh weather. Some terrible weather conditions can affect your natural hair, especially when it is exposed to wind, heat, or rain. These weather conditions can remove moisture and make your hair frizzy. Always cover your hair such as a head tie, beret, hat, or bandanna, or use an umbrella if you have to be out in harsh weather conditions.
YOU SHOULD ALSO READ:
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- How to Grow Virgin Hair in Nigeria
- 12 Pretty Ways to Style Natural Hair
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- How To Care For Your Melanin-rich Skin
- 8 Refreshing Skincare Tips For Harmattan In Nigeria
- How To Reduce Oily Skin
- How To Use Vitamin C Serum For Your Skin
- How To Keep Your Face Clean.
Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
