Black hair is nothing short of amazing but let’s be honest, it takes a lot of work and TLC to maintain a head of healthy hair. Whether you prefer to wear your natural curls or sleek braids or choose a bold afro, taking care of black hair isn’t all about aesthetics. It represents your crown and requires a ton of nurturing and embracing your roots. So, if you’re searching for a little help with kicking off your healthy hair journey or just need a few tips on maintenance, look no further because we got you covered!
For starters, the most essential tip that you’ll need to follow is: moisturize, moisturize, MOISTURIZE! Black hair tends be to on the drier side due to its tightly coiled texture, making moisturizing a non-negotiable process. It’s best to invest in hydrating shampoos and conditioners that formulated specifically for black hair and rich in natural oils like coconut, olive, or shea butter. To add another layer to moisturizing, deep conditioning once a week can have remarkable effects in replenishing the moisture back into your hair.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re detangling with care. Unfortunately, mini knots and tangles can be inevitable when it comes to black hair, which can lead to severe breakage when detangling. The best way to combat this is to select a wide-tooth comb or gently detangle your hair with your fingers, beginning at the ends and working your way to the roots. Also, it’s best to try adding in detangling spray or leave-in conditioner beforehand to minimize the pain during the process.
The most common mistake a lot of people make when it comes to black hair is not getting their ends trimmed often enough. Split ends can be an enemy of healthy hair but to fix this problem, it’s best to schedule regular trims at least every 8-12 weeks to snip away those damaged ends. Most people believe that cutting off split ends is counterintuitive but on the contrary, trimming your ends actually promotes healthy length retention.
Lastly, it’s best to be mindful of the hairstyles you are choosing. Heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can have its pros and cons on black hair. While these tools can most definitely help with creating that perfect style, they can also cause extreme heat damage and dryness when not used properly and excessively. If you choose to use any heating tool, just make sure you are using some form of heat protectant beforehand and have the temperature on the lowest setting. Needless to say, the best way to stay away from heat styling is to get a protective style. Whether it’s braids, twists, or weaves, protective styles are a go-to for people within the black community. These styles not only take away from the daily manipulation but also allow your hair to stay protected from environmental stressors, such as rain and heavy wind. Just remember to take small breaks in between these styles to minimize tension and breakage.
Nevertheless, black hair is often overlooked when the topic of beauty standards arise. But it’s important that we reclaim space for our experiences and celebrate our unique textures and styles. Through the right care and attention, black hair can continue to flourish and serve as a powerful symbol of resistance and beauty.
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