How To Fix Common Natural Hair Emergencies: 15 Quick Hacks

Have you ever been in a natural hair fix that nearly brought you to tears? Maybe it was a tangled mess after taking down a protective style, or the frustration of dealing with shrinkage that seems to have a mind of its own. If you’ve experienced these hair emergencies, you’re not alone. Natural hair comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can tackle them head-on and keep your mane looking fabulous. In this article, we’ll explore some quick fixes for common natural hair emergencies, from tangled hair to itchy scalps, and everything in between. So, grab your hair products and let’s dive in!

1. Tangled Hair While Unplaiting: Tangled hair can be a nightmare, especially when after taking down a protective style. To make the process easier, start by spritzing some water into your hair. This will help loosen the tangles and make detangling easier. Next, apply a generous amount of conditioner or oil to your hair for added slip. Use your fingers to remove some of the major tangles, then continue with a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle and smoothen out the rest of your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Take your time and be gentle to avoid causing breakage.

2. Shrinkage Woes: Shrinkage is a common issue for natural hair, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. One heatless solution is to plait twists or braids in your hair while it’s damp. This helps stretch out your curls and reduces shrinkage. Another trick is to wear your hair in a pineapple puff overnight. Simply gather your hair at the highest point of your head and secure it with a hair tie. In the morning, your curls will be stretched out and ready to go. Other ways to stretch out your hair include banding, threading, and gentle use of heat styling tools. Learn all the ways you can stretch out your hair here.

3. Very Itchy Scalp After Installing a Protective Style: An itchy scalp after getting a protective style done can nearly drive you mad. To preserve your sanity, you can soothe it by first moisturizing your scalp with a water-based hair product like our anti-itch formula, the Livara Tsavorite Spritz Moisturizer, or even a simple spritz of water from your spray bottle. This will help moisturize your scalp and reduce itchiness. Next, seal in the moisture with a natural oil. This step is essential for making sure the moisture stays in your hair and scalp. Look out for soothing oils like peppermint if you’re dealing with a really itchy and painful scalp. Peppermint oil is known for its soothing properties and can help calm an itchy scalp. Just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your scalp to prevent irritation. You can enjoy all its benefits and more in our peppermint-infused Tanzanite Hair Oil.

4. Buildup Woes: Product buildup can weigh down your hair and make it look dull. To remove buildup, use a clarifying shampoo like the Tsavorite Clarifying Treatment Hair Shampoo. This type of shampoo is designed to remove buildup and residue from your hair without over stripping it of its natural oils. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair soft and hydrated.

5. Split Ends: Split ends are a common issue for natural hair, but they can be easily fixed with a trim. If you notice split ends, it’s best to trim them off to prevent them from splitting further up the hair shaft. If you’re not comfortable trimming your own hair, consider visiting a professional stylist for a trim.

6. Hair That Lacks Shine and Looks Dull: If your hair is lacking shine and looks dull, it may be lacking moisture. To add shine and moisture to your hair, try using a deep conditioning treatment. This will help hydrate your hair and restore its natural shine. Additionally, try using a hair oil or serum to add extra shine and smoothness to your hair.

7. Hair That Keeps Breaking: Breakage can be caused by a number of factors, including dryness and over-manipulation. To prevent breakage, be sure to deep condition your hair regularly to keep it hydrated and strong. Make sure to moisturize reularly with some water or water-based moisturizer, and seal in the moisture with a natural oil. Avoid over-combing or brushing your hair, as this can cause breakage. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair gently.

8. Hair That Has Become Too Tangled After Letting It Dry and Sleeping On It: If your hair has become too tangled after letting it dry after shampooing or wetting it and sleeping on it (some may call this natural hair suicide), don’t panic. Start by wetting your hair with water to help loosen the tangles. Next, apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair and work it through with your fingers. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair in sections, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Take your time and be gentle to avoid causing breakage.

9. Dry and Brittle Hair: Dry and brittle hair is an obvious sign of moisture loss. To combat this, deep condition your hair regularly with a moisturizing conditioner or try out a hair mask. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or aloe vera, like the 2in1 Sapphire Deep Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment. Additionally, avoid using heat styling tools too frequently, as they can further dry out your hair. Instead, opt for heatless styles or use a heat protectant spray or cream before styling.

10. Lack of Definition in Curls: If you’re trying to define your curls and they just won’t budge, try using a styling product like gel specifically designed for curly hair. First moisturize your hair with some leave-in conditioner, then apply the product to damp hair, then use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to define your curls. You can also try using the “praying hands” method, where you apply the product to sections of your hair by smoothing it over with your hands together. This can help encourage curl definition and reduce frizz.

11. Flat and Lifeless Hair: To add volume to flat and lifeless hair, try using a volumizing product like a mousse or foam. Apply the product to your roots, then use your fingers to massage it into your scalp. This will help lift your roots and add volume to your hair. You can also try flipping your hair upside down and using a diffuser to dry it. This can help create volume and lift at the roots.

12. Unruly Edges: Unruly edges can be tamed with the right products and techniques. Use a small amount of edge control gel or pomade to smooth down your edges. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently brush your edges into place, then tie them down with a silk scarf or head wrap. Leave the scarf on for a few minutes to set, then remove it for sleek and smooth edges.

13. Overnight Styling for Next-Day Curls: If you need a style like a twist-out to stay overnight for next-day curls, hold sections of your twist-out in hair bands. Use hair bands to wrap the length of each section together and wrap your head with a bonnet when you go to sleep. However, if you’re looking to achieve a twist-out for the next day, tie your hair into small braids before you sleep. This will help set your curls overnight, giving you beautiful, heatless curls in the morning. You can also try using flexi rods or foam rollers to set your hair overnight for bouncy curls without the heat.

14. Preventing Breakage While Sleeping: To prevent breakage while sleeping, use a satin or silk pillowcase. These materials are gentler on your hair and help reduce friction, preventing breakage and split ends. You can also try sleeping with your hair in a loose bun or pineapple to protect your curls and prevent them from getting flattened while you sleep.

15. Maintaining Moisture Throughout the Day: To maintain moisture throughout the day, apply a moisture-rich product like a leave-in conditioner. You can also use a hair oil or butter to seal in moisture and add shine to your hair.

With these natural hair hacks, you can tackle common hair emergencies with ease and keep your natural hair looking healthy and beautiful. Because you are a gem.