The Best Routine For Natural Hair

For many, managing natural hair is often seen as a challenge. From detangling knots and finding styles that hold to the battle against shrinkage, it can feel like a constant struggle. But here’s the secret: it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right techniques and a bit of care, maintaining natural hair can be straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a guide to the best natural hair routine to keep your curls healthy and beautiful.

What You’ll Need:

• Shampoo: Choose one that’s moisturizing and effectively cleanses the hair
• Deep Conditioner: Essential for deep hydration and repair.
• Moisturizer: A water-based product to keep hair hydrated.
• Hair Oil or Butter: To seal in moisture.
• Wide-Toothed Comb: For gentle detangling.
• Scrunchies and other elastic hair ties: To keep hair in place after sectioning it.
• Satin Bonnet or Pillowcase: To protect hair while sleeping.

Step-by-Step Routine

1. Shampoo Accordingly

Regular cleansing is really important for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair. Depending on your hair type and lifestyle, shampoo once a week or every two weeks. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos like the Sapphire Hair Shampoo or the Tsavorite Clarifying Treatment Hair Shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. Massage the shampoo into your scalp to remove buildup and rinse thoroughly.

2. Always Deep Condition After Shampooing

Deep conditioning is a must after every shampoo session. It replenishes moisture, strengthens your hair, and improves hair elasticity—preventing hair breakage and promoting length retention. Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner, focusing on the ends of your hair, and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. For added benefit, use a heat cap, or cover your head with a plastic cap and wrap a warm towel over it to help the conditioner penetrate deeper. Alternatively, you could also sit under a hooded dryer to help the deep conditioner penetrate deeper. Rinse out thoroughly.

3. Moisturize and Seal

Keeping your hair moisturized is key to maintaining its health and preventing breakage. Apply a water-based moisturizer or simply spritz your hair with water every few days. Follow up with a sealing natural oil or hair butter to lock in the moisture. Pay extra attention to your ends, as they are the oldest parts of your hair and most prone to damage.

4. Protective Styling

Protective styles are essential for minimizing breakage and promoting hair growth. Styles like braids, twists, and cornrows help protect your hair from environmental stressors and reduce manipulation. You can choose to do these styles with or without extensions. Just make sure to moisturize your hair before styling and avoid styles that are too tight, as they can cause tension and breakage.

Managing Shrinkage

Shrinkage is a common feature of natural hair. While heat can stretch out your hair, consider heatless methods like braiding, twisting, African threading, or banding. These techniques stretch your hair without causing heat damage and help maintain your hair’s health and length.

Detangling Tips

Detangling is a delicate process that can lead to breakage if not done correctly. Here are some tips to detangle with minimal breakage:

• Work in Sections: Divide your hair into manageable sections.
• Use a Detangling Product: Apply a conditioner or detangling spray to provide slip.
• Start from the Ends: Gently work your way down from the ends to the roots.
• Be Gentle: Take your time and be patient to avoid unnecessary breakage.

Additional Care Tips

Sleeping with a Bonnet

To protect your hair while you sleep, use a satin bonnet or pillowcase. Satin reduces friction, preventing breakage and frizz, and helps maintain your styles and moisture levels.

Scalp Care

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Keep your scalp clean and moisturized. You can use light oils or scalp treatments to nourish and stimulate hair growth. Additionally, a great practice for scalp care is scalp massaging. The simple act of rubbing some oil onto your scalp in circular motions stimulates growth by boosting blood flow to the scalp.

Trimming

Regular trims every 6 months, or whenever you notice split ends, can help remove them and prevent them from causing more damage to your hair. This promotes healthy hair growth. However, if you don’t have any split ends, don’t go ahead to trim your ends, you may just be getting rid of your new growth for nothing. Learn how you can identify split ends here.

Hydration

Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Drinking plenty of water and eating nutrient-rich foods support healthy hair from the inside out.

Bottomline

Managing your natural hair care really doesn’t have to be a complicated task. With a simple routine and the right products, you can maintain healthy, beautiful hair effortlessly. Follow these steps, and enjoy the journey to gorgeous, natural hair. Because you are a gem.

What’s your favorite natural haircare hack? Let us know in the comments below!