FASHION

TAKING CARE OF AFRO; FIVE DOS AND DON'TS

The Afro style has been in vogue for some time now, and a large percent of African ladies seem to be considering transitioning back to their natural hair. With the new craze, it is important both current and future naturalistas know the proper way to take care of their hair, which is why we share a few tips about taking care of African natural hair below;

DONTs:

1. DO NOT comb your hair dry. A lot of naturalistas are guilty of this. Combing hair dry leads to breakage and tearing. Only comb your hair when it’s saturated with a moisturizer - water will suffice- and with a wide tooth comb. No alcohol products or petroleum jelly, please!

2. DO NOT wash your hair with hot water. This dries out the hair and steals away moisture.

3. DO NOT use hot iron or blow dryers on your hair frequently. The best would be to avoid applying heat to your hair at all costs. Heat damages the hair and disrupts your natural curls. And if you desire straight hair for a time, why not go for a wig or weave on instead?

4. Avoid elastic or plastic hair bands. They pull on your hair and cause friction and stress. Instead, silk covered hair bands, which protect from hair breakage, should be used.

5. DO NOT comb your hair from the roots. While combing, you should start from the ends and work your way up, and not the other way round.

DOs:

1. Do wash your hair at least ONCE every three weeks. The standard time is once every two weeks, though. This keeps the scalp moisturized and healthy.

2. Condition your hair frequently. You could use a moisturizing conditioner, and let it set for several minutes. Finish with a leave in conditioner.

3. Wrap your hair in a satin scarf or head wrap when you go to bed. This keeps the nutrients in and prevents hair damage.

4. Trim your hair. Cutting away split ends will prevent breakage. Also, it gives your hair the bouncy look we all crave.

5. Lastly, do let your hair out from time to time, to give protection to your edges, and more importantly, removes stress from your scalp from time to time.

Written by Minerva