Hair serves as an excellent insulator, protecting you from too much cold or too much heat. Besides that, it is a great beauty accessory. Taking care of natural hair can be taxing. However, this does not mean it is impossible. There is a need to take care of your hair to keep it healthy, strong, and looking good. Natural hair tends to demand a special kind of attention as it tends to be, to some extent, demanding. With the insights below, your job will be much easier, and your hair will stay looking great.
1. Using the right shampoo
Not every shampoo is suitable for your hair. Depending on your hair type, you can get anything from hair thickening shampoo, color-safe, smoothing, moisturizing, and so on. That is why you need to visit an experienced professional in Hair design in San Bernardino. A skilled hair professional can assess your hair, determine the hair type, and recommend the proper shampoo for it.
Choosing the right shampoo can be taxing. However, with a clue on the nature of your hair and scalp, it will be easier for you to select the right product. Generally, you should not go for a shampoo that makes your hair and scalp dry. Shampoo with the right PH balance will go a long way in preventing hair damage as you clean your hair.
2. Use protective hairstyles
Protective hairstyles do not only boost hair growth, but they also prevent damage. Note that these styles are meant to protect your hair from pulling, pressure, and manipulation that can make your hair weak, or cause breakage. Some of the protective hairstyles you can try while going natural include short twists, sleek bun, and cornrows, to mention a few.
Hairstyles that can cause damage to your hair include ponytails and tight braids. Other hairstyles that cause tagging at the hairline and tangling can also cause damage.
3. Avoid hair products with harsh chemicals
While buying hair products from your favorite store, you should read the labels and watch out for sulfates, silicone, parabens, and cocamide DEA. These compounds can be found in shampoos, dyes, hair foods, and many other hair products. These products can lead to damage to the surface of the skin, dryness, and irritation. They rob your hair and scalp of essential oils, which can hinder the growth of healthy hair.
The scalp absorbs harmful chemicals. Introducing them to your hair means they will be absorbed and go to the hair follicles, and hinder healthy growth of your hair. They also break down keratin, which can damage your hair and make it weak.
4. Be mindful of the water temperature while washing your hair
The idea of getting rid of the accumulated oils on your hair and scalp can lead you to wash your hair with steaming water. You should note that it is not suitable for your natural hair. It is indeed effective in accumulated dirt and oil removal. However, it can be quite unforgiving. Remember that your scalp and hair still need natural oils. Hot water will strip it away, leaving your hair and scalp dry and brittle.
You should instead use warm water. Warm water will get rid of dirt and excess oils, while at the same time retaining the protective sebum. While rinsing out your hair, you should use cold water as it closes your pores and cuticles, and at the same time leaving your hair shiny and looking good.
5. Avoid excess heat
For your natural hair to thrive, excessive heat must be avoided at all costs. The question of what is too much heat, and what is ideal depends on the type of hair you have. Thin hair may lack the resilience that the thicker hair has, hence easily damaged by heat. Direct heat from blow-dryers and other hot styling tools can damage the follicles or weaken the hair shaft, causing breakage.
Reducing the amount of time of heat exposure can help. Conditioning your hair will make it softer, eliminating the need to blow-dry it for a long time. Also, you can blow it with cold air to dry. Use as minimum heat as possible when you are styling your hair. Also, reduce the frequency at which you style or dry your hair with tools. Sleeping with a silk hair scarf can help prevent frizzing, hence the regular use of the styling tools.
6. Revise your pantry
A skilled and well-trained professional in Hair design in San Bernardino will tell you how important it is to eat healthy food. They understand the importance that a proper diet has in the health of your natural hair. Low-fat proteins such as vegetable proteins will go a long way in making your hair healthy. Vegetables, too, play a crucial role in healthy hair growth. You should abandon junk and include more proteins and vegetables in your diet for great natural hair.
7. Make hair conditioners your friend
Again, you have to find the right one for your hair. Talk to your hairstylist to give you recommendations on the best conditioner for your hair type. Using a hair conditioner every time will help with depositing protein into your strands, and also moisturizing your hair. This will not only add body to your strands but also prevent them from getting brittle and breaking.
Additionally, it makes your natural hair easy to manage: combing through it becomes painless and enjoyable after using a good hair conditioner.
Making your natural hair healthy is pretty simple. You need to be consistent with treating it well. Avoid subjecting it to too much heat to prevent thinning and breakage. Also, be mindful of the ingredients of the hair products you use, as some of them contain harsh chemicals that can cause serious damage to your scalp and hair. A healthy diet with plenty of proteins and vegetables can also help you grow healthy natural hair. The tips above will help keep your natural hair healthy. Love your hair, and it will love you back.
Photos taken from:
male model: Simon Scurls www.simonscurls.com @simonscurls
Hair and Styling: Julia Karin @julchenkarin
Photography: Debora Brune www.deborabrune.com
Hands down, my hair.
female model:
Photo: Jake and Claud @jakeandclaud / www.jakeandclaud.com
Model Mariona Borrell @mariona_bs from Fifthmodels
MUAH: Nuria Riobo @nuriariobomuah
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