Hey there, natural hair enthusiasts!
Embracing your natural hair is a beautiful journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re new to natural hair care or a seasoned pro, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hinder your hair’s health and growth. To help you keep your hair looking and feeling its best, we’ve compiled a list of 10 common natural hair mistakes and how to avoid them. Let’s dive in!
1. Over-washing natural hair
Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Instead, aim to wash your hair once a week or every two weeks, depending on your hair type and lifestyle.
Product Suggestion:
- Activilong Black Castor Shampoo: This cleansing shampoo gently cleanses your hair without stripping away moisture, perfect for regular use.
2. Best products for natural hair
Not all hair products are created equal. Using products with harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens can damage your hair. Opt for products specifically formulated for natural hair, which are free of these harmful ingredients and packed with nourishing components.
Product Suggestion:
- SheaMoisture Shea Butter Moisture Shampoo: Free from sulfates and parabens, this shampoo is perfect for keeping your hair hydrated and healthy.
3. Deep conditioning natural hair
Deep conditioning is essential for maintaining moisture and strength. Make it a habit to deep condition your hair at least once a month. For best results, use a product rich in natural oils and butters, and leave it on for 30 minutes or according to the instructions.
Product Suggestion:
- Aunt Jackie’s Butter Fusions Macadamia & Mint Conditioner: This deep conditioner restores moisture and strengthens hair with its rich, creamy formula.
4. Scalp care for natural hair
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Regularly cleanse your scalp to remove buildup, and massage it with oils like jojoba or tea tree oil to promote circulation and hair growth.
Product Suggestion:
- Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil: Infused with biotin, this oil promotes hair growth and scalp health.
5. Protective styles for natural hair
Protective styles like braids, twists, and buns help protect your hair from environmental damage and reduce the risk of breakage. Ensure you’re not neglecting your hair while it’s in a protective style by keeping it moisturised and avoiding styles that are too tight.
Product Suggestion:
- Mielle Pomegranate and Honey Twisting Souffle: This butter keeps your hair moisturised and defined, perfect for twists and braids.
6. Heat damage on natural hair
Frequent use of heat styling tools can cause significant damage to natural hair. Limit the use of blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands, and always use a heat protectant when you do style your hair with heat.
Product Suggestion:
- HSI Professional Argan Oil Heat Protector: This spray protects your hair from heat damage up to 450°F while adding shine and reducing frizz.
7. Not Trimming Regularly
SEO Keyword: Trimming natural hair
Trimming your hair regularly helps prevent split ends and breakage. Aim to trim your hair every 8-12 weeks to maintain healthy ends and promote growth.
Product Suggestion:
- Professional Hair Cutting Scissors by ULG: These sharp, precise scissors are perfect for trimming split ends and maintaining hair health.
8. Detangling natural hair
Detangling can be a daunting task, but doing it wrong can cause breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair, preferably while it’s wet and conditioned to minimise damage.
Product Suggestion:
- Detangling Brush: This brush is designed to glide through the hair, removing knots without pulling or breaking hair.
9. Low manipulation hairstyles
Constantly styling and manipulating your hair can lead to breakage and damage. Embrace low manipulation hairstyles that allow your hair to rest and grow, and handle your hair as gently as possible.
Product Suggestion:
- Evolve Satin Edge Scarf: Use this satin scarf to protect your hair at night and reduce manipulation during the day.
10. Diet for healthy hair
What you eat plays a crucial role in the health of your hair. Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote hair growth and strength.
Product Suggestion:
- Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies: These tasty gummies provide essential vitamins and minerals for healthy hair growth.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of natural hair requires patience, knowledge, and the right practices. By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting healthier habits, you can enjoy stronger, more vibrant hair. Remember, every head of hair is unique, so listen to your hair’s needs and adjust your routine accordingly.
Do you have any natural hair care tips or lessons learned from your own journey? Share them in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
Stay naturally fabulous,
Claudine