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Naturalista

The Lockdown is more than a nightmare if you are a naturalista, because not only is natural hair a hustle, but it’s also 100% unmanipulatable at times! I know the struggle because I’m part of it too, and with salons on “forced vacation”, nothing is more depressing than moppy natural hair which is just too brittle to even comb out, let alone shampoo or condition.  Natural hair can be a snub in the back in winter, and it can send shivers down your spine plus breakages if you overlook some simple steps. Yeah, you might end up posting ‘Bad Hair Day’ more often than not if you decide to go all macho this winter. Not only that, your comb might start sending fallout signals too, which might then force you to run straight to the barber in summer. To save you from the bad-hair-day brought about by dreadful winter chills, I’ve jotted down 3 ways to beat the snag this winter…

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Get the right brushes

Your eyes might be rolling out, and you might be asking yourself, “Does it really matter?” but here’s my little secret: natural hair needs suitable brushes and combs. Ever wondered why your hair breaks every time you try to use a seamed comb or one with pressed-together tongs? It’s simple…natural hair is wiry, so forcing a thinly-spaced comb might do more harm than good. Please look for combs and brushes that are wide-toothed and seamless. These not only detangle hair ever so gently, but they don’t mess up the roots. A healthy hair bed is essential in guaranteeing perfect growth and rejuvenation in instances when the hair falls out due to strain.

Bag-in a good moisturizer

Now this really is essential to ensure that your hair is always hydrated. A natural crown can be a nightmare if it’s dry, so always moisturise it. Moisturisers differ but what I can safely vouch for is anything water-based. I know the feeling one gets when’ wet’ is mentioned, but believe it or not, natural hair thrives well if it’s a bit damp. Funny right? Well just give it a shot: mix a few natural oils then add some water. Go ahead, spray that hair and plait whilst it is moistened. The next time you remove the plaits, also make sure it’s a bit damp when you detangle it. I can guarantee you one thing: Less Breakage, and More Bulkier Hair (not forgetting the silky natural shine…)

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Try out a suitable DIY protective style

Self-plaiting isn’t fun, but the Covid-19 period has helped me appreciate the positivity in a bit of hair DIY protective styles. Just because I am plaiting my hair and incorporating the afore-mentioned right hair brushes and moisturisers, I now know my strong hair points and the weak ones. Aaaargh yes Queens, we all have these. There are those spots on your head that cannot take strain when it comes to combing, like edges or even the midi parts. Hair differs, and some ladies are blessed with good hairlines but one thing I have learnt over the past few months is: hair can actually grow faster if you know when to comb, how to twist and when to renew your hairstyle.

So get crafty ladies. And remember: all hairtypes matter but with natural hair, a dose or two of extra love can make the crown bigger!

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I have often wondered growing up on a farm with everything organic why black women resorted chemically processed hair and weaves. I guess it was the norm that time to look good hair has to be straight. This is the reason woman of African decent are having trouble with alopecia.

It is often said that with slavery and colonization came a depletion in knowledge of traditional hair maintenance. Thank God kinky hair is now a trend. Here are some new and old favorites passed down generations:

Step 1: African Black Soap: Cleansing Wash

This is a traditional soap from West Africa and it’s main ingredients are shea butter, honey and plant ash. It is commonly made into a bar soap however I have mastered a DIY technique to keep it in liquid form as a shampoo. Thoroughly cleansing the hair and leaving the honey and Shea butter nutrients locked in my hair.

Step 2: Rhassoul Clay: Clarifying Hair Mask

Moroccan mineral filled gem, Rhassoul clay is a traditional mud wash that can cleanse oil and impurities from hair. The word rhassoul derives from the Arabic word for washing, “Rhassala.” It has an unmatched ability to draw out impurities from the skin and hair and is used for detoxifying, cleansing and reducing dryness. It has a reddish brown color and has been used for soothing scalp ailments such as dandruff and psoriasis.

BENEFITS

  • Rhassoul clay is the moisturizer and softener.
  • It reduces dryness in the hair while also removing toxins and product buildup.
  • It improve hair’s elasticity and unblocks your scalp’s pores.
  • It reduces flakiness and aids in detangling and although it cleans like bentonite clay but unlike the detoxifying clay, it leaves your hair soft and moisturized.


    Step 3: Locking in moisture!
    Shea Butter, Avocado Butter, Cocoa Butter, Ghee Butter

    These are pretty common knowledge. The one thing that is consistent across the continent is the use of oil to help maintain hair moisture. This is perhaps the most important step in maintaining growth and softness do try to include an oil/butter treatment as opposed to cholesterol treatments. Ethiopian communities use ghee butter which is a type of clarified butter. The butter is used to help seal in moisture and strengthen hair. I have realised in my Hair care routine to apply the butter while the hair is still wet wear a plastic cap and voila you have an oil treatment 🙂 Thank me later.

    Step 4: Marula oil : Scalp Moisture

    This is a traditional oil from Mozambique and South Africa. I have found this to be gem especially mixed with hemp oil it becomes a magical hair growth oil. Applying only on the scalp 3 times a week.

    Step 5: Styling : African threading

    The final step especially to straighten hair without the use of heat. African threading or Braiding the hair down gets the job done. This technique was used traditionally in West and Central Africa to wrap and protect hair as well as create intricate styles. Today, it is used in a similar manner and in addition is a way to stretch hair with no heat.

    As we commemorate our African heritage, let’s take a look at these old African health and beauty tips for healthy hair. Are there any other that you know of? Please share
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