How To Keep Your Natural Hair Healthy

NHM Model Keyanda

Your natural hair does not require a lot of maintenance to keep it healthy. In fact, in its natural state, the best thing to do is leave it alone!

When I decided to start locking my hair, I could not believe how fast it was growing. Locking it up allowed me to stop messing with it so much to allow it to grow properly.

Think of your hair as your favorite house plants. How do you keep your plants healthy? Sunlight and water, right? That’s all your natural hair needs, with a couple of additional steps in between.

Another important aspect to healthy hair is growing it from the outside in. While you don’t have to go full blow vegan, a large intake of vegetables, nuts and fruits are paramount to healthy hair.

Lastly, stop making excuses to exercise! You don’t have to be Shaun T to stay in shape but going for a walk not only helps shed the pounds but it helps blood flow to your hair follicles.

Let’s explore the top tips you need to follow to keep your natural tresses healthy!

1. Washing Your Hair: This does not need to be done every day. In fact, my grandmother swore by the saying “dirt makes the hair grow.” And I think she was right! Washing your hair too much dries it up quickly and it could start breaking off. Additionally, avoid shampoos with a bunch of chemicals in them as they may not help in preserving your tresses very well. I actually rinse my hair occasionally with apple cider vinegar or baking soda and I only wash it with African Black Soap when it starts to feel over moisturized and limp.

2. Moisture: With my hair, I do a super oil treatment every few weeks or so, but depending on your hair, you may have to do it more or less often. I only use coconut oil or olive oil because those are the ones that keep my hair moist the longest. I prefer to use the coconut oil when it’s solid; I personally thing it spreads easier when it’s solid. Then I wrap my locs up for an hour and rinse. My hair stays moisturized for days afterwards.

3. Being active: My favorite time to take a walk is on a warm day when I just finished rinsing my oil treatment. My hair is still damp but is not dripping all over the place. This is the perfect time for the sunlight to naturally dry your hair while allowing the oil to penetrate your scalp better. If you are not brave enough to walk outside with damp hair on hot day, wrap it in a pretty satin scarf and take a walk around your neighborhood or do a light workout.

4. Dieting: You don’t have to start eating bird seed to get healthy hair, but you do have to start eating healthy. Studies have shown the more vegetarian you go, the better your overall health will be. Nuts (i.e. almonds), fruits (i.e. cranberries), protein (i.e. wild tilapia) are all highly recommended if you want to promote healthy hair for yourself.

5. Stress: Do not stress your hair (or yourself) too much. The constant combing, brushing, curling, braiding, twisting, tying and pulling you are putting on your hair is not beneficial. Frankly, if you need aspirin after getting your hair done, it’s too tight! Hence, why I decided to dreadlock my hair because little maintenance is involved. If you must have it in a ponytail, braids or a bun, make sure the style is something you can actually physically tolerate. Looking fly isn’t worth going bald over!
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