Kinky hair shrinkage is a real thing. While this is not news to anyone with Afro-textured or kinky hair, caring for natural hair is a different story, because natural hair requires weekly treatment.
A hair treatment consists of a shampoo, conditioning, and a leave-in conditioner. But first, before we get into the nitty-gritty of caring for your treasured strands, it’s critical to determine which curl pattern you have. The natural Afro hair spectrum is vast, ranging from slight waves to super kinky locks.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CURLS
It begins with the least curly, where the waves lack definition, and progresses to the kinkiest, curliest, fluffiest ‘fro you can grow.
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Determine the type of curls you have so that you can tailor your hair treatment accordingly.
Heavy, creamier products may be required for coarser, crazier hair. Using the proper protective measures and products on your Afro will keep it strong and healthy, allowing for faster natural hair growth.
An Afro can be difficult to keep up, but with a little patience and care, it can be your crowning glory. To keep your Afro healthy, stick to a weekly wash-and-conditioning routine.
TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR AFRO
WASH YOUR HAIR
Properly shampoo your Afro at least once a week. Choose a shampoo that has enough moisture elements in it to keep your hair hydrated.
USE A CONDITIONER
Choose a conditioner designed for thick and curly hair. After washing your hair, use a dampener or leave-in conditioner to prevent hair knots.
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WATER IS YOUR FRIEND
When it comes to your Afro hair, water is an absolute necessity. One of the keys to maintaining healthy natural hair is water.
It is a good idea to try to drink eight glasses of water daily and also consistently apply water to your hair. One of the ways you can use water is to detangle your hair as, due to its curls, naturally kinky hair is more susceptible to knots and tangles.
NEVER COMB WET HAIR
Avoid combing wet hair as this makes the strands more susceptible to breaking.
GIVE IT THE OIL TREATMENT
An Afro is mostly dry and needs regular oil treatment to keep it glossy and hydrated.
WRAP YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT
To reduce the loss of hair and protect your hair from falling out, wear a silky scarf to bed.
GIVE YOUR HAIR A BREAK
Wear a protective style, such as braids and cornrows.
