Avoid making these common natural hair mistakes

Embracing your natural hair can be tricky but ultimately rewarding. With the rising costs of human hair wigs, extensions, and some other hair care products, more people are opting to care for their natural hair. However, there are common mistakes people make that damage their natural hair in the long run.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

1. Washing your hair too frequently

Washing your hair everyday strips your hair and scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. It is best to wash your hair one or two times a week, depending on your activity level and hair type.

2. Using hot water

Hot water can remove the natural oils your scalp needs, leading to dryness and itchiness. Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema are some ailments that thrive on a dry, irritated scalp. Instead, it is best to use warm or cold water to wash your natural hair.

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3. Excessive heat

While it is okay to get a silk press or straighten your hair once in a while, using excessive heat from styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can damage your natural hair over time. Try to reduce heat styling and allow your hair to air when you can.

4. Using products with harmful chemicals

When shopping for hair care products, take your time to check the ingredient list and avoid products that contain harsh chemicals. Ingredients to avoid include sulfates, alcohol, parabens, silicones, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Some of them have been found to disrupt hormones and cause breast tumours, cancer and many other health problems. Instead, choose products with glycol, vitamin B5, and nourishing oils like avocado, coconut, and sweet almond.

5. Tight hairstyles

Wearing tight styles like braids, buns, and ponytails can put tension on your hair, especially your edges, leading to hair breakage and thinning. Tight hairstyles and even wig frontals are the common causes of loss of edges. Give your hair a break from tight hairstyles or instruct your hair stylist to braid gently.

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TIPS TO KEEP YOUR NATURAL HAIR HEALTHY

1. Follow a simple hair care routine

Follow the five-step rule: wash, condition, detangle, moisturise, and style. Your hair care routine shouldn’t be complicated or filled with too many products. Find the right products for your hair type and stick to this five-step routine.

2. Protective styling

Making protective styles like twists, cornrows, and didi are great for hair retention. Always keeping your hair in extensions, weaves, and tight hairstyles can lead to hair thinning and damage, so try out these protective styles more often.

3. Cover your hair before bed

Before you hit the bed at night, make sure your hair is properly covered with a silk or satin hair bonnet, wrap, or scarf. This protects your hair from tangling as you toss and turn in bed. You can also consider using satin and silk pillowcases for extra care.