8 Key Tips for Maintaining Natural Hair - Love Your Look

Managing your natural hair can seem like a tough task but these 8 important tips can be game-changers in maintaining your natural braids and curls!

1. Follow a wash-day routine: A boon that comes with afro hair is that it does not require as much washing as most other hair types. But don’t get too carried away and go on for too long without washing your precious mane. A fortnightly wash-day routine which includes shampooing and conditioning can help in managing your hair a lot better and even reduce dryness and frizziness. Try out the Megagrowth 2-in-1 Wash day combo that strengthens and moisturizes your hair. Another important point to note is to not use very hot water while washing your hair. This just makes it drier!
2. Oil Your Hair: Kinky hair needs deep moisturizing and nourishment which can be achieved by regular oiling. Hair oil is most effective when you apply it after using a leave-in conditioner or strengthener. This helps in locking-in moisture and enhances the overall health of your hair. Try out Megagrowth Break Free Leave-In Strengthener and follow it by gently applying Megagrowth Growth Oil.
3. Make Protective Styles Your Go-To: Hairstyles like long braids, crochet braids, and twists are protective styles that prevent your hair from breakage and damage. With such styles, you tend to expose your hair to less heat and styling. Protective styles are also a great way of flaunting your natural hair. One thing that you must take care of is to release your braids regularly and let your hair breathe!
4. Eat Healthy and Hydrate: This may sound like a broken record but it’s a tried and tested solution! Eating healthy and drinking plenty of water help in keeping your hair healthy and strong. A balanced diet that is rich in proteins, minerals, and good fats is not only great for a healthy body but also for a healthy scalp. Hair hydration can be enhanced by eating foods such as green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits that are rich in Vitamin A and C.
5. Keep Trimming: We know that a visit to the salon for just a trim could seem like an avoidable chore, right? But this can create split ends that hamper hair growth. Trimming your hair every 8 -12 weeks is one of the healthiest habits you can follow to maintain it naturally. It’s also a good practice to check your hair for split ends or roughness at the tips. If you find any, it’s time for a trim!
6. Cover Your Head at Night: A good quality satin or silk scarf is a great investment to protect your hair while you sleep. The soft material prevents hair breakage and maintains the moisture of your hair. Hair wraps also help in flattening out big and unruly hair. Another great way to care for your hair is using a soft, satin pillowcase instead of a cotton one. Cotton leads to friction with your hair which can cause increased breakage and shedding. It also tends to soak up all the moisture from your hair which leads to very dry hair in the morning.
7. Less Hair Drying: Overexposure to hair drying is bad for any kind of hair but even more so for Afro hair. Using a hair dryer on wet hair can cause a lot of damage and dryness. Air drying is the safest option for kinky or curly hair. However, bear in mind that drying your hair by rubbing a towel against your scalp must be avoided at all costs! This causes cuticle damage and hair breakage. Gently squeeze the water from your hair or use an old tee shirt, instead.
8. Get that Beauty Sleep: You heard that right! Getting enough sleep is a long-term solution to maintaining your natural hair. The cells and tissues in your body replenish every night while you sleep. Not getting ample sleep also leads to an increase in your stress levels which we all know is one of the biggest deterrents to hair growth. So let the hair fairies do their job while you get some much-needed rest at night.

Managing your natural hair will get easier as you start practicing at least a handful of the above tips and in no time you will be a pro at it! It is just a matter of giving that little extra bit of TLC to your hair. And remember, the most important thing is to believe that your hair is gorgeous in its natural form and deserves to be worn proudly!