So you're loving your natural hair, but it could do well to have a little daily moisture and maintenance to keep it as fabulous as possible. Well consider our natural hair care essentials list the next time you head to the beauty supply store. Remember a small batch of products sure does go a long way. Check out our recommendations below and let us know what you think with a comment!
Scarf. We mention this time and again, but no natural hair goddess should rest her pretty little head without a silk or satin scarf/bonnet around it at night. Those blissful hours of slumber can wreak havoc on your tresses, leaving the friction between unprotected hair and your pillow to do serious damage over time. Avoid unnecessary breakage and beauty breakdowns, by tying things up! And if you're styling hair for a daytime look, try a stocking cap on top of your scarf to keep it all in place.
Detangling Tools. Depending on your hair type, opt for a brush or comb that will keep hair free of tangles, but will also be gentle to your crown. Boar bristle brushes, paddle brushes, and detangling combs are all popular choices. We are also loving the Knot Genie, which is gaining some serious popularity in the natural hair care world. But avoid choosing tools at random or ones that have knobs at the end, as these are only going to be hard on hair and create damage in the long run.
Spray Bottle. So we all have our favorite moisture methods. Whether you use Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Argan Oil, or all of these in conjunction with other hydrates, a great way to lessen your daily prep time is to create your own personalized hair care concoction in an inexpensive spray bottle. Fill it up about half way with touches of each nourishing formula, add a healthy dose of water and shake. Use it twice a day to feed hair and you'll wonder why you ever labored for so long layering in your products. Find these at your local beauty supply store for as low as a $1.
Heatless Styling. We warned naturalists about the perils of heated styling, but that doesn't mean you're without options. Opt to try pin-curling hair or using bubble wrap to create soft spiral curls (yes this actually works, check it out on YouTube). Both methods work beautifully and keep hair free of heat damage. Twist Outs, Braid Outs, Bantu Knots, Double Twists, and Box Braids all offer up different options that also keep hair protected as well as chicly styled.
Wrap and Mousse. To keep edges laid and slicked down, mousse and styling strips work great and eliminate the need for gels that can seriously damage hair. Many gels contain alcohol that can dry out your scalp, making hair weaker and prone to fallout. Instead, apply a little mousse to your edges and then tie a styling wrap or two around your head. You can apply this before you go to sleep so that's it's underneath your headscarf, or you can let it air dry before you head out. Either way, you avoid creating a gel addiction and still get the laid baby hairs you're after. Try using Jane Carter's Wrap & Roll, available for just $9.
What other natural hair care essentials are in your beauty bag arsenal? Let us know with a note below!
