Beautiful hair has much significance for the human race both in the context of society and self esteem. It enhances your appearance which plays a major role in creating your image, personality and confidence. Good looks or image to a great extent, thus, helps in paving the way for success in most spheres of life.
Due to its molecular structure however, African hair is said to be the weakest kind of hair. This may be observed from the dryness that black hair tends to gravitate towards, making it brittle and weak and thus, break easily. The hope for long hair growth then sometimes seems negligible due to the breakage and loss of hair. Few women who are lucky hardly experience hair dryness and shredding especially around this time of the year, but if you have what is termed as a ‘delicate scalp’, and experience brittleness and severe breakage (just like I!), then you have to read this. Growing beautiful, healthy and firm hair may just not be left to happen ‘magically’, you may want to seize the moment and make conscious, practical personal decisions where your hair is concerned. Settle in and scroll through the list of safe hair measures below.
• ‘Tis the season to MOISTURIZE!:- With the harmattan slowly but surely setting in, your hair needs moisture and deep conditioning, especially when the hair is exposed to chemical relaxers, stressful styles, dryers, etc. Moisturizing keeps the hair shaft relatively flexible and repairs any damaged cuticles. Focus on moisturizing everything but the scalp. Aloe Vera is one soothing, moisturizing extract from the leaves of aloe(if you are going natural). Also, because conditioners help to smooth the cuticle, soften the hair, add sheen, and restore moisture, you should not neglect it. Tropical hair products that contain Shea butter and jojoba oil are the best products to use on your hair. Vitamin E and Coconut Oil can be considered too. Using these oils to gently massage scalp daily, is a yes-yes.
• Minimize any styling that tugs at your hair:- You may want to limit the use of glued-in extensions, tight braids, tight cornrows, and hard-gel hairstyles. Yep!. These only place an excessive amount of stress on the hair. If you are going to wear braids, twists or weavons then please request that your stylist does not pull or plat them tightly. Remember it’s better that your hair comes loose, rather than it falling out.
• You will need to minimize chemical treatments on the whole:- Colouring the hair and constant relaxing will weaken it and lead to breakage. Most chemical relaxers are harsh (lye or no-lye) thus, apply them very carefully.
• Avoid hair products that contain sulfates (natural oil-stripping detergents), silicones, alcohols or glycols (hair drying and damaging chemicals). Please, cultivate the awareness culture of always going through the ingredients printed at the back of a product before you purchase.
• Experts recommend the use of mild shampoos for hair. Then try Aveeno(check stores).
• No matter what hairstyles you do, always allow scalp to breathe once in a while. And even when natural or done with extensions, etc, avoid aggressive brushing of the hair.
• Finally, you would naturally want to start drinking more water, taking more fruits and foods rich in protein, because hair needs a lot of protein for health. Pump up your diet!
‘Hope these were helpful. And the trick is; these measures are not only applicable for this season, but also for all seasons.
It’s time to enjoy your hair!
