5 Things You Need to Stop Doing Immediately to Your Natural Hair
hair + beauty, Thank God Im Natural
March 14, 2016
Ashley
Many of us struggle with caring for our natural hair. Some days it’s easier to maintain while others it is a complete struggle and we contemplate running back to the dreaded relaxer. Quite possibly it’s not our hair that is the problem but what we are doing to it! Here are 5 things you need to stop doing immediately to your natural hair.
1.Detangling Hair While Dry
Unless you are purposely trying to rip out all of your beautiful curls and cause your hair to have split ends, stop it right now! Detangling your natural hair while dry is extremely harmful to your hair. Natural hair should be detangled while it is wet and you are washing/conditioning it. Detangling works best with your fingers if your texture is looser and with a wide tooth comb if you have tighter curls. You should be starting from the bottom and working your way up to seamlessly and safely detangle your natural hair.
2. Applying Excess Heat
Applying excess heat to your hair can cause heat damage. If you are wearing extensions with only the front of your hair out and straightening that part only you can easily cause the front of your hair to suffer from heat damage. Instead, wear weave styles that allow you to effortlessly blend your natural hair or not have any leave out at all. If you simply prefer wearing your natural hair straight, use alternatives like the silk wrap method to avoid using too much heat on your natural hair.
3. Drying Hair With a Bath Towel
Using bath towels to dry natural hair can remove needed moisture, and cause snags and dryness. Save that towel for your body and instead use an old t-shirt to dry your hair so you are locking in moisture and avoiding breakage. Treat your hair gently!
4. Sleeping on a Cotton PillowCase
Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase, just like using a bath towel to dry your hair can be detrimental to your hair. Cotton pillowcases can be far too rough for natural hair and can cause breakage from the friction between your hair and the pillowcase. Instead, use silk or satin scarves or pillowcases.
5. Shampooing without Conditioning
Shampooing hair removes dirt, oil and grime. Conditioning hair adds needed moisture to hair and helps the detangling process. If you are simply washing your hair without following up with a conditioner you are allowing your hair to become dry. Be sure to always condition after you shampoo and frequently deep condition.
Make sure you are utilizing tgin’s moisture rich hair care products in your daily hair routine.
Are you making any of these hair care mistakes?
Ashley Renee is a licensed esthetician, makeup artist, natural hair enthusiast, writer and poet from Chicago,residing in Los Angeles! Follow her on instagram @ashleyreneepoetÂ