Many of us afrolatinas get started on our journey by learning to love our hair. At least, that's what happened to me. If you're just starting out, or things just aren't working for you, check out this list to see if you can incorporate these tips into your routine!
1. Minimize or eliminate heat
Heat can cause loads of damage to your hair, if used excessively at high temperatures (430 degrees+). If your hair gets heat damage, it's permanent, and no one likes stringy, straw hair. If you must use heat, be mindful! No need to pass your flat iron 5x on that one section, beloved.
2. Let go of damage
If you do have damage, let it go! It'll grow back, I promise. Health > length. If you want to cut it little by little, do it! If you want to big chop, do it! Just don't let your attachment or fear of losing some length prevent you from letting your hair flourish.
3. Deep condition
Deep conditioning prevents damage, improves elasticity, provides moisture, and improves your hair's overall health! Try to do it regularly, especially in the cold winter months!
4. Avoid overmanipulation
Touching and manipulating your hair too much can cause breakage, squandering any hopes of reaching your ultimate hair goal. Try protective styles instead, and get your hands out of your hair!
5. Hydrate and exfoliate
Exfoliating your scalp lifts the dead skin cells that cause dandruff, cleanses the skin, and moisturizes it, allowing for a healthy bed for your hair to grow from.
6. Pineapple or use silk/satin bonnet or pillowcase
Keep your hair off of your dirty cotton pillowcase (that can cause breakage) by pineappling your hair! If that's not your thing, use a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase, which minimize frizz and breakage. They'll also help out your complexion!
7. Avoid sulfates, silicones, parabens, and certain alcohols
Sulfates strip oil and dirt from your hair, depleting the naturally produced sebum that moisturizes your hair. Silicones just sit on the hair shaft, and don't really penetrate the inside with moisture. It's just fake shine, basically. Parabens are basically chemical preservatives and can disrupt hormones. Isopropyl Alcohol strips away oils from your scalp, which leaves your hair dry and brittle (also Ethanol Alcohol, Ethyl Alcohol, Isopropanol Alcohol, Propyl Alcohol, and SD Alcohol)
8. Trim frequently!
It's recommended that you trim your hair every three months. It keeps your hair looking and feeling healthy!
9. Find out your hair porosity
Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It is much more important to know this than your hair type. Knowing this can help you narrow your search for hair products and figure out how to make the most of your hair routine.
10. Love your hair the way it is
Your hair is unique, and it is yours. Love yourself. Love your hair! Don't compare it to anyone else's.
I've started a YouTube channel! Woo!
Check out my first video, where I show you how I trim my hair myself at home!
As always, thanks for your support!
- YAA