How to tackle that pesky dry natural hair.
By: Amanda Anderson
Q. I’ve been natural only for a few months, and I am trying very earnestly to not become too dependent on too many different hair products. Most natural hair products aren’t very cheap, so I would hate to have to spend a lot of money to find something that will keep my hair moisturized, but I’m on the brink of going insane because my hair is always dry! I spray my hair with water a few times a day and use oils, and it’s still not working. But honestly, it’s inconvenient to do so. Can you please tell me how I can keep my natural hair soft and moisturized? Dry natural hair is something I can’t take anymore!
– Jenna T.
A. Dry natural hair is one of the most annoying and frustrating experiences a natural can ever go through, but it is a situation that is completely curable. From your question, it’s clear that you understand natural hair doesn’t have to mean inconvenience or the need to spend lots of money on expensive hair products. In fact, my suggestions will save you lots of money and plenty of frustration.
1. Deep condition at least every two weeks.
Too many naturals don’t utilize the goodness of a great deep conditioning. In fact, it’s one of the most overlooked natural hair regimes–and that’s part of the reason so many naturals have issues with dry hair.
To get the most out of your deep conditioner, you may find that you may need to add two oils (olive, jojoba, coconut, etc.) to increase the moisture. I have found that with a really great deep conditioner, you won’t need to add anything. Currently, Mixed Chicks (don’t be too bothered by the name, moisture is the sole purpose) Deep Conditioner is my absolute favorite. I also recommend Shea Moisture as well (affordable and amazing).
When you deep condition, you should sit under a hair dryer (with a plastic cap of course) for at least 30 minutes. Yes, 30 minutes. After sitting under the dryer, be sure to rinse your hair with cold water to close your cuticles and retain the moisture.
2. Use a great Leave In Conditioner after washing and conditioning (deep conditioning as well).
A great Leave In Conditioner can make all the difference in keeping your hair moisturized. It took me a while to find a great one, but I finally did in Giovanni Leave In Conditioner. This stuff leaves my hair super soft and moisturized. I absolutely adore it.
You can find this conditioner at Target and Whole Foods, with some finding it in various grocery and drug stores.
3. Make use of your oils.
Although my deep conditioning and leave in keeps my hair pretty moisturized, a couple times a week, I put a little oil in my hair before sleeping. Now of course you won’t need much and it won’t need to be everyday, but two times a week should do you justice.
Oiling your hair a couple times a week will surely keep your hair moisturized. Doing so before bed is key to stretching out your conditioner.
4. Keep product use simple.
A dependency on too many different hair products will surely leave your natural hair stressed and dry. Why? Simply because it doesn’t need all of that. One of the reasons I love being natural is because it’s so cost efficient, but you wouldn’t know that if you listened to all the natural hair “gurus.”
I only use a few products, and my hair is happy and affordable.
5. Overnight maintenance.
Cotton absorbs moisture, so it would be wise to use a satin pillow case or bonnet to protect your hair overnight. Satin retains moisture and prevents breakage.
Try these methods, and you won’t need your spray bottle on a daily basis, I know I don’t.