1. Assess your hair.
Assessing your natural hair is an essential step toward understanding its unique needs and ensuring its health and vitality. Begin by examining the texture and feel of your hair; healthy natural hair should be smooth, soft, and supple to the touch. Take note of any signs of dryness, brittleness, or breakage, which may indicate that your hair requires extra moisture or nourishment. Additionally, consider the overall thickness and volume of your hair—if you notice thinning or excessive shedding, it might be time to explore products that promote strength and growth. Pay attention to your scalp as well, as a healthy scalp crucial for hair health; look for any signs of irritation or buildup. Remember, every hair type is different, so it's important to be patient and loving towards your hair you learn what works best for it. By regularly assessing your natural, you can tailor your care routine to address its specific needs and help it thrive.
Dry
Is your hair excessively dry?
Take a moment to run your fingers through your hair. Notice if it feels rough, brittle, or excessively dry, as these can be signs of lack of moisture.
When it comes to hair growth and maintaining healthy strands, a major factor is moisture. Without proper moisture, your hair can become dry, brittle and prone to breakage. In this case, the goal is to use moisturizing products and lock in moisture.
Weak
Is your hair limp or weak?
Take a strand of hair and gently stretch it. If it stretches easily and returns to its original length without breaking, your hair likely has enough protein. However, if the strand breaks or doesn't stretch much, it may be protein deficient. Without a good balance of protein and moisture, your hair can be weak, limp and dull.
In this case, the goal is to combat a lack of protein by including more protein-rich foods into your diet and also adding hair care products formulated with proteins like keratin or collagen to your hair care routine.
Thin
Is your hair thinning?
Whether it's excessive shedding or hair loss, hair thinning is when you lose hair at the root. It’s important to note that everyone goes through some level of hair loss that is totally normal—in fact, we lose up to 100 strands of hair a day. However, hair loss becomes concerning when it's excessive.
Hair loss often happens due to major lifestyle changes, such as hormonal, medications, or stress. In this case, the goal is to promote new hair growth at the scalp (in addition to eliminating the trigger, if possible).
Breaking
Is your hair breaking off?
Hair breakage is the result of physical or chemical damage to the hair. Hair breakage occurs when strands of your hair break, often splitting near the ends. It can be caused by poor hair care habits, tight styling, dryness or other factors.
Hair breakage is often temporary. Your hair will grow back. However, once hair is broken, the damage on these strands is not reversible. You cannot “fix” broken hair. In this case, the goal is to use caution when styling and promote new hair growth (in addition to eliminating the cause of the damage).
2. Create your hair care routine.
Creating a hair care routine for natural hair is essential to maintain its health vibrancy. Start by identifying your hair type and its specific needs, as this will guide you in choosing the right products. Incorporate a gentle cleansing shampoo to remove buildup, followed by a nourishing conditioner to hydrate your strands. Regular deep conditioning treatments will help restore moisture, incorporating natural oils can provide added shine and protection. Finally, establish a consistent schedule for trimming and protective styles to promote growth and minimize damage.
Every routine shares a few basic components.
Cleanse
Use products with ingredients that add moisture, nourishes your follicles and strengthens strands.
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More Inches!!
Use products with ingredients that promote hair growth.
Thicker Hair
Use products with ingredients that encourage hair density.
Stronger Hair
Use products with ingredients that strengthens hair.
How often will you...
Cleanse
Cleansing is a balance between removing dead skin and product residue without stripping the hair of its natural oils.
Protect
If one of your hair goals is to preserve your hair from damage, then you should incorporate protective styling into your natural hair regimen, preferably without wigs or weaves.
Condition
Use a rich deep conditioner or light hair conditioner, depending on your goal and hair type, to moisturize, detangle, add shine and reduce frizz.
Treat
Treating hair simply means assessing your hair for dryness or damage and doing something on a regular basis to remedy it.
Moisturize
To add further hydration to the hair, you may want to embark on a two-step process known as moisturize and seal.
Style
Decide which hair styles are best for your hair goals and lifestyle. Consider using styling products and hair tools that contribute to retaining hair moisture.
The 10 Hair Love Challenge Rules:
Rule #1
RULE #1
Establish a hair care routine. Individual steps that you incorporate into your routine should be dependent upon your hair type, any specific hair concerns you're trying to address, and your time commitment.
RULE #2
Take a break from wigs and weaves, and discover joy of mastering your curls, kinks, and coils. Celebrate your unique texture and let your hair shine with confidence!
Rule #2
Rule #3
RULE #3
Focus on scalp health. Regular care can help prevent issues like dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Incorporate gentle cleansing, moisturizing treatments and scalp massages into your routine to promote a healthy scalp environment. Remember, a healthy scalp is the foundation for, luscious hair!
RULE #4
Cleanse & condition your hair whenever it needs a little care, ideally on a weekly basis. This routine helps maintain moisture and keeps your locks looking vibrant and healthy. Remember, consistency is key for achieving the best results!
Rule #4
Rule #5
Keep your hair moisturized. Use water-based products such as leave-in, daily/no rinse conditioners, refresher sprays hydrating milks/creams with oil or emollient-based products such as styling gels/creams/custards, natural oils and butters.
Trim regularly. Regular trims are crucial for healthy hair. Trim as needed to prevent excessive split ends and breakage to promote growth, ensuring your hair looks fresh and vibrant.
Rule #6
Rule #7
Avoid heat. It is important to limit heat usage, as excessive heat can lead to dryness and damage. Instead, explore heat-free styling options like braids, twists, or flexi-rods to create beautiful looks without the risk of heat damage. Incorporating protective styles can also help maintain health and promote growth. Embracing your natural texture not only enhances your hair's beauty but also keeps it strong and vibrant.
Drink adequate amounts of water. Hydration plays a crucial role in promoting hair growth, as it helps to transport nutrients to the hair follicles. Well-hydrated hair is less prone to breakage, frizz, and dryness, leading to a more and manageable mane. By ensuring you drink enough water daily, you can support your overall health while also giving your hair the nourishment it needs to shine.
Rule #8
Rule #9
Massage your scalp. Scalp massages benefit natural hair by promoting growth and enhancing scalp health. They increase blood circulation to hair follicles, stimulate growth, and relieve tension. Additionally, these massages help distribute natural oils, keeping hair moisturized and reducing dryness for vibrant, healthy locks.
Be patient. Embarking on a natural hair requires patience. Remember, hair growth takes time, and every stage is valuable. Embrace your hair's unique texture and celebrate small milestones. With consistent care and a positive mindset, you’ll enjoy the beautiful results that come with dedication.