Table of contents
Best Method to Soften African Hair Without Relaxer
Understanding African Hair Texturer
What is the Difference between “hydrating hair” and “moisturizing hair”?
7 Natural Products to hydrate African Hair
Want to know the best method for achieving soft, luscious African hair without having to resort to chemical relaxers?
Dealing with the damage and potential harm of harsh chemical treatments can hurt your health in the long run.
So, it’s understandable why many African women like you are returning to their natural roots.
But the only challenge is that for you and most African women who have returned to natural, you have to deal with the wiry, brittle feel of your hair.
With proper hair care, you can achieve soft African hair.
When it comes to hair care, African hair has always been a topic of much discussion. With its unique texture and curl pattern, it requires a different approach than other hair types.
Many people have turned to chemical relaxers to soften their hair, but these harsh treatments can damage the hair and scalp. If you’re looking for a way to soften African hair without using relaxers, you’re in luck. In this article, we’ll explore the best methods to soften African hair naturally, without the use of chemicals.
Understanding African Hair Texture
Before we dive into the methods of softening African hair, it’s important to understand the texture of African hair. African hair has a unique structure that sets it apart from other hair types. Its tightly coiled structure makes it more prone to dryness and breakage. Additionally, the natural oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft due to the twists and turns in the hair, leading to a lack of hydration.
The Importance of Hydration
Hydration is essential for all hair types, but it’s especially important for African hair. The tightly coiled structure of African hair makes it harder for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. This can lead to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage. Therefore, hydration is crucial to keeping African hair soft and supple.
What is the Difference between “hydrating hair” and “moisturizing hair”?
You might think that hydrating and moisturizing hair are the same thing.
But that is not true.
Hydrating your hair has to do with absorbing and retaining water in the inner layers -the medulla and cortex- of your hair. Hydrating hair products are products used for treating your hair when it feels a dry.
While moisturizing your hair means having to use moisturizing hair products to seal in the nutrients used during hair hydration.
To promote hair growth and continue to retain hair length, it is absolutely essential that you continue to deeply hydrate your hair through shampooing and deep conditioning.
It is only after deep conditioning that you can moisturize with your favorite hair products.
7 Natural Products to Hydrate African Hair
Fortunately, there are several natural products that can help hydrate and soften African hair. These products are gentle, affordable, and easy to find. Here are seven natural products to use to hydrate African hair:
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a great natural emollient that penetrate the hair shaft and provides deep hydration.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins. It provides hydration to the hair and helps to soften and nourish the hair.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that can help soothe an itchy, irritated scalp.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is similar in structure to the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it an excellent hydrator for African hair.
Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help nourish and strengthen the hair.
Honey: Honey is a natural humectant that can help attract moisture to the hair, keeping it hydrated.
Castor Oil: Castor oil is rich in fatty acids that can help strengthen and moisturize the hair.
Washing African Hair and hydration
One of the most common mistakes people make when caring for African hair is washing it only after taking out a protective hairstyle which can be anywhere from a month to 3 months. African hair is more prone to dryness, and washing it just once every 2 to 3 months can lead to further dryness and breakage.
Experts recommend, to keep hair hydrated, it is best to wash your African hair at least once every 7 to 14 days, using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Of course, if you are carrying a protective hairstyle for more than 14 days, it is recommended to use a professional to help with washing and maintaining your protective hairstyle.
5 Steps to a Simple Wash Day Regimen for Softer Hair
African hair requires a consistent, gentle approach to care. A simple wash day regimen can help keep African hair hydrated and soft. Here’s a simple wash day regimen for African hair:
Pre-poo: Apply a natural oil on the hair for 30 minutes before shampooing to help soften and hydrate the hair.
Shampoo: Wash the hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, focusing on the scalp.
Condition: Section the hair into 4 sections and apply a deep conditioner to each sectioned hair, focusing on the ends. Leave the conditioner on for at least 30 minutes, then rinse.
Moisturize: Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizer to the hair, focusing on the ends.
Style: Style the hair in a low manipulation hairstyle and ensure to tuck the ends to protect it from environmental properties.
In conclusion, African hair requires a unique approach to care, but it’s worth the effort to keep it soft and healthy. By using natural products to hydrate the hair.
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