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Natural hair care 101 will help you understand the basics of taking care of your natural hair.

We all have that one naturalista that just automatically draws out of us a vocalized praise of “hair goals!”  Did you know that each of us has it in us to become hair goals too?   Many naturals often say, “you have to find what works for you,” however, there are indeed some key practices that work for ALL naturals! 

If you want your hair to reach its maximum potential; you have to give it the nourishment it needs to thrive.  So what are these sacred, Holy Grail practices that every natural needs to have in their arsenal to reach ultimate hair fabulousness?  

Natural Hair Care 101: The Process

It’s quite simple…remove build up, add moisture, and protect your hair.  Keep in mind, awesome natural hair does not equate to curls that resemble those of Yara Shahidi, Tracee Ellis Ross or Beyonce’s wig, but rather hair that is healthy and strong in whatever curl pattern or lack-there-of you have.  As a naturalista, you should always:

1. Cleanse your hair and scalp. 
2. Use a conditioner or deep conditioner after every wash.
3. Moisturize your hair. 
4. Protect your hair. 

Shampoo and Conditioner

The best way to cleanse your scalp and hair is with shampoo.  Not a co-wash, but an actual shampoo.  You should be washing your hair weekly with a sulfate-free, moisture-rich shampoo.  Co-washing should be reserved for in-between wash days when your hair needs an extra boost of moisture or you want to rinse out a product.  These are some of the great moisturizing shampoos that I’ve used and like:

In addition to regularly shampooing, you should also use a clarifying shampoo followed by a moisturizing shampoo once every 1 to 2 months; depending on how often you use heavy products (shea butter, coconut oil, eco styler, etc.).  These are some of the great clarifying shampoos that I like:

Shampooing has to be followed by a conditioner or deep conditioner.  You should alternate between using a conditioner and deep conditioner, although some naturals deep condition after every wash and that’s perfectly fine too.  When you condition or deep condition, you need to saturate your hair with the conditioner; making sure it is on all hair strands.  It is also important to use some type of heat source when deep conditioning.  You can put on the deep conditioner and then use natural heat by covering your hair with a plastic cap for 20 or more minutes or you can sit under a hooded dryer or steamer for added penetration.  These are some of the great conditioners and deep conditioner that I like:

Leave-Ins and Stylers

A good quality moisturizer or leave-in has water (aqua) as the first ingredient and the top five ingredients should not contain any heavy oils.  If heavy oils are present, you will need to clarify more often.  Dare I say that I Do Not Seal my hair.  That’s right, I do not use any oils in my moisturizing process.  Occasionally, I will use a light oil serum after styling to enhance shine, but not often.  I know many naturals practice the LOC (liquid/leave-in, oil,cream/styler) or LCO method (liquid/leave-in, cream/styler, oil) but I only use a liquid/leave-in and a cream/styler to achieve the look I’m going for.  I don’t like my hair to look or feel heavy, weighed down or oily.  Excessive oil in your hair does not mean it’s moisturized.  These are some of the great moisturizers/Leave-ins and stylers that I like:

Protecting your hair is essential for its health and growth.  This is done in several ways.  One way is by wearing a satin or silk head covering to bed or sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase.  Protection also means giving your ends a rest through protective hairstyles (braids, twists, wigs, etc.). 

It is also important for type 4 naturals or anyone who has a lot of shrinkage to keep hair stretched when possible.  This does not necessarily mean adding heat or keeping hair straight.  For example, I keep my hair stretched on days that I do not plan to leave the house by wearing my hair braided or in twists.  This prevents the hair from shrinking and knotting around itself which causes breakage; although occasionally, I do let my hair shrink when I plan to rock a tighter afro or mohawk hairstyle.  I currently use a Grace Eleyae slap cap, but I am on the lookout for a bigger covering that doesn’t flatten my hair.  Leave your recommendations in the comments.  Please check back later for my review on the Grace Eleyae slap cap.

This may all seem daunting at first, but after practice; it will become routine and your hair will thrive and be ready for any gorgeous style that you are ready to attempt!  Before you know it; natural hair care 101 will be second nature and you will be your own Hair Goals!

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