As any natural-haired beauty can attest, keeping our curls soft and bouncy can be seriously challenging. Whether you’ve embraced the “curly girl method” (CGM) or you’re still on the silicones-and-shampoo train, you’re probably no stranger to the struggle of keeping your hair supple and moisturized.
The fact is, harsh surfactants (such as sodium lauryl sulfate, for instance) can strip all of the moisture out of your hair, leaving it feeling like straw. On the other hand, with all the products we use to keep our natural hair looking its best, we need something a little bit stronger than just a rinse underneath the faucet on wash day.
Fortunately, keeping your natural hair nice and moisturized doesn’t have to be some impossible task reserved only for supermodels and actresses (and pretty much anyone with a personal stylist, really). By following these six easy tips, you too can have the touchable, glossy natural hair of your dreams.
Lay Off the Heat
As much as you love your hair after a nice heat styling, the fact is, your hair isn’t going to love you back if you keep it up. It’s no secret that heat is extremely damaging to natural hair, and the more you do it, the more you’re stripping your hair of its moisture. If you need to dry your hair, instead consider alternative methods, like wet setting it or using wraps. You’ll still look glam, and your hair will thank you!
Back Away From Box Dyes
Coloring your hair is a fantastic way to express your personality, and you can totally switch it up to suit your moods. A bold red? That just exudes power and class. A flirty blue? You’re the embodiment of playfulness. However, box dyes contain powerful bleaching agents that can leave your hair feeling brittle and straw-like. Instead, consider using professional-grade products to help minimize the damage (while still giving you a cute and sassy ‘do!).
Switch to Silk Pillowcases
I know what you’re thinking here. Silk? Who can justify splurging on real-deal silk on a pillowcase? Actually, silk pillowcases are much more affordable than you might think, and they have the added benefit of not pulling and tearing at your hair when you sleep and can help keep it nice and hydrated. As an added bonus, silk pillowcases are also great for your skin and have been shown to help reduce the formation of wrinkles. With all of their perks, why wouldn’t you invest in one?
Skip the Shampoo
I get it. You feel like you need those thick, foaming suds to actually feel as though your hair is squeaky clean. Actually, if your hair is “squeaking,” it means that you’ve already gone too far — you’ve already stripped out the moisture, and it’s begging for a reprieve. If you’re wanting to keep your natural hair moisturized, then you need to skip over the shampoo. Instead, look into “co-washing” (conditioner only washing). Or, if you insist on shampooing, only use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos.
Condition Your Tresses
It may seem like common sense to use conditioner on your hair, but that’s only because it really is. If you want moisturized hair, then you need to use a hair moisturizer on it. Even if you’re already using sulfate-free shampoos or co-washing, you still need to add the right hydrating products to your hair after washing it. Look for ingredients like almond oil and glycerin, which are amazing for your hair, infusing them with shine and giving you that soft and sexy texture that you deserve.
Look, But Don’t Touch
Okay, this tip may seem counterintuitive, but it’s on this list for a reason. Yes, your goal is to get touchably soft hair, but if you want to keep it that way? Sorry, but you’re just not allowed to touch it. While adding extra moisture to your hair is going to make it irresistibly soft and all but impossible for you to keep your fingers away from it, it’s also going to dry it out incredibly fast, too. Once you’re done styling your hair, you need to keep your hands away from it.
Real talk: have you been treating your hair right, or does reading these tips make you feel as though you should be charged with hair abuse? If your hair is dry and brittle, it’s not too late to fix it. Having stunning hair doesn’t have to be expensive or make you feel like quitting before you even begin your journey to softer, more moisturized tresses. By following these simple, affordable, and proven tips, you can finally have the hair you’ve always wanted — without breaking the bank or shedding frustrated tears in the process!
