For many naturals, summer is the season to release the kinks and curls! Here are 6 quick tips for thriving natural hair during these scorching months.
FROS AND FRIZZIES AND SHRINKAGE, OH MY! Shrinkage is a part of our natural journey but admittedly can be annoying when we wanna flex on ’em! Be encouraged that when your perfect twist out swells immediately after leaving the house, it is a sign of healthy hair. Embrace it! Don’t spend too much time trying to keep your styles absolutely perfect. Carry an emergency kit in your bag or purse. Add hairpins, ouchless bands a pick/wide tooth comb, and an accessory or two. If your hair transforms, go with it! Fro it out or sweep it up and look amazing!
MOISURIZE, MOISTURIZE…did I say moisturize? Don’t skip the H2O …water is our friend! Especially in the summer months it is important to increase our water intake. Be sure to moisturize and seal your hair consistently to avoid dry, brittle, breaking hair. It’s easy! You can add it to your night time routine or even carry a spray bottle in your bag to moisturize on the go!
If you want to save a few coins, make a quick spritz using water, and oils. Jojoba, castor, and almond oils are natural sealants. Add some aloe vera juice too! It is antifungal and packed with great vitamins for the hair.
In addition to daily moisturizing, deep condition at least every other week (or as needed) to give your hair that extra moisture punch!
MAD HATTER SWAG. Showing off the kinks and curls is cute, but it is important to also add protection from the harsh sun. Direct sun exposure can cause dryness. While it may be tempting to heat style, try not to apply excessive heat. Instead, make hats part of your summer fashion!! Sun hats, beanies and caps not only protect hair from the heat, they make über cute accessories!
BLAME IT ON THE ALCOHOL… drying alcohols that is. Ethanol, SD alcohol, alcohol denat, propanol, propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol are known to increase brittleness. Try to avoid these.
JUST KEEP SWIMMIN’! Swimmer’s ear is not the only thing to be worried about after that dip in the pool or the ocean. Chlorine and salt water is harsh on natural hair. Before swimming, wet hair and apply a heavy conditioner or heavy sealant like castor oil or shea butter. Leave it in the hair while swimming to create a barrier between the hair and the chlorine/salt water. A nice swim cap can help too. After swimming, thoroughly rinse with a gentle, sulfate free clarifying shampoo. Follow with a moisturizing deep condition and a rich leave in conditioner.
LAZY DAYZ. Keep with your regimen!! Being too lazy is one of the largest causes of dry hair and breakage and you will regret it later. Lethargy will get you a free trip on the struggle bus at the end of summer! Have fun, but be consistent for best results!
