7 Tips to Build a Natural Hair Care Routine

Are you in need of a natural hair care routine?

Believe it or not, the products we use can affect our hair. You can nourish your hair with organic products that work with your natural hair. But, the key is knowing what products to use and what to avoid.

Finding the right natural hair care routine is key. That’s why we’re sharing a few tips to help you go from the chemically-treated products you’re using to nutritive products by the end of the week.

Keep reading to learn how to enhance your hair naturally.

1. Understand Your Hair Type

The first step in building a natural hair care routine is understanding your hair type. Different hair types need specific care. And tailoring your routine will yield better results.

Common hair types include straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Straight hair tends to be more resilient to damage. While curly and coily hair types are prone to dryness and breakage. Wavy hair falls somewhere between.

Determine your hair’s texture, thickness, and porosity. This will further inform your understanding of how it behaves and what it needs.

Consulting a hair care professional can provide valuable insights into your hair type. You can also take a simple test at home by observing how your hair behaves when wet and dry, and by examining the curl pattern.

2. Cleanse with Gentle Shampoos

Traditional shampoos often contain sulfates and other harsh chemicals. This strips away natural oils from the hair, causing dryness and damage.

Opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos or co-washing (using conditioner to cleanse the hair). This can help maintain moisture and protect your natural oils.

When washing your hair, focus on the scalp to remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup. Massage the shampoo into your scalp using your fingertips, avoiding vigorous scrubbing. Rinse with lukewarm water to remove all product residue.

It’s essential to strike a balance between cleansing your hair and preserving its natural oils. Overwashing can lead to dryness and dullness.

3. Deep Condition Regularly

Deep conditioning is a crucial step in a natural hair care routine. It helps restore moisture, repair damage, and enhance the health of your hair.

Select a deep conditioner suitable for your hair type and apply it from the roots to the tips. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to distribute the product. This ensures you coat every strand.

For optimal results, cover your hair with a plastic cap or towel after applying the deep conditioner. The added heat will help open up the hair cuticles, allowing the product to penetrate.

Leave the conditioner on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Cool water helps seal the hair cuticles. It will lock in moisture and leave your hair feeling smooth and manageable.

Consider a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week. But, if you have dry or damaged hair, you may need more frequent deep conditioning sessions.

4. Nourish with Natural Oils

Natural oils are fantastic allies in maintaining healthy hair. They provide nourishment, seal in moisture, and protect the hair from environmental damage.

Some popular options include coconut oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil. Experiment with different oils to find the ones that work best for your hair.

To use natural oils, start by selecting a high-quality oil that suits your hair type and needs. Apply a small amount to your scalp or ends, and massage it in using your fingertips.

The oil helps to moisturize and condition the hair, leaving it soft and shiny. Be cautious not to overload your hair with oils, as this can lead to greasiness.

5. Detangle with Care

Detangling can be a delicate process, especially for hair types prone to tangling. Using a wide-toothed comb, your fingers, or a detangling brush designed for curly hair can make the process easier.

Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots, separating knots and tangles. Applying a leave-in conditioner or a detangling spray can help make the process smoother.

It’s important to approach detangling with patience and care to avoid causing breakage or damage. Never pull or tug at knots, as this can lead to hair loss and split ends.

Instead, use your fingers or a comb to loosen the tangles. Consider detangling your hair when it’s damp or saturated with conditioner, as it tends to be more manageable in these states.

6. Minimize Heat Styling

Excessive heat styling can cause significant damage to your hair. It can lead to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Reducing the use of heat-styling tools can benefit your hair’s health.

If you must use heat, apply a heat-protectant spray or serum before styling. These products create a barrier between your hair and the heat. This reduces the potential damage.

Additionally, use the lowest heat setting possible to achieve your desired style. Avoid using heat daily, as this can cause cumulative damage over time.

Air-drying your hair is an excellent alternative to heat styling. After washing your hair, squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt. Allow your hair to air-dry, avoiding rough towel-drying or rubbing.

Embrace heatless hairstyles like braids, buns, or twists. This will enhance your hair’s natural beauty and protect it from heat damage. You can also use a braid spray to help prevent dryness and breakage, keeping your hair healthy and protected.

7. Eat a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated

Your hair’s health is closely linked to your overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is essential for promoting healthy hair growth.

Incorporate foods like leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish, and fruits into your meals. This will provide your hair with the necessary nutrients.

Protein-rich foods like eggs, lean meats, and legumes are particularly beneficial for hair health. This is because hair is primarily composed of protein.

Additionally, stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water daily. Dehydration can make your hair brittle and more prone to breakage. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your hair moisturized from the inside out.

Start Building Your Natural Hair Care Routine Today

Developing a natural hair care routine takes commitment. It doesn’t have to be hard when you have the right tips. Follow these essential tips to maximize the health of your natural hair.

Make sure to customize your routine to suit your own hair type and needs. Let’s get started and break through any fear of embracing our beautiful natural hair!

Did you find these tips useful? Browse around the rest of this section for more tips and hacks.