5 Ways to Protect Your Natural Hair

If your goal is to achieve healthy and strong natural hair then keeping it protected will allow it to flourish. Often, the simplest habits create the best results! Whether you’re newly transitioning to natural hair or you want to improve your hair maintenance routine, love your hair at every stage to look and feel amazing!

Here are 5 easy yet effective tips for protecting your natural hair.

1. Detangle your hair the right way

Whether you have kinks or curls, detangling is an important step on washday but you have to find the right tools for your hair type. Investing in a good detangling brush will minimize breakage by gently removing knots and tangles without dragging your hair unnecessarily. Always, detangle from the bottom up. Remember, your natural hair is delicate so treat it kindly. 

1. Reduce your usage of hot tools

Embracing your natural hair and keeping it protected doesn’t mean you have to stop using heat completely, but it’s important to limit usage where possible and be mindful of damaging side effects. Straighteners, for example, can make it very difficult for your hair to maintain moisture. Instead, avoiding hot tools, embracing your natural texture and using moisturizing hair growth oils will encourage hydration and elasticity.

1. Wear protective styles to help your curls flourish

The minimal manipulation provided by braids, twists, and other similar styles keeps your hair tucked away, which is perfect for promoting growth and repairing damaged edges. For some women protective styles are particularly important during the winter, when the cold weather can dry out your natural hair. When your hair is constantly exposed to the elements (all year round), if you’re not careful, it can take a toll. Instead, choosing a protective style creates a resting period for your curls and gives you a rest from styling!

1. Use a microfiber towel to prevent frizz and moisture loss

Drying your hair with a microfiber towel is a great way of preventing your hair from becoming too frizzy, especially if you have low porosity hair that finds it hard to retain moisture. Compared to traditional bath towels that can cause unnecessary friction on your hair, microfiber towels are much gentler. Your hair is at its weakest when wet so be gentle.

1. Make nighttime hair care a priority too

Happy hair starts with small steps that lead to a consistently good routine and that includes keeping your hair protected at night too. Cotton bedding can draw moisture from your hair and increase breakage as you move around, but wearing a satin bonnet will keep your hair in much better condition in the long run. Applying strengthening hair oil to your scalp and ends of your hair before putting on your bonnet is an extra step that can help lock in moisture for additional protection.