Does anyone have tips for taking care of my natural hair? Products, tools, anything?

A couple years ago, I stopped getting my hair chemically relaxed (it's not really 'perming' even though that's the term usually used) and decided to wear my hair naturally. I love how much healthier my hair has become, but at the same time, I would love to get some tips on how to better care for it.



*I wash my hair usually once a week or once every couple weeks, depending on how dirty it gets, and I use wide-toothed combs.



*After I wash my hair, I use a hair blow dryer (the wide-tooth comb and the one on the dryer), because since my hair is naturally kinky, it gets really tangly when wet, and my hair breaks off.



*I do moisturize and use oil for my hair and scalp, but I found out that if I use too much, it makes it hard to cob and brush.



*Occassionally, I get my hair put into braids, sometimes just my own hair, sometimes I get those bags of fake hair.



*Also, I tie scarves on my head each night.



Other than that, I really just leave my hair alone. So, any tips?Does anyone have tips for taking care of my natural hair? Products, tools, anything?
Hi the last poster is correct, with regards to sulphates being hard on hair, it quite hard to find sulphate free products for our type of hair, Creme of Nature the red or green labeled shampoo is great, for moisturizing hair, and they use organic ingredients. or Keracare products are good to.Also use a Moisturising Conditioner .



1) pre condition on dry hair with conditioner, wrap with a hot towel , leave for 20 mins or so. always suse conditioner on dry hair it works better, this way, as it doesnt have to struggle with lots of water.



2) wash with a moisturising shampoo, applying to the roots and scalp. allow the run off to wash the rest of your hair. less drying on hair .



3) Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor, or Affirms 5 in 1, every 4-6 weeks if you are experiencing any breaking



4) finish with a Moisturising Conditioner for the last deep condition, mix this with any one of these natural oils, which you will warm, extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba , advocado. wrap hair with wet hot twel again, and a plastic bag, leave on four atleast an hour or over night, for a deeper condition. rinse well. and lastly moisturise hair and seal this in with some oil.



I recently found this website aimed at black woman. It's called www.healthytextures.com. It deals with all aspects of our hair, from , Co-washing, and Pre-pooing . Air drying advice, Video tutorials on Wrapping relaxed hair, Techniques for Wrapping Natural hair, Moisturisers and oils to help moisturise and seal hair.



Maintaining natural styles, Softening roots and regrowth, Alternatives to direct heat for styling, Relaxing, Stretching relaxers, and it also has great product reviews.



There are various forums, where the woman share their knowledge, and ask questions. Some have pages with progress pics, showing, whats worked, their individual hair regimes, etc etc.



You wont be disappointed, take a look



http://healthytextures.typepad.com/



Plus some links to natural hair recipes you can make at home from, shampoos and conditioners to jojoba ,extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, coconut, oil advocado oil, hot oil treatments, and a few video tutorials



http://www.naturalhairdigest.com/athomeh



http://www.makeyourcosmetics.com/recipes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=850G-wr7x



hope these helpDoes anyone have tips for taking care of my natural hair? Products, tools, anything?
1. Try a sulfate free shampoo- I have found those to be the most gentle. They do NOT lather, so be ready for it to be alittle weird at first.

2. Instead of oil, try something with silk protein which can actually penetrate the hair- CHI Silk Infusion or Biosilk are 2 good examples.

3. Sleep on satin pillowcases. I know this is good for the hair, but I personally don't like it. :)

p.s. I LOVE natural hair!
1.Have a good diet which should include lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits and sprouts.



2.Avoid shampoos as far as possible. Instead use sikkakai or besan or paste of fenugreek seeds, it will clean and soften the hair. If that is not possible, then go for herbal shampoos.



3.Henna or mehandi is a best way to keep a cool head. It conditions the hair, promotes growth, protects our hair from the harmful effects of the sun and also gives a glossy tint. However persons with sinus problems should avoid this.



4.Use wide toothed comb to remove tangles and do not comb wet hair. Avoid using hair dryer to dry your hair. Do not tie your hair tightly. Always use coated rubber bands or soft hair tie.



5.Brush your hair daily using a brush with rounded tip bristles to improve blood circulation.



6.Apply paste of gooseberry powder to prevent hair graying and falling. You can add gooseberry powder to henna paste also. Include amla or gooseberry in your diet as it is a rich source of vitamin C.



7.Apply coconut oil mixed with lime juice for dandruff. This is an excellent home remedy for dandruff.



8.Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. In the morning, grind it and apply the paste on the scalp and wash it off after half an hour to get rid of dandruff. This natural remedy for dandruff is very effective. This natural remedy also stops hair fall.



9.Heat coconut oil, switch off the gas when heated, then add neem flowers to it. Close it and keep it aside. When cooled, filter it and use that oil to prevent dandruff.



10.Grind white pepper with milk, warm it and apply it on the scalp, then wash it off after 15 minutes to cure dandruff. Do this once in a week.



11.Apply 2 tbsp of vinegar (diluted in a little water) to the scalp and massage gently and wash your hair after 15-20 minutes. This natural remedy also cures dandruff.



12.Fenugreek tea is not only good for the health but also nourishes and promotes hair growth if taken regularly.



13.Cover your hair with a scarf or shawl during travel to prevent tangles and to protect your hair from dust.



14.Massage warm castor oil + almond oil into your scalp gently. Wrap a hot towel around your scalp so that the oil gets absorbed into the hair. Do this once a week for healthy, shiny hair.



15.Avoid chemical treatment on your hair. Hibiscus flowers and leaves are good conditioners for the hair. You can grind 2-3 leaves or flowers and use its juice along with your herbal shampoo.



16. Always dilute shampoo in a little water and use it .Do not use it directly. Wet your hair first and then apply this diluted shampoo.



17.Amla oil nourishes and promotes hair growth. It also prevents hair fall.





18.Mayonnaise is an excellent conditioner for dry hair .Massage your scalp with mayonnaise and leave it for half an hour. Then shampoo as usual. Always rinse your hair well so that no traces of shampoo is left behind.



19.Apply a few drops of olive oil to get rid of frizz.



20.Massage your scalp with olive oil using your finger tips. Remain for half an hour and wash hair well .This natural remedy is an excellent conditioning treatment. Do this once in a week for healthy hair. It also controls frizz.



21.Vinegar is a great conditioner and can give shine to your hair. Mix 1 tbsp of vinegar to a mug of water and use it to your last rinse. It also controls frizz in dry hair.



22.Dilute 3 tbsp of beer in a mug of water and use it for the final rinse to give your hair a healthy shine.



23.Boil soap nut skin in water, cool it and use that water for the last rinse for silky hair.



24.Conditioner for dry hair: Beat an egg well and add 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and 1/2 tsp of vinegar to it .Mix well and apply it to your scalp and remain for half an hour. Then wash well with a good shampoo.



25.Drink 8-9 glasses of water daily.



26.Squeeze juice of 1 lemon in a mug of water and use it for the final rinse for oily hair.



27.Apply Egg white on the scalp and wash it off after 15-20 minutes. This home remedy stops hair fall and also nourishes the hair.



28.Take food rich in protein, essential fatty acids, carotenes, iron, silica, zinc, Vitamins E , C ,Vitamin B (especially biotin) to have a healthy head of hair.



29.Exercise for 5 days a week as it improves blood circulation to your scalp.



30.Lastly maintain a healthy life style as the health of your hair is related to your lifestyle.
www.motowngirl.com

www.nappturality.com



if you have any specific questions you can email me.
Tresseme is the best. I use it on everything, and it smells so good. Get the products for heat when you blowdry, because they are made for heat.