It’s kinky, woolly and stubborn; it sure can drive a lady into a shrew. Mornings can become nothing more than an unnecessary torture. An Afro in its natural state is certainly not for the fainthearted.
Growing and maintaining a healthy fro can be as serious as a heart attack, ask any Afro rocker and you’ll know what I speak to be the gospel truth. A sad fact is that most sisters are clueless when it comes to taking care of their own locks, hence dealing with an afro becomes a frustration that begs for a chemical straightener.
Case in point; from age 7 until my early 20’s my hair was either permed, relaxed, coloured, blown-out, braided or plaited, all in pursuit of beauty and convenience. After going through the futile exercise of trying to have silky straight smooth hair, I decided to go au naturel. Going natural was all foreign. This good girl went bad fast, back to her chemically dependent ways. I was relaxed within 6 months, I was done in.
Now I’ve been rocking my Afro in various styles and lengths for close to a decade. In this trial and error period, I’ve learned a thing or 2 about caring for natural locks.
Tools to taming the shrew:
• Moisturizing shampoo
• Deep conditioner
• Moisturizing conditioner
• Hair moisturiser
• Wide tooth comb
The Treat
African ethnic hair needs a sulphate-free shampoo to thrive as these shampoos are milder and will not strip the hair of its natural oils. Shampooing & deep conditioning the hair twice weekly is what a wise sister does to increase the blood circulation. Better circulation equals better nourishment hair. Deep conditioning penetrates the hair leaving it smoother, shinier & healthier looking.
On the hair moisturiser tip, whatever you do steer clear of petroleum jellies or baby oils. They are great, just not for your hair. Petroleum jellies & mineral oils do nothing to moisturise the hair, they clog the pores and attract dirt. Ideal moisturisers are water or oil based. Water based products hydrate the hair & the essential oils seal in the moisture. Coconut, Grape seed, Jojoba and/or Olive oil do wonders for an Afro.
Daily Care
A daily maintenance is quite simple; a quick rinsing of the hair followed by the conditioner is all that is needed. Moisturising conditioners are much lighter than the deep conditioners. A great moisturising conditioner makes it easier to manage an Afro and they add sheen. The oil based moisturisers will seal in the moisture.
Quality
Great healthy hair means putting more effort in knowing what you put in it and using investing in quality products. Afro combs & brushes need to be of the best quality, to avoid damaging the already fragile Afro locks, no crimping allowed. Tossing in a hot oil treatment at least once a month, does wonders in nourishing a fro, go ahead and indulge.
Any sister can have a healthy manageable Afro with a bit of an effort, patience and hair care, without breaking the bank.
Article by: Ncomeka Mpofu http://www.beautybulletin.com/blog-directory/our-bloggers/ncomeka-mpofu