Crown in Progress: Tips & Tools to Support Healthy, Natural Hair

Photo Credit: Heyy Kazz/Pexels

Anyone who has a busy lifestyle can easily fall into neglecting their hair health. Regaining healthy hair starts with small steps that make a huge impact. Simply start by touching your hair and becoming more acquainted with it. Drinking more water and eating more fruits and vegetable also support healthy hair. Everyone's crown is different so discovering what you need is key.

Here are a few tips and tools to support you on your journey.

The Big Chop vs Transitioning  

 Some people find it better to transition back to their natural tresses by experiencing what the hair community calls the "big chop". A very bold step, the big chop is cutting off the unhealthy parts of your hair all at once. You can slowly trim and cut dead ends incrementally as trimming hair promotes healthy hair growth too.

Shampoo & Condition

Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner is known for a variety of benefits. When shampoo and conditioner products are sulfate-free, it can improve your scalp health, reduce frizz, and cleanse more gently. Some recommended sulfate free products include Cantu, Carol’s Daughter, Camille Rose, and Mielle Organics. It’s also important to know if you have either low, normal/medium, or high porosity on your hair.  

Low porosity hair means hair cuticles are tight, making it hard for water to penetrate the hair. In this case your hair takes longer to dry. Normal to medium porosity hair can absorb water faster, High porosity hair has open cuticles where moisture is absorbed and released qucikly; this can lead to breakage and dryness. 

Some people only have normal to medium porosity while others can have a mix of low to high porosity. It depends on your texture. Once you know yours, you can choose the right 

products.

Deep Conditioning and Vitamins 

You can look at your hair as a plant. Moisture and providing it with a healthy environment is important. The goal of deep conditioning is to hydrate and soften your hair. You can use a rinse conditioner, protein-based deep conditioner, a regular moisturizing conditioner, or a hair mask.  As you discover how what your hair needs and how it responds to different conditioners consider creating a schedule with how often you should deep condition.  

Vitamins have also been an option to support hair growth, but it is always recommended to speak with your doctor when it comes to taking supplements.

The LOC Method vs The LCO Method 

You may have heard the LOC or LCO methods. LOC stands for liquid, oil, and cream. As you The liquid refers to water for moisture while the oil and cream seal in that moisture. The difference is when each is applied to your hair. Both methods can add to your hair routine. Again, you must discover which works best for your hair.

Protective Hairstyles & Accessories

Protective hairstyles are helpful in retaining length and moisture by limiting the amount of stress placed on the hair from constant styling. Some hairstyles include box braids, cornrows, bantu knots, twists, and locs. When it comes to accessories there are tons of options from flower clips to beads and headbands to turbans. Accessories can show a bit of your personality. It is still important not to overdo it. And remember your hair still needs attention when it comes to moisture even when its in a protective style.

Little to No Heat

Less heat is better. If you need to use heat on your hair, it is suggested to use heat protection spray and use the lowest setting on the blow dryer to avoid heat damage. Hooded dryers are also helpful at short time intervals. It's important to avoid using heat on unwashed or brittle hair.

Photo Credit: KoolShooters/Pexels

Satin vs Cotton pillows 

Satin pillow cases help reduce friction and usually don’t dry out the hair. They appear to also prevent tangles. Cotton pillow cases tend to dry out the hair and lead to frizz.

List Your Hair Care Routine 

As you become more familiar with your hair, try to develop and align a hair routine with your daily schedule and make note of it. A sample routine may look like: Sunday - wash day. Wednesday - moisturizing; adding oils, creams, a little bit of spray water. Friday - scalp massage. Pay attention and watch for results after consistently keeping up with your routine.

Patience and Consistency 

Being patient and consistent are huge when it comes to haircare. Rome was not built in a day and your hair goals may not happen overnight. Remind yourself that this is journey and your progress may not look like everyone's. You have to believe that every day is an opportinity to be good to your hair and with that comes learning more about what makes it healthy. So be patient and consistent...and have fun.

It's important to note, that long hair doesn't equate healthy hair. Again, hair comes in all shapes and lengths. The most vital factor is that your hair is healthy no matter how long it is. Stay kind to yourself and enjoy the growth of your crown.  

---

Additional Credits: Marili Kris David, Editor Intern

Note: This article is written for informational purposes and should not be taken as professional advice.