Are you having issues taking good care of your hair? Do you have hair breakage and can’t seem to maintain a healthy hair? No need to worry because Fab.ng has you covered. Maintaining healthy hair is important for people of all ethnic backgrounds, including Nigerians and Africans.

Tips to help keep your Hair Healthy

1. Moisturize Regularly: African hair tends to be naturally dry. Moisturizing your hair regularly is essential for preventing breakage and keeping it healthy. Use a water-based moisturizer or leave-in conditioner to hydrate your hair and seal in the moisture with natural oils, like coconut oil or shea butter.

2. Protect Your Hair at Night: Sleep with a satin or silk bonnet or use a satin or silk pillowcase. Unlike cotton, which can cause friction and breakage, satin or silk materials help to minimize damage and retain moisture.

3. Deep Condition: Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine. Deep conditioning helps to nourish and strengthen your hair, improving its overall health. Look for products with ingredients like aloe vera, glycerine, or honey, which provide moisture to the hair shaft. Conditioning helps to replenish the moisture in your hair and make it more manageable. Condition your hair after every wash, or even more often if needed.

4. Avoid Over styling: Limit the use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons, as excessive heat can cause damage and breakage. When using heat, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. Opt for protective hairstyles that allow your hair to rest and minimize manipulation.

5. Be Gentle with Detangling: Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Detangle when your hair is wet and saturated with conditioner, as it will be more manageable and less prone to breakage.

6. Wash Your Hair Regularly: Find a shampoo and conditioner that work for your hair type and wash your hair regularly to remove dirt, product buildup, and excess oils. The more often you wash your hair, the more natural oils are removed. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times per week, or less if possible.  Be sure to use a sulphate-free shampoo, as sulphates can be drying to the hair.

7. Protect Your Hair from the Sun: The sun’s rays can be damaging to your hair, causing dryness and breakage. You can protect your hair by wearing a hat or using products with UV protection.

8. Eat a Balanced Diet: Good nutrition plays a crucial role in hair health. Make sure to consume a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Foods like fish, eggs, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to healthy hair. Eating a healthy diet can help to improve the overall health of your hair, skin, and nails. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.

9. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Limit the use of chemical treatments like relaxers and excessive colouring as these can weaken the hair and cause damage and breakage. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals, such as sulphates, parabens, and phthalates. These chemicals can strip your hair of its natural oils and proteins, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Instead, opt for natural hair products that are made with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.

10. Get Regular Trims: Regular trims are essential for maintaining healthy hair. Trimming off split ends prevents further damage and breakage, promoting healthier hair growth. Remember, everyone’s hair is unique, so it’s important to listen to your hair and adapt these tips to suit your specific hair needs. Developing a consistent hair care routine and being gentle with your hair will go a long way in maintaining its health and vibrancy. Trimming your hair regularly will help to remove split ends and damaged hair, which can make your hair look healthier and fuller. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks.

11. Use heat protectant when styling your hair:  Heat styling can damage your hair, so it’s important to use a heat protectant before you use any heat tools. Heat protectants help to create a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing it from being damaged.

12. Manage stress: Stress can take a toll on your hair health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Additional tips that are specific to Nigerian and African Hair Texture

• Use a pre-poo treatment: A pre-poo treatment is a conditioning treatment that you apply to your hair before you wash it. Pre-poo treatments can help to protect your hair from the harsh chemicals in shampoo and make it easier to detangle.
• Deep condition your hair regularly: Deep conditioning treatments help to restore moisture and nutrients to your hair. Deep condition your hair once a week, or more often if needed.

• Use a leave-in conditioner: A leave-in conditioner helps to keep your hair moisturized and protected between washes. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair after you wash it and style it as usual.
• Protect your hair from the sun and heat:  The sun and heat can damage your hair, so it’s important to protect it when you’re outdoors. Wear a hat or scarf to protect your hair from the sun and use a heat protectant when you style your hair with heat tools.
• Be patient: It takes time and effort to keep your hair healthy. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep following these tips, and you’ll eventually see a difference.

• Use a traditional African hair treatment: There are many traditional African hair treatments that can help to keep your hair healthy. Some popular treatments include shea butter, coconut oil, and black soap.
• Get a protective hairstyle: If you live in a hot climate or if you are frequently exposed to the sun, it is important to protect your hair with a protective hairstyle. Some popular protective hairstyles include braids, twists, and cornrows.