Take Charge of Your Hair Growth Process!

Being natural is not a new phenomena for women of color. It is not a fashion statement, it is way of embracing one own uniqueness and beauty. Many women have given up harsh chemicals to protect their natural tresses and their bodies. However, being natural is not easy and can require a lot of work to keep your hair healthy and vibrant.

Many women want to transition from a relaxer to their natural hair, but do not know where to begin or how to care for it properly. Therefore, many turn to protective styles to refrain from having to deal with it but, forget to care for their natural tresses underneath the weave or braided hair. Ignoring your hair while wearing extensions can lead to long-term extensive breakage or even alopecia.  I am going to share a couple of tips on how to grow and maintain your natural hair while underneath your protective style.

Keep your hair clean and moisturized... Shampoo, Condition, and Deep Condition your extensions and your natural hair

Wash your hair a minimum of once a week to keep your extensions lush and your natural hair free of any product build-up, dirt, and excess oil. Utilizing a sulfate-free shampoo allows your hair to get a thorough cleanse without stripping its natural oils. For the best results, concentrate on your scalp, lather, and work your way down the shaft of the weave. After shampooing, be sure to condition your hair and weave with a sulfate-free conditioner. Refrain from bunching up the weave because it can get tangled and difficult to work with. I also recommend doing a deep conditioner after your wash to ensure that your weave and natural hair regain its moisture and to repair it from the damage of heat. 

While wearing extensions, your scalp is begging for the proper nourishment. Your scalp and natural can become dry rather quickly, so it is also necessary to oil it. This is the fun part; you can make your own oil using natural products that promote healthy hair growth. The application process is also simple. Use an applicator bottle with a nozzle tip to effectively apply to your scalp. If a little gets on your extensions do not worry, it is human hair. Oiling your scalp faithfully can result in strong, thick, and lustrous hair. Consider oil as your hair food, not only does it promote hair growth and prevent dandruff. It acts as a replenishment that prevents and treats fungal activities and clogged pores.

Suggested Oils

• Argan Oil contains Vitamin E which promotes healthy hair growth and antioxidants, which boost cells and encourage them to produce healthy hair.
• Coconut Oil has vitamins and essential fatty acids that nourish the scalp and helps to remove sebum build-up from hair follicles.
• Grapeseed Oil contains a lot of vitamin E, which is necessary for hair growth. 
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil helps to thin edges to grow back.
• Lavender Oil keeps the scalp clean and the pores open. 
• Peppermint Oil smells great and stimulates the hair follicles.
• Rosemary Oil stimulates blood circulation, prevents hair loss, helps thin edges to grow back.
• Sage Oil increases blood flow to the hair follicle.
• Stinging Nettle Oil helps to combat hair loss.
• Tea Tree Oil helps to unclog hair follicles and nourish the hair roots

Many women chose to leave some of their hair out when getting a weave to better blend with their natural hair. This method usually requires the use of heat, which damages the hair. Heat is the primary reason of hair breakage. It is essential for the healthy growth of your hair that you avoid using hot curlers, flat irons so that your hair will flourish. There are many protective options that you can use such as lace frontals, closures, wigs, bobby pins for pin curl, and  flexi-rods. If you decide to wear a weave anyway, opt for textures that match your natural hair. Your beautiful natural hair will thank you later.

 ~Kesini