Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, If you decide to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
As a person who has been natural since 2016 [ transitioned then did the chop] and did a big chop in 2021, I have gone through the struggles of trying to keep my hair healthy, thick, and moisturized. During my journey, I have visited and continue to visit hair stylists. The tips that they have given me have helped but there was a time where I was still unhappy with my hair. I have loved every step of my natural hair journey! I trust the hair stylists as they have been doing this for ages and consistently do a wonderful job with me and their other clients. However, I would wonder if I needed to do more. I do want to say I was never quick to jump on every trend [ rice water, onion water ] but because I have dry, thick hair I knew I had to find a way to get my hair in a good state. I found out that some techniques I was using were not being done properly and were not helpful to my hair growth. However, over time I have found tips that have worked. Some I have been doing since I became a natural hair girlie and others I have been doing for over a year!
Here are 10 simple tips that actually help you get healthier and thicker hair!
1.Hot oil treatment: Treat your hair to a luxurious hot oil treatment to nourish and hydrate your strands. Section your hair and apply oil to your hair, from the root to the ends, as well as your scalp. Put a shower cap over your head and then put on a heat cap or sit under the dryer for about 30 minutes. Doing this allows for the oil to penetrate your hair and scalp, leaving your hair feeling soft and healthy.
2. Aloe Avocado protein treatment: Apply the mixture of aloe avocado treatment to your hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing out. Make sure the water is lukewarm. The best results for me have been applying the protein treatment after a hot oil treatment but before shampooing and conditioning [ hot oil treatment –> protein treatment –> shampoo –> condition ]
Aloe Avocado Protein Treatment
3. Sleeping with a satin bonnet or satin pillowcase: Sleeping with a saying pillow case or satin bonnet to prevent friction or breakage. This also help to prevent your hair from drying out. Sometines I sleep with both but if I forgot to cover my hair, I do not freak out because I have my satin pillowcase!
Satin pillowcase
4. Deep conditioning : Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine to restore moisture and strengthen your hair. Comb through the conditioner with a comb from root to ends to ensure every part of the hair is coated in product.
5. Hair trims: Whenever I am unsure of something about my hair, I reach out to my hairstylists and this includes trims. They have told me many times to only get trims when needed vs, monthly, bi-monthly. So I get my hair trimmed as needed which looks to be every 3 months but of course, check with your hair stylist and check for split ends. We want those ends to look fresh and healthy!
6. Scalp massage: Sometimes I use my hands and other times I use a scalp massager in a circular motion. I typically use the scalp massager on wash day but I use my hands randomly throughout the week. Not only is it relaxing but it is great for blood circulation. To bump it up a notch, I make sure I have oil in my hair when I am doing the massage on my non-wash day. These are the oils that I use: Melanin Haircare Multi-Blend & Krown Kare Serum
Scalp massager
7. Steam Hydration treatment: I didn’t realize how important this was until I got it. This is a service I prefer to get when I go to the hair salon. I used to think it was unnecessary but it has helped my hair for sure. Another option is to use a handheld steamer.
8. Mini twists & other protective styles: Mini twists have become my favorite protective style. I do this on my own. Even though it takes me a while, I am still pleased with the length retention and how my hair looks when I am done. Other protective styles I wear include: crochet twists, box braids, fulani braids and bantu knots. These styles also help to retain moisture.
9. Supplements: Since I still struggle with dry hair, I consulted with one of my hair stylist. She advised me to make sure I consume certain supplements. Of course, this isn’t just great for your hair but your overall health. The vitamins I take are: Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamins B, C & D.
10. Moisturize and seal : Keep your hair hydrated by using a leave-in conditioner or water-based moisturizer. Water or Rosewater will also work. Follow up with a natural oil like jojoba or argan oil to seal in moisture.
There we have it! 10 simple tips that will help with thicker and healthier hair. As previously stated, I have been doing most of these since I became natural, and a couple I have been doing for a year. I didn’t think the steam treatment or Aloe Avocado protein treatment or direct heat was necessary but since those have been added to my routine, I have noticed a difference. I am pleased with the improvement! Note: If you have any hair conditions, please consult with your doctor and your hairstylist. Let me know in the comments below which of these tips you use for healthy and thick hair!
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
XoXo
Ohemaa MaMokowa
SAVE FOR LATER!
