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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 when 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 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 discovered that some techniques I was using were not being applied 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 ]

 

 

 

3. Sleeping with a satin bonnet or satin pillowcase

Sleeping with a satin pillow case or satin bonnet to prevent friction or breakage. This also helps to prevent your hair from drying out. Sometimes I sleep with both, but if I forget to cover my hair, I don’t freak out because I have my 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 also 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, or a combination of various oils such as Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Olive Oil.

 

 

 

 

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. Before, I used to think it was unnecessary. But it has definitely helped my hair, especially since my hair is dry. 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, African threading hairstyle, box braids, and Fulani braids. These styles also help to retain moisture.

 

 

 

9. Supplements

Since I still struggle with dry hair, I consulted with one of my hairstylists. 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, Iron, Vitamins B, C & D. Disclaimer: Please consult your physician or primary doctor before consuming any vitamins.

 

 

 

 

10. Moisturize and seal

Keep your hair hydrated by using a leave-in conditioner or water-based moisturizer, hair cream, and/ or grease. Water or Rosewater will also work. Follow up with a natural oil like jojoba or argan oil to seal in moisture. Whether you should use grease or not depends on factors such as texture or density, as grease may be too heavy, especially if you have fine hair.

 

Voila! 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!

As always, keep on moving no matter what!🧡

 

XoXo

 

Ohemaa MaMokowa

 

 

 

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