10 AMAZING NATURAL HAIR RULES YOU SHOULD FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS

Natural hair is fundamentally a lifestyle choice. Achieving your hair goals requires dedicated effort and a keen understanding of your unique hair type, porosity, density, and width. Think of your hair like a plant: the more you nourish it with quality products, hydrate it, and shield it from harsh conditions, the more it will thrive, grow, and transform. Here are the top 10 essential rules for maintaining healthy, vibrant natural hair!

SOLIDIFY YOUR WASH DAY ROUTINE

Your wash day is essential for maintaining healthy natural hair, as it all begins with proper moisture. Clarifying your hair is a crucial step in your wash day routine. If your hair is dirty, it won’t be able to absorb moisture effectively due to product buildup.

When it comes to shampoos, there are two key types every natural should have: moisturizing shampoos and clarifying shampoos.

Moisturizing shampoos feature gentle yet effective surfactants that cleanse the scalp by removing dirt and product buildup. These are perfect for regular use.

Clarifying shampoos, however, contain stronger cleansing agents designed to deeply cleanse your hair and eliminate hard-to-reach dirt, including mineral buildup. Shampoos with chelating ingredients are especially beneficial for low porosity hair, which often experiences quicker product accumulation.

Weekly deep conditioning is an essential rule in caring for natural hair. Its primary purpose is to condition, strengthen, and soften your hair, setting the stage for your leave-in products.

Always prioritize deep conditioning after shampooing to counteract any stripping effects from the shampoo. Opt for deep conditioners that feature emollients, fatty alcohols, and are packed with nourishing plant extracts.

USE MOISTURIZING LEAVE-IN STYLERS

Leave-in conditioners are crucial for all natural hair types, regardless of curl pattern, porosity, density, or width. These products not only offer moisture until your next wash day but also condition the hair and minimize friction.

Curly and coily hair often experiences curl interlocking, where curls and coils tangle together. This can lead to severe knots and tangles, resulting in increased breakage and shedding if not addressed.

Leave-in conditioners contain friction-reducing agents that help keep your curls manageable. They are definitely a staple in any natural hair routine. When paired with a plant-based botanical gel, your coils will stay tangle-free and frizz-free for days!

KNOW YOUR POROSITY

What’s the point of using all those expensive products if you don’t understand your hair’s absorption potential? Porosity is the most crucial rule to know about your hair. It determines how well your hair absorbs water and products, guiding you on what to use and how to apply it effectively.

Natural hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb moisture and products. Low porosity hair has a low absorption rate because its cuticles are tightly closed, making it challenging for moisture to penetrate. High porosity hair, on the other hand, has open cuticles, leading to a high absorption rate but difficulty in retaining moisture.

If you have low porosity hair, focus on enhancing moisture absorption. Because the cuticles are tight, products often sit on the surface. Choose lightweight formulas that promote absorption and include delivery agents to help penetrate the cuticle, especially for leave-in conditioners and styling products.

For high porosity hair, which has raised cuticles, moisture retention is key. Use products with ingredients that form moisture barriers and fill cuticle gaps to prevent moisture loss throughout the week.

BALANCE PROTEIN

Protein treatments are vital for addressing protein loss caused by mechanical damage (like detangling) and chemical damage (from heat tools, dyes, and relaxers), and they should be part of every natural hair routine.

However, excessive protein treatments can lead to dry, brittle hair—exactly what we want to avoid! It’s crucial to tailor your protein treatments according to your hair’s porosity and width to prevent overuse.

Smaller proteins, such as amino acids and peptides, can penetrate the hair cortex to strengthen it, making them suitable for all porosities and hair widths.

Conversely, larger proteins like hydrolyzed wheat and collagen function similarly to film-forming humectants, creating a protective barrier around the hair. These treatments are ideal for high porosity or fine to medium strands but can increase dryness in low porosity and coarse hair.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SCALP 

Scalp health is essential for a successful hair journey, regardless of hair type. Just as we care for our hair ends, we must prioritize our scalp.

Think of your scalp as the foundation of your hair; it deserves just as much attention. If our hair ends are like the wise elders, our scalp is the precious baby!

Here are some best practices for maintaining scalp health:

  • Moisturize: Use skin-friendly products to keep your scalp hydrated. Remember, the scalp is skin too, so avoid harsh ingredients.
  • Scalp Massages: Every few days, massage your scalp with nourishing oils like olive, castor, or avocado oil. Adding rosemary oil can enhance blood circulation and keep the scalp well-lubricated.
  • Gentle Hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles to reduce the risk of follicle damage.
  • Stay Clean: Regularly cleanse your scalp to remove oil, dirt, bacteria, and product buildup.

PROTECT YOUR HAIR

Protective styling is crucial for maintaining a healthy natural hair routine. If you’re aiming for hair growth, protective styles help retain length while locking in moisture, supporting your growth goals. To avoid any drawbacks of protective styling, follow these best practices: ensure your style isn’t too tight to prevent follicle tension, and regularly take it down for clarifying and re-moisturizing.

LISTEN TO YOUR HAIR

Mastering the art of listening to your hair can be challenging, but it’s essential for your hair journey. For instance, some people with natural hair can go a week without moisturizing, while others may need to re-moisturize every two days. Both are perfectly normal!

Remember, everyone’s hair is unique. If your hair feels dry, clear away buildup and follow up with a deep conditioner and leave-in. Pay attention to what your hair is telling you—it will show its appreciation!

UP YOUR DIET AND EXERCISE ROUTINE AS NEEDED

This year, let’s acknowledge the important connection between diet, exercise, and beauty. The saying “you are what you eat” holds true for natural hair. Staying hydrated is essential for hair growth, but making key dietary changes—like eating a balanced diet and taking necessary supplements—is equally important. Regular exercise also plays a vital role.

To boost your hair growth, focus on incorporating plenty of leafy greens and fruits into your meals. Empower yourself by understanding your body—are you missing any essential nutrients? Nutrients like iron are crucial for the hair cycle, and deficiencies can show up in your hair.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the impact of exercise. Many people with natural hair report that moderate weekly workouts help enhance their hair growth cycle.

STOP COMPARING

They say comparison is the enemy of creativity, and I couldn’t agree more. Remember, pursuing any goal is a marathon, not a sprint. Despite what some natural hair influencers may claim, hair doesn’t grow overnight—anyone who says otherwise isn’t being truthful.

Avoid comparing your hair journey to others; you are unique, and there’s no need to emulate someone else. Instead, focus on the health of your hair. Healthy hair grows! By keeping it moisturized, protected, and happy, you’ll set yourself up for success on your hair growth journey.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

We can be our own harshest critics, but your hair is beautiful just as it is right now. It’s important to take a moment to recognize your achievements, growth, and progress. Remember, your hair is always growing, and it deserves your gratitude!

CONCLUSION

These commandments are a foundational guide for healthy natural hair. While individual hair needs vary, following these science-based tips and adapting them to your specific hair type will help you achieve optimal results

15 BEST DETANGLERS FOR CURLY HAIR

There will inevitably be some knots and tangles while working with curls, regardless of the type of hair you have. Furthermore, even while it can seem like the simplest solution to rake a detangling brush right through your matted mane, you don’t want to deal with the aftermath of possible hair loss, breakage, and damage. Alternatively, there are excellent detangling solutions available to assist you in completely preventing it. You have come to the correct site if you are ready to give up on your search for the best detangler for curly hair.

UNITE 7SECONDS DETANGLER LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

7Seconds Detangler is one of those unicorn products that works on all hair types because of its protein-based components. Panthenol and rice protein easily untangle fine baby hair, coarse curls, chemically treated hair, and even hair extensions. Not only does the product smooth knots fast, but it also seals the cuticle for softer strands. Adherents of hot style will value its safeguarding properties from heat and ultraviolet rays. It is also a multipurpose detangler for both adults and children because of its mild scent. If you ever consider finding the perfect hair products for curly hair, this conditioner is a must-have.

THE HONEST COMPANY CONDITIONING DETANGLER

For smoother, more manageable hair, this conditioning detangler spray helps to reduce knots and tangles. Because it is free of silicones, sulfates, dyes, parabens, and artificial perfumes, it is safe for little children and effective for the entire family. It is available in several formulas to address particular hair issues, such as dry hair and frizz-prone hair, and has enticing scents like sweet almond and citrus vanilla. Furthermore, it’s an excellent value at about $7 per bottle.

ORIBE RUN-THROUGH DETANGLING PRIMER

This opulent detangler costs about $40 each bottle, so it’s not a cheap purchase. However, the combination of its constituents yields certain advantages that justify the premium cost. Amla and hibiscus extracts hydrate and condition the hair for shine and softness, while pomegranate, apricot, and coconut oils separate and smooth the hair. An anti-static compound also keeps flyaways at bay for silkier, smoother strands. This spray not only detangles hair but also provides heat protection and primes it for style. Reviews also mention that a little goes a long way.

INNERSENSE SWEET SPIRIT LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Hydration is essential since curly hair is prone to dryness and frizz. With ingredients like aloe, tamanu oil, honey, and organic rice protein, this hydrating spray—technically a leave-in conditioner, but great as a daily detangler—delivers moisturizing and strengthening effects. Although Innersense was created with curly hair in mind, every hair type can benefit from this conditioning spray’s ability to detangle and hydrate without becoming heavier or more oily. Many reviewers laud the subtle aroma, and many believe it hydrates nicely with only a few spritzes. No donut, this is the best leave-in conditioner for curly hair.

AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

This light conditioning spray contains organic pomegranate oil that nourishes hair without adding weight, and stressed strands will absorb it. Aveda’s Nutriplenish spray not only smooths, softens and detangles hair but also provides heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. An additional benefit is that it contains sand ginger, a naturally occurring UV filter that protects hair from the drying effects of the sun.

AMIKA THE WIZARD DETANGLING PRIMER

This well-known detangler contains avocado and sea buckthorn oils to increase hydration and squalane to guard against moisture loss. It can do several tasks, including detangling, priming, protecting against heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and eliminating frizz. Although it’s meant to be used after washing and before style to prep the hair, smooth knots, and even shorten blow dry times, reviews claim that it works really well on both wet and dry hair.

I.C.O.N CURE SPRAY

This solution-focused spray untangles and nourishes hair, leaving it feeling silky, light, and free of knots. Aloe vera to calm and hydrate, a combination of proteins to fortify, and panthenol to promote suppleness are some of the hero components. Apply a mist to any kind of hair to provide obvious softness, strengthen strands, and quickly smooth knots.

GARNIER FRUCTIS PURE CLEAN DETANGLER

You can untangle your hair for a few dollars thanks to Garnier. This spray uses chemicals like aloe and vitamin E to eliminate frizz, enhance shine, and smooth hair in addition to being gentle with knots. We also adore that it is entirely devoid of substances produced by animals and isn’t created with silicones or parabens. Wet or damp hair should be treated with the leave-in product, and then combed through.

THE MANE CHOICE SOFT AS CAN BE DETANGLER

For naturally textured and curly hair, this hydrating multipurpose solution was designed to provide both tangle prevention and relief. Although Soft As Can Be by The Mane Choice was designed with kinky, wavy, curly, and textured hair in mind, it is theoretically acceptable for all hair types. This incredibly hydrating product, which includes nutritious nutrients like biotin, avocado oil, castor oil, and aloe vera, may be used as a normal conditioner, co-wash, leave-in conditioner, or post-shower detangler. Although the packaging can be improved a whole lot more, this is still a good product for curly hair.

TGIN 3-IN-1 CO-WASH CONDITIONER AND DETANGLER

If you often tie knots, you probably know that the best place to start is usually the shower. Having said that, while you’re ironing out the kinks, you’ll be happy to have a bottle of TGIN Quench on hand. You may use this triple-threat shampoo to wash, condition, moisturize, and untangle your hair, and each time you can expect shinier, softer hair.

PATTERN LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Additionally, we adore Pattern’s Leave-In Conditioner. Known as one of the greatest leave-in treatments, the creamy solution works to release knots, relax matted hair, and lock in moisture by utilizing natural oils and honey. Apply it to drenched hair after taking a shower, and then rub it through to ensure it’s equally dispersed from root to tip. Although some individuals may find the fragrance overpowering, this detangler is well worth a try.

KINKY CURLY KNOT TODAY DETANGLER

This leave-in detangling treatment from Kinky Curly provides an additional choice. Though all hair types benefit from Knot Today’s excellent knot and tangle removal, the brand’s products are primarily targeted at those with curly or naturally occurring hair. In order to make detangling simple and painless, it also supplies moisture. Although the potent herbal aroma may not be to everyone’s taste, it does the job well.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE HAIRDRESSER INVISIBLE OIL

In certain cases, greasy fingers are required to loosen knotted hair. Bumble & bumble’s To unravel all the knots holding you down, Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil is a hydrating concoction of coconut, safflower, grape, macadamia, argan, and sweet almond oils. The solution, which is lightweight and highly absorbent, also treats split ends and frizz. So if you are still wondering “Is argan oil good for curly hair?”, the answer is definitely yes.

BRIOGEO BE GENTLE, BE KIND DETANGLING SPRAY

Briogeo’s unscented Be Gentle, Be Kind product line may be ideal for you if you want simple products without overpowering scents. Aloe vera, oat milk, and green tea are the main ingredients in this organically derived detangling spray, which is strong on knots and gentle on stressed hair. Additionally, it provides a smoothing effect that aids in flyaway control. Before letting your hair air dry or blow dry, spray it on somewhat damp or towel-dried hair and comb it through.

IGK GOOD BEHAVIOUR PREP SPRAY

Numerous hair detangling treatments claim to provide the illusive “slip.” This basically means that they lubricate your hair to reduce friction, which makes matted portions release and knots easier to unravel. IGK Good Behavior Spray uses a mild blend of natural oils to accomplish the task. In addition to detangling, it smooths and adds gloss to your hair, protects it from heat, and controls frizz for up to 24 hours.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Even though yanking a brush through knotted hair might make you cry, you can be causing more harm than you realize. Despite the sensitivity of the scalp, vigorously brushing out tough knots can lead to hair breakage and loss. One easy fix is to use one of the best detanglers. Take a look at our list to simplify your hair care regimen.