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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

GUIDE TO BLACK HAIR TYPES AND HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM (WITH PICTURES)

In this vast and beautiful world, where everyone is unique, black hair comes in many textures, patterns, and styles, each as special as the person who has it. From tightly coiled curls that reach for the sky to smooth waves that flow like dark rivers, black hair carries a deep history and personal story just waiting to be told.

Each hair type tells a story, connected to culture, heritage, and self-expression. We’ll explore these different hair types, learning how to care for them, how to style them, and how to embrace the confidence that comes from loving your natural hair.

Whether it’s the amazing coils of Type 4 hair or the bouncy curls of Type 3, we’ll look at the challenges and joys that come with black hair. Along the way, we’ll bust some myths, celebrate inspiring figures, and encourage everyone to take pride in their beautiful, natural hair.

BLACK HAIR PALE SKIN

Black hair paired with pale skin creates a stunning and eye-catching contrast. The deep, rich tones of black hair against fair skin can enhance and highlight the distinct beauty of both. This contrast can give the skin a porcelain-like appearance, making its natural fairness stand out even more. The dark hair draws attention to facial features like the eyes and lips, resulting in a striking and dramatic look.

ORANGE AND BLACK HAIR

Orange and black hair is a bold, eye-catching combination that creates a unique and striking look. The warmth of orange paired with the richness of black forms a dynamic contrast that instantly draws attention. There are several ways to incorporate orange into black hair. One option is adding orange highlights or a balayage effect, where sections of the hair are dyed orange. This adds pops of color throughout the black, giving it depth and visual appeal.

HIGHLIGHTS ON BLACK HAIR

Highlights on black hair can create a beautiful contrast and add depth to the overall style. They’re a popular choice for those who want to enhance their natural color, add dimension, or create a distinct, personalized look. By adding lighter tones to sections of black hair, highlights create a rich, multidimensional effect.

BLACK HAIR WITH LAYERS

Layered black hair is a chic and versatile style that adds texture, movement, and depth to the beauty of black hair. This cutting technique involves trimming sections of hair at different lengths, creating layers that bring dimension and dynamic flow to the hairstyle.

ANIME BLACK HAIR

Black hair is a popular aesthetic in anime, frequently used for characters due to its versatility and cultural relevance. Since most people in Japan naturally have dark hair, black hair is commonly portrayed in Japanese animation, reflecting both tradition and style. Anime characters with black hair often feature a variety of styles, lengths, and textures. Whether it’s short and spiky or long and flowing, black hair in anime is portrayed in diverse ways to reflect the character’s personality, role, and overall design.

FELIX BLACK HAIR

Felix’s black hair is a key part of his look as an artist. It adds to his charm and stage presence, making his features stand out and helping him shine during performances. While K-pop idols often change their hairstyles and colors, Felix’s black hair is closely linked to his image. For Felix or anyone else, black hair is a classic choice that brings out confidence and style. It’s a versatile color that works with many skin tones and can be styled in various ways to fit personal preferences.

4 CC BLACK HAIR

Black women with 4C hair often celebrate their natural texture, valuing its distinctive beauty and versatility. It can be styled in many ways, such as twist-outs, braid-outs, wash-and-go looks, and protective styles like braids, twists, or locs. These styles not only highlight the beauty of 4C hair but also protect it, helping to maintain its health and length.

PURPLE AND BLACK HAIR

Purple and black hair is great because it can be styled in many different ways. The bold color mix looks amazing with various hairstyles, from sleek and straight to loose curls or fancy updos. Adding different styling techniques and accessories can make the purple and black colors stand out even more, giving a unique and personalized look. This striking combination blends the deep black with bright purple, allowing for a creative expression of personal style. It adds a touch of charm and individuality to your appearance.

BLACK HAIR PFP

A black hair profile picture (PFP) is an image that highlights black hair as the main feature. It can be a photo, drawing, or any digital image used as a profile picture on social media, forums, or other online sites. Choosing a black hair PFP can be a way to celebrate your natural hair, show your personal style, and express your identity. It can also reflect cultural heritage and diversity, as black hair has important cultural and historical meaning.

MEDIUM LENGTH BLACK HAIR

Medium-length black hair is a stylish and flexible choice that blends the beauty of black hair with a manageable length. Falling between the shoulders and collarbone, this length offers a good balance between elegance and practicality, making it easy to style in different ways. The natural shine and depth of black hair at this length highlight its beauty. Medium-length black hair looks sleek and polished, giving a timeless elegance that can be kept up with proper care and styling.

BRAIDS FOR BLACK HAIR

Braids for black hair are a classic and versatile style that celebrates the beauty and culture of black hair. With many different braiding techniques and designs, braids offer endless creative options and are great for protecting the hair. Besides looking great, braids have cultural meaning and connect to ancestral traditions. They’ve been passed down through generations, carrying stories and cultural identity. Wearing braids allows people to enjoy a beautiful hairstyle while honoring the rich history and diversity of black hair.

CHERRY BLACK HAIR COLOR

Cherry black hair color is a bold and eye-catching shade that mixes the richness of black hair with deep red or cherry tones. This combination creates a unique look that stands out from regular black hair colors. The cherry hues add warmth and brightness to the dark black base, giving it a multi-dimensional effect. Depending on how intense you want the color, the cherry tones can be subtle, showing up in certain lighting, or more noticeable in different settings.

BLACK HAIR WITH ASH HIGHLIGHTS

Black hair with ash highlights is a stylish and modern look that combines the deep richness of black hair with cool, ash-colored highlights. This mix creates a striking contrast and adds depth and dimension. The ash highlights can range from soft, subtle gray tones to bolder, more noticeable colors. This allows for a customized look that fits different skin tones and personal styles, adding a touch of sophistication and a modern edge to black hair.

BLACK HAIR WITH BLONDE FRONT PIECES

Black hair with blonde front pieces is a stylish look that mixes deep black hair with bright blonde highlights at the front. This contrast creates a beautiful effect, adding a touch of golden light around the face. The blonde highlights can be softly blended into the black hair or placed more clearly at the front to frame the face. This combination of dark black hair with vibrant blonde pieces adds depth and dimension to the overall look.

CONCLUSION

Understanding your hair type is essential for finding the right products and care routines. By identifying your black hair type, you can tailor your hair care regimen to suit your specific needs, promote healthy hair growth, and achieve your desired style.

Remember: Hair typing is a helpful tool, but it’s not a definitive rule. Your hair may exhibit characteristics of multiple types, and your hair type can change over time. The most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you.