Our hair is our crowning glory, so it’s important that we nourish and care for it as best as possible. I’ve been natural since the Fall of 2007. Over the years, I’ve gone through the ups-and-downs of being very attentive to my hair and borderline neglectful. I’m currently in one of my “I have to take better care of my hair” phases, but the truth of the matter is, this shouldn’t be something sporadic. It’s important that we are always intentional about caring for our hair to ensure it’s strong and healthy.

Check out these tips to keep your natural hair healthy and growing!

1. Start co-washing your hair.  

Some people might be wondering: “What the heck is co-washing?” Well, in the natural hair community, the term co-wash has been used for years to describe the process of cleansing your hair with conditioner. Curly hair can make it difficult for  oil to travel from the scalp to the ends of hair, which could lead to dryness and essentially breakage. Cleansing with conditioner can be much more gentle on the hair than shampoo, so naturally curly-haired people prefer to co-wash a few times per week rather than shampoo so often. Depending on your hair, you can notice anything from fuller curls, fewer single-strand knots and softer, shinier hair. While many naturally curly women use their favorite conditioner to co-wash their hair, there are several conditioning cleansers on the market as well. I’m pretty obsessed with HAIRiette Kokum Butter & Marula Oil Co-Wash.

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Curly hair gets very thirsty, and the only way to really retain strong, healthy hair is by keeping it moisturized. Shampoo and conditioner may work for some people, but the kinkier hair is, the drier it may be! If you don’t want dull, dry hair, a moisturizing product could be your best friend.  I kid you not when I say I can’t live without the Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer. Incorporating natural oils into your routine is another great way to lock in moisture and shine to your hair.

3. Find the best shampoo product and regimen for your hair.

Too poo, or not to poo? That is the question. Believe it or not, the topic of shampooing naturally curly hair can be pretty polarizing. Some folks believe that shampoo is detrimental to the hair’s well-being and swear by co-washing and others think that you should shampoo daily. I found a happy medium and believe that the scalp needs to stay healthy and clean and to avoid product buildup, you need a good sulfate-free, gentle shampoo. Don’t be fooled by the lather, just because a product lathers, doesn’t mean it’s good for the hair. DevaCurl’s No-Poo is a favorite of mine and while it doesn’t lather with suds, it leaves my hair squeaky-clean and soft.

4. Get trims to avoid breakage.

If you started with a good amount of relaxed hair when you made the choice to transition to natural, you should get your ends trimmed every 4-8 weeks. No two heads of hair are alike, so it might be best to consult with a licensed professional who specializes in natural hair to see what time frame works best for your hair.

5. Be patient.

Everyone’s natural hair experience is different. Your friend may gain 3-inches of new growth in a 2-month period and you might only have one, but that’s OK! I have hair envy all the time and have to check myself to nurture and appreciate the hair that I have. Be patient and enjoy the journey!

What are your go-to natural hair care tips for keeping your hair healthy and growing?

*Photo via CreateHER Stock.

Ciao Bellas,