Natural hair is beautiful, but it can be unmanageable and breakable if not taken care of properly. One of the most important things to keep natural hair healthy is to keep it hydrated. Hydration is crucial for your hair’s health, as it helps to preserve the natural oils in your hair and protect it from breakage.
There are different methods for hydrating natural hair, but in this article, we’ll discuss the best and most effective ways to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.
Why is hydration essential for natural hair?
Hydrating natural hair is not only important for its appearance but also for maintaining its strength and flexibility. Dry hair can become brittle and fragile, which leads to breakage and split ends. Without proper hydration, your hair may lose its natural sheen and appear dull.
But why does natural hair need more hydration than other hair types?
Natural hair tends to be drier than other hair types because of the shape of the hair follicles. The oils produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the shaft of kinky hair, leaving the hair at the ends dry and prone to damage. Additionally, tighter curls or coils usually require more moisture to maintain their shape and avoid frizziness.
How can you tell if your hair is dehydrated?
One of the essential steps to hydrating natural hair is to identify if it’s dehydrated in the first place. An easy way to determine if your hair is dehydrated is to do the “strand test.” Take a strand of your hair and stretch it gently. If it snaps easily, your hair is probably dry and needs more hydration.
Other signs of dehydrated natural hair include:
- Dull, lackluster hair
- Breakage, split ends, or shedding
- Brittle or crunchy texture
- Rough, porous strands
How to Hydrate Natural Hair?
Now that you know the importance of hydration for natural hair let’s discuss how to achieve it.
1. Drink More Water
The first way to hydrate your natural hair is by drinking plenty of water. Our bodies are made up of mostly water, and staying hydrated will not only benefit your hair but also your overall health.
Water helps to regulate blood flow to the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth, and preventing dryness. It also helps to flush out toxins from the body and skin, which can lead to hair damage and dryness.
2. Use a Deep Conditioner Regularly
Deep conditioning is an essential step in keeping your natural hair hydrated. Regular deep conditioning treatments help to replenish the moisture in your hair and keep it soft and manageable.
When choosing a deep conditioner for natural hair, look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. These moisturizing ingredients penetrate the hair shaft to hydrate and strengthen the hair from within.
For best results, use a deep conditioner at least once a week, focusing more on the ends of your hair.
3. Use the L.O.C. Method
The L.O.C. method is an effective technique for hydrating natural hair. The method involves using three products in a specific order:
- Liquid (water-based leave-in conditioner or spray)
- Oil (to seal in moisture)
- Cream (to lock in the moisture)
The L.O.C. method is effective because it layers products to ensure that the hair is adequately hydrated and sealed. Start by spraying your hair with a water-based leave-in conditioner, then apply a natural oil like coconut or olive oil to seal in the moisture. Finally, apply a creamy hair butter or leave-in conditioner to lock in the moisture.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemical Treatments
Harsh chemicals like relaxers, permanent colors, and hot tools can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. If you want to keep your hair hydrated, try to avoid these treatments and opt for natural styles that don’t require heat.
If you must use chemicals, be sure to deep condition your hair regularly to keep it hydrated and strong.
5. Wear Protective Styles
Protective styles like braids, twists, and buns can help keep natural hair hydrated by reducing daily manipulation and breakage. These styles also help to retain moisture by protecting the hair from environmental elements like wind and sun.
When wearing protective styles, be sure not to keep them in for too long. Leaving your hair in protective styles for extended periods can cause breakage and damage to your hair strands.
6. Use a Humidifier
A humidifier can help keep your natural hair hydrated, especially during the colder months when the air is dry. By adding moisture to the air, a humidifier can prevent dryness and breakage, so your hair stays healthy and hydrated.
7. Don’t Overwash Your Hair
While washing your hair is essential for maintaining healthy hair, overwashing can strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Most natural hair types can go two or three weeks without washing, so try to stretch out the time between washes.
When you do wash your hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo or a co-wash, which are gentler on natural hair and won’t strip the hair of its natural oils.
8. Drink Less Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your body, which can lead to dry hair and scalp. If you want to keep your hair hydrated, try to limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
If you do drink alcohol or caffeine, be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
9. Treat Your Hair Gently
Treating your natural hair gently is crucial for keeping it hydrated and healthy. Avoid rough towel-drying and combing your hair when it’s dry. Use a wide-tooth comb, and start at the bottom of your hair, working your way up to prevent breakage and damage.
Also, avoid heat styling your hair and use protective styles when possible. Finally, protect your hair from environmental elements like wind and sun by wearing a hat or scarf.
Conclusion
Hydrating natural hair is essential for keeping it healthy, strong, and beautiful. By following the tips above, you can help prevent dryness, breakage, and shedding, while promoting healthy growth and shine.
FAQs
1. How often should I deep condition my natural hair?
You should deep condition your natural hair at least once a week to keep it hydrated and healthy.
2. Can using too much oil be harmful to my natural hair?
Yes, using too much oil can lead to buildup on your scalp, which can cause breakage and dandruff. Be sure to use oil sparingly and only apply it to the ends of your hair.
3. Can I hydrate my natural hair from the inside out?
Yes, you can hydrate your natural hair from the inside out by drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet full of hydrating fruits and vegetables.
4. Can I deep condition my hair overnight?
Yes, you can deep condition your hair overnight by applying the conditioner to your hair and covering it with a shower cap. Just remember to rinse it out in the morning and style your hair as usual.
References
- Raje, N., & Kansal, S. (2020). Hair Moisturization: An Overview. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 65(5), 330–336. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.IJD_469_18
- Stewart, L. M. (2018). The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care. Saja Publishing Company.
- Yao, C., & Maines, J. (2017). Characteristics and properties of healthy hair. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 68(2), 123–127.