Back to Basics: Natural Hair Care | ExpatWoman.com
 

Back to Basics: Natural Hair Care

It's what most women wish for... An easily maintained, beautifully silky, fuss-free barnet!

Posted on

24 June 2015

Last updated on 1 October 2019
Back to Basics: Natural Hair Care
We're often told in popular culture and magazines about the fantastic products that are most popular, the best and most trendy at the time. Nonetheless, lots of these products may use harsh chemicals that may spoil the quality and length of your hair. Most of us use harsh colours to gain our desired look, and with the added damage from hair styling tools... Often we'll find ourselves with split ends, dull and nutritious-less hair.
 

Nonetheless, with these natural hair care remedies, bring an end to your love/hate relationship with your locks. 

1. Nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle

While you may sigh and dread the thought of having to go back to the days of dieting and healthy eating, don't fight it off too much! Afterall, by drinking lots of water and including protein into your diet you'll have beautiful tresses in no time. Lentils and meat are fantastic sources of protein. Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that promotes hair growth and can be sourced in green, leafy vegetables, carrots and cod liver oil. Include them all into your diet! 

2. Refrain from using hair styling treatments, products and tools

Hair dye, peroxide, styling wands, blow dryers, gels, hairspray, backcombing tools... All will cause damage to your tresses in one way or another. And all will only spoil your hair growth and quality in the long run. Therefore, we advice you to embrace the natural beauty of your hair and find a way to avoid chemical based treatments or too hot styling tools. Or at least, use them rarely.


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3. Use a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type

Try to find a good combination of products that are especially designed for the concerns of your hair type.

4. Keep your scalp clean and free from oil

It's best to find a balance as to how often you should wash your hair. It should ideally be frequently, depending on the oiliness of your skin, as well as your hairs exposure to dirt and dust. However, it's not good to wash your hair daily, or twice daily, as you can strip it from all of it's natural oils, which are essential for healthy hair to grow! Not to worry if you don't have chance - there's always the benefits of dry shampoo on your lazy days.

If you fear that washing your hair frequently is harmful to your type of hair, why not try going without shampoo? 

5. Use aloe vera or curd for conditioning

These are two of the most effective, natural cures to replenishing your locks! Aloe vera can breath a new life in the way your hair looks and feels... And it only takes a small amount of the aloe vera gel to work its magic! Use it instead of your usual hair conditioner, let it sit on your hair for a minute or two and then rinse. Doing this regularly will ensure you see the beneficial effects of this natural treatment. If you wish to add volume to your barnet, apply the aloe vera as a hair mask and leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse. We can guarantee you'll see more volume and shine after regular use.

When using curd, mix two table spoons of the curd with one table spoon of lemon juice and apply it on your hair, both on the roots and length. Use this instead of your hair conditioner after shampooing, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. You hair will be shiny, soft and have a silky feel in no time! 

6. Don't comb wet hair, and avoid the hair dryer

It's best to let your hair dry naturally! 

7. Get enough sleep

It seems our barnets reflect any anxieties that we may be experiencing. Therefore, in order for your hair to be happy, you need to be happy! 

8. Be gentle

Take extra care and avoid being harsh when combing, drying or styling your hair because harsh and quick movements can really damage your tresses.

9. Use cold or lukewarm water for hair wash

Using water that is a little too hot or more can actually damage the tips of your hair, causing split ends and frizziness. And nobody wants that. 

10. Deep conditioning hair masks are heaven!

If you're really determined to take good care of your tresses, apply a good, deep conditioning hair mask regularly - like once a week or two. You can actually DIY from products in your kitchen cupboard, like coconut oil, castor oil or olive oil. Just apply any, while slightly warmed up, on the roots of your hair and spread it to your lengths. Keep it on and wrapped for a good 40 minutes, then wash. You hair will feel shinier and more elasticated! 

 
 

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