These tips from pro hairstylist Charlotte Mensah will help you on your natural hair journey.
All credits: PA
The natural hair movement is hardly a new one, but as Afro hair is increasingly visible in the media, more and more women are thinking about growing theirs out.
However, it’s not necessarily the easiest thing to do, particularly if your locks have been subjected to years of chemical straightening. Even big stars have had their struggles – take Ciara, who recently posted on Instagram her joy about finally managing to grow her hair out after the damage done by relaxer when she was younger.
Ciara’s not the only celebrity who’s opened up about their natural hair journey. In the past, singer Janelle Monae gave advice to women with hair like hers, telling Essence: “Embrace your hair. Natural hair has always been in, but its celebrated even more now. So let your natural hair shine. There’s so much beauty in our natural state.”
1. Give yourself about 6-8 months – by then you should have enough growth to get excited.
2. The goal is to blend two different textures into one – try twist-out roller sets or rod sets – these stretched styles will help make the two different textures have a unified curl pattern.
3. Depending on the length you have to start with, make sure to get a good trim each month to get rid of split ends.
4. Deep condition your hair with a rich hydrating hair mask weekly.
5. Cut down on how often you use styling tools like blow dryers or straighteners. Try air drying all your styles instead.
6. Always de-tangle when your hair when is wet and slippery with conditioner, using a wide tooth comb or paddle brush. Start at the ends and work your way upwards.