Naturally Exhausted from Durban writes…
Lulz, my hair needs urgent assistance. One of the goals or targets I have set for myself this year is to take care of my hair. I am a nurse and work crazy shifts, so relaxing my hair just made sense. I want healthy, strong hair so I chopped my relaxed hair and decided to go on a healthy natural hair journey. Why didn’t anyone warn me that it would be so tough to manage?
The good days can be good, where I’d find myself in love with my hair. But sjoe, the bad days leave me miserable and questioning my decision. Especially now this summer. The humidity? The sweat? I will leave my house with a nice stretched out neat afro, but the moment I walk out the door, the shrinkage humbles me, and I wear a doek.
My hair is also extremely dry, constantly frizzy and I am tempted to open up a jar of relaxer and just cut a long story short. Because, hey, I can’t take it.
Got any tips for a natural girlie in distress?
My dearest Exhausted
Babes vele natural hair is a journey. And as such, you must always be prepared for the many twists, knots, and bad hair days.
At times, this journey can be frustrating, but it is also very rewarding. Rewarding because darling, it takes patience, love and hydration to grow it.
Natural hair can be your worst enemy if you are clueless. The summer sun and heat tend to strip your hair of moisture and shampooing more often makes it worse. And during seasons like these, many naturals struggle to retain moisture, which evidently leads to severe breakage and a tonne of shedding.
My little birds on the natural hair scene have helped me compile a list of tips for you:
- Protective hairstyles are the saving grace for your coils. Braid that hair, darling. Crowns need constant care, and this can be done with an occasional protective hairstyle.
- Embrace the sweat. Because we sweat more in the summer, this can build up on our scalps and lead to issues down the line if not treated correctly. Sulfate-free shampoos help to cleanse the scalp without stripping the hair of much-needed natural oils. Also, get into the habit of a moisturising routine, my sister, to keep the hair and scalp healthy!
- Hydrate! Get in that water. Drink it or spray some on your hair. Drench that crown then L.O.C. (And by L.O.C I mean leave-in, oil and condition with a mask or crème).
- Deep condition more often. Deep conditioners give your hair more nutrients. Penetrate every follicle. Always be on the lookout for deep conditioners that contain fresh ingredients like avocado and coconut oils.
- Handle her with care. Your hair is an extension of you. Treat her how you want to be handled. Don’t let the knotting frustrate you into submission, take your time when detangling your hair. Always finger detangle, don’t be lazy.
Write to Liewe Lulu
Liewe Lulu is Health For Mzansi’s agony aunty. The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical and/or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition.
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