How to healthy afro textured hair during the winter

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Winter's coming and along with it comes all its associated problems of dry skin, lips and  hair.  And, if you're like me, wearing the various wool hats and scarves to keep roasty toasty, practically shaves off the already dry and fragile edges.   So, a special SOS goes out for hair help right away if your hair is to remain healthy during the winter months.  What special tips are there for keeping afro textured hair well moisturized during the winter months? 



Hydration and health from the inside out

The best way to hydrate your hair is from within.  Drink plenty of water, at least 64 ounces daily which not only moisturize hair, but skin and internally as well.

Make sure to eat plenty of healthy foods and vegetables such as collard greens, kale, whole grains, nuts and fish oils which are important in overall health, and in healthy hair. Take a good multiple vitamin which will help in this regard and also provide a good healthy dose of the B vitamins.

Conditioners and moisturizers au naturelle

There are some fabulous recipes out there for those of you who are adventurous enough to try them.  For example, shea butter is a magnificent way to moisturize and condition the hair.  It also is good for stimulating collagen production in the skin as well as for treating eczema, psoriasis and many other skin diseases.

 To make your own moisturizers and conditioners, trying whipping a small amount of shea butter (after briefly warming in the microwave).  You can then add one of the healthful oils out there such as olive oil, vitamin E, vitamin A, almond oil or coconut oil. This will give it a double dose of healthy moisturizers.  Apply to hair.  Cover with a plastic cap for about 15 minutes.  Wash as normal.

Hot oil treatment

Hot oil treatmenty have been the beauticians #1 assist for damaged and dry hair nourishment.  There are many brands to choose from, so just take your pick. Try to avoid the chemical preservatives out there such as the parabens, propylene glycol and opthers.  Try to get one that is vitamin fortified with vitamins A, E or sage oil. Condition weekly or as needed.

Again, you can use a completely natural oil such as  almond oil. Almond oil is great for strengthening the hair as well as for moisturizing.  It can be used in between shampoos at night for conditioning, as well as for use when shampooing.  Apply to hair and cover with a plastic cap for about   15 minutes.  Wash out as usual.

These are just a few suggestions.  Please feel free to leave further ideas and comments at the end of the article.


Related articles

• Shea Butter as a moisturizer and emollient (healthlifestyleforever.com)
• Ready for the Season? Secrets to Healthy Natural Hair in the Colder Months (urbanbellemag.com)
• Foods for an Amazing Appearance (healthnews.ediets.com)

How to have healthy Afro-textured hair

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In attempting to keep up with current beauty trends, I have seen women with textured hair do inestimable damage with coloring, rinses, tinting, relaxers, texturizers, braids and other styling techniques. As a result, many suffer from shedding and breakage, split ends, dry damaged scalp and slow, imperceptible growth. These problems are so pervasive that they have lead to the belief that African American-type hair does not grow. Not true. Let's investigate what's going on here a little deeper.

Anatomy of textured hair

Afro-textured hair is similar in composition to other hair types as far as the keratin content and structure. The difference is the amount of curl or spirals in the hair which are due to coiled-like growth patterns. Also, this hair has slightly less lipids which causes it to be on the drier side making it more subject to breakage.

Now, compound this with regular chemical and relaxer use, super heated blow drying, straightening combs and curling irons, your hair doesn't stand a chance. It's really a miracle that we aren't bald. What can be done?

The solution

The solution is to stop killing your hair! Give it a rest. Today's styles are cute and fun, but at the expense of your hair and scalp? It's not worth it. Leave the relaxer and perms alone-period. There are so many things that you can do with extensions and weaves, such as color, different textures and lengths, it is really a dream come true. Your hair can rest while you experiment with such styling options. Just be careful to maintain your hair by conditioning, which will be examined a little later. Also, be mindful of the tension on your hairline when preparing for weaves and extensions since this can cause tension alopecia.

To start your new regimen, have your stylist examine your hair's condition, if necessary, cut off the damaged hair and start anew. I know, it's difficult, but I've been there, done that. Next, condition, condition and condition. And by that I mean with natural hair care products, not the chemical laden hair treaments that tend to be drying themselves because many of them contain alcohol. (Read the labels, you'd be surprised.)There is an entire natural pharmacy of products out there that can strength your hair. I am learning about them and loving it.

Natural beauty and natural hair


Enjoy the healthy moisturizing treatment of shea butter or avocado oil. These are tried and true hair health builders that moisten, condition and add luster and shine to your hair. Olive oil treatments are excellent as well as they are full of antioxidants and are fantastic for moisturizing and nourishing your hair back to health. Almond oil and henna are hair strengtheners and are used by women from all over the world. Henna is a natural hair colorant which covers the gray without the damage of chemicals.

Also, to tame the curliness and texture in the hair use dairy products such as milk, sour cream or yogurt. These products contain lactic acid which help stretch out the curl pattern and contain protein, just like the hair does.


Above all, make sure that you are staying health internally by drinking plenty of water, get lots of fresh air and sunshine and take a good multiple vitamin supplement along with a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and protein.

By being patient and steadfast, the fruits of your labors will be many as you see your hair growing in much healthier and longer.


Sources:

Alma, "Shrinkage in natural curly black hair, how to work with it" http://www.blackhairinformation.com/