Comfort Yakubu
In the past chemically modified hair was in vogue among black women, chemicals called relaxers were used to alter the texture of kinkier hair. It was believed that natural kinky hair was not beautiful and those who kept natural hair were considered non-sophisticated, Local, and ‘unfashionable’ until the recent wave of black women returning to natural hair.
Today natural hair is in vogue, celebrities and many black women are reverting to their natural hair globally. Although the process of going natural can be frustrating and painful knowing how to maintain and care for the hair makes a difference.
Patricia Daniel’s is a mother of 3 speaking on her journey to natural hair, she said, “I decided to return to natural hair because relaxers were damaging my hair, my hair was light and unhealthy hence I decided to go Natural so I cut my hair and went on dreadlocks. I go to the salon every two weeks to wash and maintain my hair am happy and enjoying my hair now.
Amaka Okoro on her part said “I am tired of relaxers and the way they were destroying my hair so when natural hair came back to vogue, I went for it and I have no regrets Because, I enjoy carrying my natural hair weaving and packing it in different styles, most importantly, my hair is healthier now
Tips on maintaining Natural hair
Maintenance for African hair includes washing about once a week, regular moisturizing for protection.
Products for natural hair can be expensive however There are many Nigerian products that are just as effective in maintaining natural hair.
This 100 percent natural oils are not only cheap but do a great job keeping your natural hair healthy and beautiful. These include Shea butter, Coconut oil, and Castor palm kernel oil among others. They repair damaged hair and add moisture to dry and brittle, hair. They also hydrate, softens, conditions, and beautifies the natural hair.
Shea butter restores moisture to hair that has been damaged from chemical hair treatments, blow dryers, straighteners, and other hair tools that damage natural hair.
Castor oil mostly used for the scalp it is known to improve blood circulation in the scalp and to aid regrowth of healthier hair. It is thick and a little heavy, but very healthy for your natural hair.
