The conversation around hair care is usually synonymous with expensive products, especially in the Black community. Many people have pushed the narrative that you cannot effectively take care of afro-textured hair without using tons of products. And these are usually on the pricey end. However, this narrative is false. There are many simple ways to maintain your hair without buying expensive hair products. Not to say that those products don’t work, but then, you can take care of your hair without solely relying on them.
If you’re wondering how this is possible, here’s a guide on simple ways to care for your hair without spending so much on expensive products. If you’re on a budget or feel comfortable using simple methods, read on to see you can effectively do this.
Hair care items
Here are some items you’ll need:
- Sulphate-free shampoo
- Hair conditioner (either leave-in or wash-off)
- Shea butter
- Silk or satin bonnet or scarf
- Simple deep conditioning mask
Guide
The following steps are the simple ways to care for your hair using the items listed above:
- Use sulphate-free shampoo— Using a shampoo with sulphur or sulphur-related compounds leads to hair damage. When buying your shampoo, always read the ingredients to ensure that it does not contain sulphur.
- Use a conditioner after washing your hair— Doing this helps strengthen and add more nutrients to your hair.
- Substitute the pricey hair butter for shea butter— Shea butter contains nutrients like vitamin E that aid hair growth and retain moisture.
- Add some moisture to your hair before combing— A simple way to moisturize your hair before combing is to add water and a few drops of leave-in conditioner. Use a spray bottle to spray the mixture on your hair. Doing this helps reduce hair breakage, and it’s an inexpensive way to moisturize hair without using a packaged moisturizer.
- Do a deep conditioning treatment monthly— Every month or so, you need to do a deep conditioning treatment. A simple way to make an inexpensive DIY deep conditioning mask is to mix one mashed banana, a quarter cup of yoghurt, two tablespoons of honey and olive/coconut oil and one tablespoon of chebe powder (optional). Apply on your hair and scalp, then leave it for about 30 minutes to one hour before rinsing off.
- Keep your hair in protective styles— Protective styles like braids, wigs, and extensions help protect the hair from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays. These ultraviolet rays weaken the hair strands and make them more susceptible to breakage.
- Sleep with a silk or satin bonnet or scarf— This should be self-explanatory, but sleeping with your hair covered protects it from breakage and prevents moisture loss.
Hair maintenance shouldn’t cost a fortune, and this simple hair care guide helps to solidify that fact. Using this guide will help you maintain the healthiness of your hair and prevent breakage.