What is natural hair?
Natural hair is the hair texture that naturally grows from the scalp in its unique curly, frizzy or wavy shape. Unlike straight hair, natural hair has texture and is not altered by chemical treatments such as relaxers or straighteners. Even if it is temporarily straightened by heat, such as a silk press, it is still considered natural because it returns to its original curls after washing.
Caring for natural hair often requires products rich in moisturizers and conditioning agents, as well as avoiding parabens and alcohol. This hair type requires extra moisture to stay healthy and is commonly categorized by curl type and pattern, which differentiates it from straight hair in a few key ways:
- It is drier and requires regular moisture.
- It's hard to over-maintain it.
- It is more sensitive and prone to hair breakage.
In recent years, a huge movement towards natural hair acceptance has developed, with many people now choosing to celebrate their curls, frizz and waves as they are, rather than using chemical products to alter their natural texture.
Understanding your natural hair type
Not all curls are the same! Natural hair is generally divided into types 2 (wavy), 3 (curly) and 4 (frizzy), with various subcategories:
- Type 2 (Wavy): Ranges from loose, slightly wavy hair (2A) to more defined, textured waves (2C).
- Type 3 (Curly): Has bouncy curls that range from loose ringlets (3A) to tighter corkscrew curls (3C).
- Type 4 (Kraus): Includes very tight curls, from small, defined spirals (4A) to denser, zigzag curls (4C) that are highly textured and prone to shrinkage.
It is possible that you have more than one type of curl on your head, which makes hair care individual.
care for your natural hair
Knowing your curl type will help you design your care routine:
- Type 2 (Wavy): Use lightweight products like mousses and light oils that will define your waves without weighing them down.
- Type 3 (Curly): Use moisturizing masks and curl creams to hydrate your curls and avoid dryness.
- Type 4 (Kraus): Choose rich, thick moisturizers and deep conditioners to protect and soften your curls, as they need plenty of moisture to stay healthy.
Popular natural hairstyles and tips for the transition
When transitioning from chemically treated hair to natural hair, try protective hairstyles like twists, braids, cornrows or Bantu knots. These styles minimize hair manipulation, promote growth and reduce breakage.
Dos and Don'ts for Natural Hair
- Dyeing natural hair: You can dye natural hair, but it's best to have it done by a professional. Dyed hair needs extra care through deep conditioning treatments to prevent damage.
- Texturizing and heat styling: Texturizers will permanently change your curl pattern, so if you want truly natural hair, avoid them. For heat styling, always use a heat protectant and keep the temperature moderate to avoid damage.
What to use?
- Profix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo Paraben & Sulfate free 414ml
- 392830
Why is winter so stressful for natural hair?
Winter brings the worst conditions for natural hair. The cold, dry air outside and the heated, dry air inside strip your hair of moisture, leaving it dry, tangled and more prone to breakage. Add to that the friction from hats, scarves and sweaters that can tug at your hair and damage it. But don't worry! With the right care, you can protect your hair even in the colder months.
How can you protect your hair in winter?
Here are some tried and tested winter hair care tips to keep your natural hair healthy and hydrated:
- Wear protective hairstyles
Protective styles like braids or twists will help lock in moisture and protect your hair from the elements. But don't forget to lightly mist your roots every few days to keep them hydrated. Avoid wash-and-go styles in the winter, as they expose your hair too much to dry air and wind. - doubling nutrients
A balanced diet will keep your hair strong. Stay hydrated and add plenty of protein, vitamins and healthy fats. Foods like nuts, spinach, fish and sweet potatoes provide the nutrients your hair needs to stay resilient. - Using steam for your hair
Steam helps hydrate your hair and lock moisture into the strands. An easy way to use steam is to take a warm shower and let the steam nourish your hair - but make sure you dry it before leaving the house, as wet hair loses moisture faster in the cold. - Use an anti-humectant
Anti-humectants are oils or butters that lock in moisture in your hair. After moisturizing, apply a small amount of an anti-humectant such as vitamin E oil or apple seed oil to seal in moisture and protect your hair from the dry winter air. - Cut off split ends
Winter can make split ends worse. Give your hair a fresh trim before winter to remove damaged ends and prevent further splitting. This small trim can save you more breakage later. - Protect your hair from winter clothes
Hats and scarves can cause friction, which leads to hair breakage. To protect your hair, line your hat with a thin silk cap or silk scarf. This will reduce friction on your hair and keep it smooth and secure. - Avoid heat and drying chemicals
Winter is a great time to avoid heat styling and products with drying ingredients. Avoid flat irons, blow dryers, and products with harsh chemicals like sulfates or alcohol that strip your hair's natural oils. Instead, opt for gentle, moisturizing products to keep your hair hydrated. - Regular deep care
Deep care is essential in winter.It provides your hair with an extra dose of moisture and nutrients to keep it soft and manageable. Use natural, nourishing deep conditioners to give your hair the attention it needs.
With a customized care routine and these winter-friendly practices, you can keep your natural hair healthy and happy all season long.