Afro hair should be celebrated because it is beautiful and diverse. It can be styled naturally, straight or wavy; the possibilities are endless. However, it can be quite hard to take of. Its texture means that afro hair tends to get dry or break more easily. This is why it is important to know how to take care of your curls. There are many quick and affordable ways African men and women can take care of their hair.

WASHING YOUR HAIR

Afro hair varies from person to person, but the general rule is that it should not be washed everyday. The more curly your hair is, the more dry it becomes, because the hair does not absorb the moisture properly. It is recommended to wash your hair once a week. This means that when using a shampoo, it is important to use a moisturising shampoo (one that does not dry the hair out too much), then a good conditioner, and finally, a leave-in conditioner. Long story short, afro hair maintenance can require a lot of products, some of which you can make at home.

HOMEMADE LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Honey Butter Balm:

• 1 oz. shea butter
• 1 oz. coconut oil
• A few drops of essential lavender oil
• 1 tsp of honey

Mix all of the ingredients together and then massage it through your scalp after you have washed your hair.

Shea butter and coconut oil are known for their moisturising properties and honey makes your hair soft. Lavender oil encourages hair growth, smells lovely but is not necessary for the hair mask. Other products such as eggs and castor help the hair remain smooth and moisturised.

CURL MAINTENANCE

Curls: They are beautiful but hard to maintain, especially in warm and humid weather, where they can form knots. This also makes brushing your hair at the end of the day, a painful task. Long-terms styles such as cornrows and braids keep your hair protected during the day, and you can wear your natural hair out whenever you want to. Going to bed with a silk scarf wrapped around your hair is good because it does not cause your hair to frizz and it does not absorb the moisture.

Curl definers are also helpful in maintaining your afro, but can also be quite expensive. Similarly to the leave-in conditioner, this can be made at home as well. You will need:

• Hair conditioner
• Coconut oil
• Honey
• Sea salt

Mix the conditioner and the honey together. After they are well combined, add the sea salt. Finally, add a bit of coconut oil and once the mixture is done, massage through wet hair.

People are free to style their hair in whatever way they wish. Being able to wear your natural hair with pride, should not be expensive or difficult. The way in which a person styles their hair can be more about practicality. It can also be a form of self-expression.

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