While Mother’s Day is a chance for mothers to get pampered, let’s face it - not every day is like this. On most days, you will have to juggle getting ready for work, preparing breakfast, lunch and dinners for your family, and keeping the house tidy. However, accomplishing so many tasks in a day can leave you with very little time for your self-care. Maintaining a healthier hair routine can be part of this self-care regime, but, how do you get the most from your natural hair in the least amount of time? Continue reading for our tried-and-tested ways to make your afro haircare regime a breeze.
Use Curling Methods That Are Kinder To Your Afro Hair
There’s nothing better than being able to show off your natural curls. While a curling iron can make it easier to achieve bounce and definition on those busy mornings, using this tool too often with the highest heat settings will damage your hair in the long term. So try more gentle ways to enhance your natural curls.
For instance, our Curl Elongating Gel with Flaxseed Oil is a gentle gel that moisturises your natural hair and can stretch it with definition. To start this natural curling process, section your hair into four parts. Then, apply the gel to your fingertips and finger curl your afro hair within all sections.
Purchase The Right Products
If you are using hair products with alcohol, petroleum, parabens and sulphates, it's best to stop that. These ingredients do not love your afro hair and can prevent your hair shaft from retaining moisture which then causes damage to your scalp. Instead, use water-based products with plant-based natural oils to moisturise your natural hair. These products will make your afro hair easier to manage, which means you can spend less time caring for it.
Not sure which set of products to start with? Try our water-infused Sofnfree Naturals range for an easy 3-step routine. First, begin with our Hydration Shampoo with Manuka Honey which, if used at least once a week, can provide you with a much needed cleanse. Then, our Conditioner with Manuka Honey and Avocado works twice as hard to lock in moisture, improve the elasticity of your curls, and give it a natural shine. After washing your afro hair, finish this natural hair care routine with our Curling Creme With Coconut & Jamaican Black Castor Oils. This mixture can enhance your definition when used to fingerstyle your hair into curls or waves.
Protect Your Ends
Hair that is prone to breakage can be difficult and time-consuming to manage. Breakage can start with split ends or ends that are not trimmed regularly. To maintain healthier hair, try trimming your ends every 3 to 4 months. You might need to cut your hair more often if your curls are damaged and need to be restored. Next, you can also oil your ends to protect them from environmental and styling damage. Our Everyday Curl Refresh with Coconut & Jamaican Black Castor Oils can help you do this as it can revive your afro curls daily and prevent breakage.
Use a Protective Style To Save Time
Want a hairstyle that will help your hair grow, protect your ends, and be fun to wear? Then you can also opt for a protective style. No matter what style you choose, make sure it minimises tension on your scalp and that you change this type of style every 4 to 8 weeks to keep your scalp and hair healthy. For example, you could wear a high bun updo, half up Bantu knots, or cornrows. Before shaping your curls into the desired style, go for our Curling Mousse with Flaxseed Oil & Rosewater to hold your look in place and keep your curls soft and conditioned.
Deep Condition While Doing Other Tasks
Adopting a deep conditioning routine for your afro hair once a week can enhance the look and feel. You will need a hydrating conditioner and a shower cap. After washing your hair, apply your desired conditioner on your curls, especially your ends. Then twist your hair, clip it in place on top of your head, and put a shower cap on it.
Then, carry on with the rest of your day for the next half an hour (or the time mentioned on the product you are using), whether watching TV, doing the laundry or working out. The sweatier, the better, as the heat can encourage more moisture retention! Once the time is up, rinse this mixture from your afro hair. To seal in the moisture from this deep conditioning process, use our Leave-In Conditioner with Manuka Honey & Avocado Oil to prevent hair loss, reduce split ends, and nourish the scalp.
Consume Food That Aids Natural Hair Growth
Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, fruit, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains to improve the likelihood of healthier hair and a scalp to match. Foods like spinach and asparagus contain vitamin A and C which can keep your curls naturally hydrated. Additionally, you can achieve stronger curls that are less likely to break by including eggs, chicken and other lean forms of protein in your diet. Pomegranate seeds also contain punicic acid, strengthening your hair follicles and improving blood circulation to the scalp.
Sleep In The Right Way For Your Afro Curls
Sleeping without wrapping your curls in a satin scarf or bonnet is one of the biggest mistakes. Not doing this every night will result in dry hair prone to breakage due to your hair coming into contact with a cotton pillowcase.
Achieving healthier, more manageable curls every day will become easier if you follow the above tips consistently. Then, before you know it, your day will be simplified by a haircare routine that works for you and frees up time for more important things.