Calling all curly-haired Chronicle readers! Let’s talk about Black hair care.
If you’re Black, you know that having a hair routine is important, but it’s also taxing. Hours spent twisting hair to make an afro. Other hair care routine might be a little less intensive. Finding the correct hair care routine can be difficult to find.
A Chicago-based Black cosmetologist/barber, referred to as Jovan, has agreed to share some Black hair care tips:
- Oil your scalp every 2-4 days. Jovan recommends Wild Growth Hair Oil, but but if you can’t get to it, Jamaican castor oil is also good, and both can assist with rapid hair growth.
- Wash your hair every couple of weeks. With natural hair, we can wash it less frequently. You can adjust this based on how quickly your hair gets dirty, but every two weeks is preferable.
- Wear protective styles. As amazing as having our hair out and flourishing is, Jovan reminds us that it can get damaged if we leave it for too long. Not to mention, it can get seriously tangled or matted. Depending on the texture of your curly hair, you might only have to do this one or two times a week versus three or four, but don’t be afraid to two-strand twist, Bantu knot or cornrow your hair every once in a while.
- Wear a proper hair covering when sleeping. Durags and silk scarves are our friends! Jovan reminds us to avoid cotton scarves and get silk pillowcases, especially if your head wrapping comes off often (shoutout to our wild sleepers). Sleeping with your hair covered up gives it protection and makes it easier to style the next day.
- Never comb/style your hair dry. You may be tempted to do so if you’re in a rush, but it’s okay to just get a spray bottle and keep water in it. Better still if that spray bottle has two-thirds water and one-third leave-in conditioner (it must be leave-in). Styling curly hair dry means it will be more painful and you’ll pull more hair out than necessary.
- Do a hair detox every once in a while. Just like most wash day activities, you’ll want to set aside time to do a hair detox. Instead of washing your hair and finishing your routine, you can make your own detox formula at home, or buy some at the store. Also known clarifying shampoo, it will stimulate your hair follicles and clear acne, oil and product buildup. Double-check the instructions on the box and make sure to patch-test on your skin to make sure it won’t cause you more harm than good, and then apply generously and put on a shower cap for about half an hour.
These hair care tips hopefully were to those of with mesmerizing curls. Everyone’s hair journey is different, but it’s important to support each other along the way.
