Our hair has no natural lubrication apart from the natural oils produced by the scalp which is called “sebum”. It depends on this oil to keep your hair moisturized and there’s a possibility that this oil doesn’t spread to your ends due to the way our afro hair coils and curls. This therefore makes it a necessity for you to know how to keep your hair moisturized all the time.
Apart from this, your scalp may not be making any or enough of this oil due to a number of factors like age, stress, weather and nutrition. And if the porosity of your hair is high with open cuticles, you find out that moisture escapes quite easily leaving your hair dry and brittle and dry hair is synonymous with breakage.
To prevent having dry hair, your best bet is to know how to keep your hair moisturized always. Keep reading to know how.
9 Ways to Keep Your Hair Moisturised
1. Pre-poo Before Shampooing
You should pre-poo before shampooing on wash days so as not to strip your hair completely of its natural oils.
2. Silicon and Sulfate aren’t Good for Your Hair
Avoid hair products with ingredients like silicon, sulphate, paraben, sodium and lauryl.
3. Avoid Heat
Avoid heat at all costs as it dries out your hair. Opt for heatless methods of stretching or styling your hair.
4. Deep Condition Regularly
Deep condition your hair regularly, preferably on your wash days. It helps you retain extra moisture and helps to repair damaged hair.
5. Limit Exposure to Sunlight
Limit exposing your hair to heat from direct sunlight. If possible, use UV protectant sprays.
6. Wear Satin Hair Bonnet
Another step on how to keep your hair moisturised is to wear satin hair bonnets or use a silk pillowcase. They help to retain moisture in your hair
7. Avoid Washing Your Hair Too Frequently
Don’t wash your hair too frequently. Opt for once a week or once in two weeks depending on how oily or dry your hair is.
8. Moisturize Regularly
Moisturize each time your hair feels dry using either the LOC or LCO method.
LOC is an abreviation for:
L- Leave in conditioner or Liquid
O- Oils e.g Argan, coconut, castor, olive or jojoba oil
C- Cream – moisturizing or strengthening hair creams/butters like Shea, cocoa or mango butter.
LCO is an abbreviation for:
Liquid
Creams
Oils
9. Massage Your Hair with Oil
After moisturizing, it is necessary to lock in the moisture with oils and creams so it doesn’t dry up. Regularly massage your scalp with oils to avoid dry scalp which may lead to dandruff or shedding.
These are easy ways on how to keep your hair moisturised so you can have a healthy hair. Following them will help you prevent brittle hair which could lead to breakage.
