- Do your research
- Everyone is unique, embrace it! It is important that you find which hair regimen will work for you. Don’t feel the need to try out certain products because everyone else is. That may end up being a waste of money and it could also set unrealistic expectations.
- Eat the right foods
- Eating foods that are rich in protein will help keep your hair moisturized. Salmon, chicken, turkey, dairy products, eggs, legumes, quinoa and nuts, for example, are great options.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are important to keep your hair and scalp hydrated, so try eating salmon, herring, sardines, trout, mackerel, avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts because these foods contain important fats that can only be achieved through one's diet.
- Vitamin A is also important because it is needed to make sebum, your hair's natural oil. With that said, eating vegetables that are high in beta-carotene, such as carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes are great options.
- Biotin is another great option because this water-soluble B vitamin can help revitalize brittle hair and encourage hair growth. Including foods such as liver and whole grains in your diet will benefit you and your hair greatly!
- According to the Institute of Medicine, the adequate intake for women is 2.2 liters (about nine glasses) of water every day. Water is one of the best ways to give your hair the moisture it needs. Dehydration has a direct impact on the growth of ones hair, so it’s important to drink plenty of H2O. Everyone’s hair needs to be lubricated from the inside out and spritzing your hair with water whenever it’s dry won’t be as effective as drinking it.
- Wear protective styles such as braids, twists, and buns to help retain your hair's moisture and length. There’s nothing wrong with leaving your hair down once in a while, but be mindful that the ends of your hair will rub against your clothes, which may cause breakage. To prevent that, we at CurlSistas.com suggest that you try putting your hair up and tucking in your ends neatly. Here at CurlSistas, we LOVE Bantu Knots as protective styles. Plus, you get bouncy curls afterwards!
- Seal the ends of your hair with a product that contains oils and butters so that it will be soft, moisturized and manageable. This is also a great way to retain hair length. Here are some products we suggest:
- Castor Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Shea Moisture’s Leave In Conditioner
- Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie
- Coconut Oil
- Trim your hair every six months
- Trimming your ends prevents split ends from occurring and will boost hair growth.
- Deep condition your hair (especially during the winter)
- Leaving a great conditioner in your hair for about 15-30 minutes will help you achieve healthy moisturized hair, especially if you use shampoo (which can be drying due to sulfates). Using a deep conditioner will restore the moisture that was lost and as a result, your hair will be manageable
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[show_shopthepost_widget id="219056"]What's your go-to regiment for moisturizing your tresses?
xo, Chinwe
Photo above of Vanessa Denis and Sasha Lee, April 13, 2014
Photography - Toni Smailagic
Hair - Valerie Price, owner of Valerie Signature Salon for Natural Hair in Harlem, NYC
Styling - Joy Adaeze
Makeup - Dre Brown