Tofunmi Adekola: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LONG AND HEALTHY HAIR!

It is agreeable that hair extensions are one of the greatest inventions ever, but taking good care of your own natural hair is a must! This is simply because your natural hair is that one crown that you never take off. Your hair is one of the first things people notice about you ; honestly , if your hair looks good you can deal with almost anything! This article is a guide to how you can achieve beautiful and healthy hair . If you plan on adding those to your checklist anytime soon, make sure you read till the end and take notes of all the tips I’m about to share!

1.AVOID EXCESSIVE USE OF HEAT :
Using too much heat will literally dry out your hair . If possible, air dry your hair after washing . Also , try to replace tools like flat irons and curling irons with no heat tools such as wet sets , flexi rods , curl formers etc . On the days when you have to use heat to style or dry your hair , do not forget to always use a heat protectant first to avoid damage to your hair.

2.USE A SILK BONNET/SILK PILLOWCASE TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR WHILE SLEEPING:

There is less friction between the hair and a silk material compared to cotton and other materials. Silk material prevents the hair from getting frizzy and silk bonnets can help the hair to retain moisture while sleeping.

3.RELAX YOUR HAIR USING A HEALTHY PROCEDURE:

When natural hair is relaxed , chemicals are introduced to the hair and therefore there is controlled damage. However, how you care for your hair before, during and after relaxing it determines the extent to which chemicals from relaxers can damage your hair .
Before relaxing your hair :
• Do not shampoo your hair 3-4 days prior to adding a relaxer .
• Do not braid your hair 3-4 days prior to adding a relaxer.
• Do not itch your scalp or “try to take out dandruff “ . Basically, leave your scalp alone !
• Do add conditioner/oils to soften and coat your hair before adding a relaxer.
While  relaxing your hair :
• Make sure you use the service of a professional hair stylist.
• Relax mostly new growth. Do not relax your ends or previously relaxed hair.
• Relax your edges last. That part of your hair is the most vulnerable.
After relaxing your hair:
• Wash with a protein based shampoo to help your hair recover its nutrients.
• Use deep conditioner/ leave in conditioner.
• Do not braid/ plait your hair immediately. A ponytail is a horrible idea( a part of my scalp was literally bald when I did a ponytail immediately after adding a relaxer)
• Do not tie your hair. Try to Keep it straight .
• Do sleep with a bonnet.

4.CHOOSING THE RIGHT HAIR PRODUCTS:

Hear me out; not every product labeled “shampoo” or “conditioner” is good for your hair. Check the ingredients of everything you consume, including your hair products. Do research and see what’s good for your hair type (I.e course, natural, relaxed etc) so you’ll know what to look out for when buying products. I’ll also advice you to substitute chemicals with organic products made from plants as much as you can. Products with Ingredients like Indian hemp , natural oils (coconut oil , argan oil, rosemary oil etc) onion juice , aloe Vera are perfect for hair growth.

5.HOMEMADE HAIR RECIPES:
Would you believe me if I told you that there are masks and other products you can make from the comfort of your home that will give you shiny and healthy hair?
Examples of such include:
• Homemade protein hair mask:
This mask is good especially for people who recently relaxed their hair or people who have a curl pattern and want to maintain them. Ingredients for this include:
⁃ 1 Avocado, 1 egg, plain yoghurt, honey, mayonnaise.
⁃ Blend together till it’s smooth.
⁃ Apply and Comb to ensure even application.
⁃ Cover with a shower cap.
⁃ Rinse off after 1 hour .
⁃ Wash hair with shampoo and conditioner.
⁃ Apply oil.

•Rice water:

Using water from washed rice originates from ancient Chinese women who use it to get long and shiny hair. However, this procedure should not be done too often to avoid a protein overload which can make your hair dry and brittle. Once every month is recommended .
⁃ Wash rice and keep the water used in washing the rice.
⁃ Leave water in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 1-2 days.
⁃ Rinse clean hair with rice water.
⁃ Put on a shower cap and wait for one hour.
⁃ Shampoo and condition hair .

• Aloe Vera :

⁃ Cut aloe Vera stem.
⁃ Separate gel and blend till smooth.
⁃ Apply evenly on hair.
⁃ Put on shower cap to lock in moisture.
⁃ Leave overnight.
⁃ Shampoo and condition hair.

6.DO NOT USE A SHAMPOO MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK :

Also , try to use as little product as possible. This is to avoid hair from drying out.

7.AVOID EXCESSIVE USE OF OIL AND CREAM:
Moisture is good for hair but too much of oil and hair cream will lead to an oily scalp which makes you successive to dandruff.

Do not forget that the journey to healthy hair is a process and just like every other process, it involves consistency and hard work. I hope these few tips were helpful enough.
See you on the other side where hair is shiny , long and most importantly,healthy!