Introduction
Whether you’ve been a natural for years or you want to experience your curls for yourself, it’s important to know the very basics of natural hair care. In this article, we’ll be discussing the very foundation of natural hair care.
The Big Chop
A “big chop” is when you cut off all your chemically processed hair. The way you decide to big chop your hair can vary from person to person. So, what are some common methods
- Completely shaving your head
- Only cutting off the processed parts
- Only cutting off the processed parts
- Slowly trimming and growing out your hair until it’s all natural.
These are the most popular methods but choose the one that works best for you. Just make sure that when you do your big chop, you use professional scissors and you cut freshly washed hair.
Pre-Pooing
If you’ve never heard of pre-pooing (pre-shampooing), this process might just become your best friend. Pre-pooing is when you use hydrophilic oils to help promote moisture retention before you wash your hair. You lightly coat your hair in the oil for a short amount of time, detangle it, and then wash it. Now, it might sound crazy to some, but pre-pooing has improved many people’s hair quality for years.
This process is great for people with low porosity hair, those struggling with moisture retention, and those with brittle ends.
Wash Day
Having healthy, hydrated hair is the foundation of a good hair care routine. The first step is to choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair care needs. Do you want to promote growth? Quench thirst? Maybe have stronger hair? Then you’ll want to purchase natural shampoos that promote these things. Make sure that the shampoo and conditioner that you use doesn’t contain carcinogens like phthalates or sulfates. These products are not only nutrient stripping, but very bad for your body in general.
After your shower, its important to lock in as much moisture and hydration as possible. That’s why it’s so great to use Safo’s Hydration Ritual. It comes with Safo’s Hair Moisturizer and Scalp Serum. With ingredients like CBD oil, Avocado oil, and soothing honey to help nourish your scalp and hair, you’ll feel like you’re having a luxurious wash day.
Once you’ve finished using the Safo Hydration Ritual, dry your hair with a microfiber towel and or blow dryer on the cool setting. Using these tools will help retain moisture, prevent frizz, and reduce the chances of breakage.
Deep Conditioning
Sometimes pre-poos and conditioners just don’t cut in the moisture department, and just need a little boost. That’s where a good deep conditioner comes in. Deep conditioners are great for hydrating your ends, strengthening hair, and enhancing the quality of your curls.
How to use a deep conditioner will vary from brand to brand. The main take away from a deep conditioner is that you’ll wear it for the recommended amount of time and wash it out. Simple as that! Once your hair is nice and dry, it’s time to style it.
Styling Your Hair
Having effortless looking styles is one of the best things about going natural. It’s important to make sure that you’re using products that promote curly hair. Products like curling mousses, souffles, and gels are great for twist outs, bantu knots, and roller looks. It’s also a great idea to try protective braided styles, especially when you’re still the “awkward stage” of your hair care journey.
If you want to completely protect your hair, feel free to wear wigs, weaves, and braid-in hair as a protective style until your hair is at the length that you want it. Just remember to keep caring for your hair as if it was out all of the time.
Nighttime Care
Caring for your hair at night can be incredibly easy. When it comes to nighttime care, check to see if your hair is low on moisture. If it’s dry, spray your hair with water, use your favorite moisturizer (which we’re sure is the Safo Hair Moisturizer), and put on your bonnet – simple as that!
