Ruth Mafupa, founder of the hair blog naturalsisters.co.za, tells us how to prevent hair damage, particularly in the colder months when hair is prone to dryness and breakage.
1. Stick to a fuss-free routine
Ruth recommends washing hair at least once a week, and using a deep conditioner each time. She shares her own regime: “After washing, I twist or braid my hair up in big sections to stretch it while it air-dries. Each night I moisturise my hair and lock in the moisture with shea butter. I normally do a pinned updo at night and then wrap it up. In the morning, I just tidy my edges and I am good to go.”
TRY: Dr Miracle's Curl Care Rehydrating Shampoo; Donna Real Fit Spandex Cap; Donna Satin Floral Sleep Cap
2. Nourish, nourish, nourish!
Using a deep conditioner with every wash increases the hair’s moisture retention. For excessively dry hair, Ruth suggests sealing the hair with an oil, cream or butter – this will help the hair to stay moisturised for longer.
TRY: Afri True Anti Breakage Treatment Creme; ORS Hair Mayonnaise Intensive Conditioning Treatment
3. Prevent breakage
“To keep a balance between moisture and protein, alternate deep-conditioning with a moisture hair mask and use a protein treatment as often as is needed,” says Ruth.
Also, excessive manipulation and combing or brushing only causes unnecessary breakage. “Protective styling is a good way to prevent breakage, but if long-term protective styling is not an option, low-manipulation hairstyles like twist-outs, braid-outs and wash and goes are also good options.”
TRY: Dr Miracle's Conditioning Treatment Pack; Dark and Lovely Intensive Treatment
4. Choose quality ingredients
“Shea butter makes my hair very manageable,” says Ruth. She also opts for ingredients like coconut and olive oil as they give the hair a healthy sheen.
TRY: Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Knot On My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy
Looking to colour your hair? Choose conditioning dyes like Inecto Plus Permanent Hair Colour Crème. It’s infused with aloe and milk and leaves hair soft and healthy.
5. Protect and wrap
When it comes to protective styles, Ruth sometimes chooses braids and twists. “These styles help my hair to grow healthily because of the low manipulation,” she explains.
She also religiously wraps her hair before bed as it helps to keep her hair moisturised and prevents it rubbing on linen. “Wrapping also helps to keep my hair intact overnight as I normally do my styling in the evening to lighten my load in the morning before hitting the office,” she says.
6. Love your locks
Ruth urges all to remember that everyone’s hair is different. “Do what works for your hair and own the beauty that is on your head. Good hair is loved hair. If you take the time to take care of your hair, it will flourish.
TRY: Afri True Soothing Braid Spray; HR Hair Growth Kit
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Make use of the wonderful convenience of online shopping to hunt down the best hair care products for natural hair. You can choose from ethnic haircare ranges like Afri True, Aunt Jackie’s, Dark and Lovely, ORS, My Natural, Palmer's, amongst many others.
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com
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