1. Avoid heat. I only use light heat from a heat cap when I'm deep conditioning. I haven't straighten my hair in over 2 1/2 years and I let my hair air dry instead of using a blow dryer.
2. Deep condition with every wash. My general rule is if I use shampoo, I deep condition. I don't co-wash often, but when I do, I don't feel I need to deep condition.
3. Only comb hair when it is soaking wet and full of a good conditioner that will allow the comb to easily glide. Start at the ends and work your way up. I also put my hair in large twists after detangling, so that it doesn't tangle again when I'm rinsing. I also let my hair air dry while in large twists. NEVER let your hair air-dry loose. That's a tangling nightmare waiting to happen!
4. Moisturize daily. With most styles, I use vegetable glycerin and rosewater. When I wearing twists, I like to use Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave In. It keeps my hair soft and I love the smell.
5. Rarely wear styles that tangle easily. I rarely wear afro puffs and afros although I love the style because my hair tangles easily in those styles and I NEVER wear wash & gos.
More tangles = more damaged hair
6. Sleep in Satin. Satin scarf, satin bonnet or satin pillow case to reduce breakage.
7. Sleep in protective styles. I generally sleep with my hair in twists. Always trying to minimize tangles!
8. Trim when needed and how needed. I don't follow a regular trim schedule. I trim when I see that my hair needs it. And how I trim depends on what I see. If I see a lot of split ends, then I will snips my ends when I put my hair in small twists. If I see a few random splits, I cut those splits when I see them and keep on stepping.
9. Don't overload hair with products. Not only is it expensive to use a lot of products, but it's not necessary. I will add a post later with a list of my favorite products.
10. Use natural hair products. I know it's more expensive, but from my experience, natural hair products works better than the cheaper products with bad ingredients.
It may sound like a lot at first, but taking care of natural hair really is not that complex. You just have to get familiar with your hair and what works best for you. I hope my tips are helpful.
