In a nutshell: Part of the beauty of black hair is the growing number of styles we’re capable of wearing. Whether you choose to wear your hair protectively or natural, there are a number of different products designed to maintain every individual look.
Introduction
From knotless braids to sew-ins, there are a number of ways to wear and care for hair. However, with so many options, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks on how to care for your various hairstyles. Whether you prefer to wear your hair natural or you like to experiment with different styles, we've got you covered. So, whether you're new to natural hair or a seasoned wig pro, read on to learn how to care for your hair.
Table of Contents:
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Braids
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Silk Presses
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Locs
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Wigs
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Natural Hair
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Weaves
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Tape Ins & Microlinks
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Ponytails
1. Braids
Braids are typically a go-to hairstyle as they are low maintenance and don’t require daily styling. They can often reduce breakage, retain length and protect from heat. But after getting your hair done there are a few products you may want to consider in order to retain your style.
African Pride Olive Miracle Mousse
While Mousse will often add a shine to your hair and reduce frizziness, it will also hydrate your braids promoting healthy hair growth.
Repair & Restore by As I Am - Jamaican Black Castor Oil Water
Leave-in conditioner is essential during the summer months. It protects you from the frizzies brought on by humidity all while keeping your braids moisturized.
Faux locs
Faux locs, a type of hair extension that mimics the look of dreadlocks, without the commitment of traditional locs provides us with another opportunity to experiment with our hair’s length and color.
Sunday II Sunday - Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum
The texture of faux locs may oftentimes irritate your skin. This product will provide you with “itch relief to your scalp in just 15 minutes.”
Goddess & Bohemian Looks
Goddess and bohemian looks are new to the braiding scene and all over our instagram feeds. This look, also known as “the sew-in of braids” provides us with the functionality of braids or faux locs while drawing similar aesthetics from a curly sew-in
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross - Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil Blend
This “residue-free” jojoba oil provides a light hydration. Maintaining moisture, Ross’ oil will ease the scalp itchies and prevent it from flaking.
2. Silk Presses
Silk presses can provide us with that gone-with-the wind fabulous look but sometimes may be damaging for our hair due to the excessive amounts of heat.
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Culture Cover - The Ultimate Protection tool
This “Ultimate Protection tool” is not only reversible and adjustable, but it has a scarf attached inside to keep your hair protected. There’s even a compartment inside of your bonnet to help you keep track of your head wrap so you can keep your silk press fresh.
3. Locs
Maintaining locs requires regular cleansing and moisturizing to prevent buildup and keep the hair healthy. It is also important to have your locs tightened every now and then in order to keep them neat and tidy, and prevent them from unraveling.
Best Refreshing SprayLocsanity Rosewater and Peppermint Daily Moisturizing Spray
This spray is a natural and effective way to strengthen and nourish your scalp and locks. With it’s hydrating formula, it can prevent loose frizzy hair while providing essential moisture for your locs, making it a safe and reliable daily refresher for your hair and scalp. The spray contains natural ingredients like rosewater, peppermint, vitamins and plant extracts, and it can last you up to 2-3 months.
Microlocks & Sister locks
While microlocks and sisterlocks differ, they’re similar in that they both offer the same purpose of dreadlocks but in smaller form.
Sisterlocks reconstructor conditioner
This conditioner is rich in quality and even contains food-grade proteins to enhance the strength and health of your hair. For the best outcome, you may want to use incorporate this product into your hair-care routine in order to see a difference especially if you have color-treated hair.
Starter locks
Starter locks, also known as baby locks are locs in their beginning stages.
Murray's Gel-Loc Lock
This hair gel is designed to maintain your hairstyle and keep it looking fresh with its cream-based formula, infused with olive oil and sweet almond. This hair gel may also reduce overall itchiness and reduce flaking.
4. Wigs
Wigs, a popular option for those who want to switch up their look or and/or protect their natural hair offer a wide range of styles, colors, and textures. And, wigs provide an opportunity to experiment with different hairstyles without damaging natural hair.
Hold Me Down Adhesive by Ericka J
This non-toxic, organic adhesive provides a natural-looking finish. Perfect for exercise, warm weather or a dip at the pool, this glue will prevent your wig from shifting during wear. However, be sure to do a patch test first to make sure this product is all good for your skin.
5. Natural Hair
Embracing natural hair is a way for black women to celebrate our unique textures, patterns, and curls and to challenge societal beauty standards. Caring for natural hair requires a commitment to proper hydration, nourishment, and protection, but the results are beautiful, healthy, and empowering.
As I Am - Coconut Cowash
This cowash is designed to gently cleanse and maintain your cures between wash days. Its unique blend of natural ingredients promotes healthy hair growth and contains no harmful or harsh ingredients like sulfates or parabens. Moreover, it eases the detangling process and helps your hair retain moisture.
6. Weaves
A sew-in involves cornrowing natural hair and sewing the weave onto the braids whereas a quick weave involves gluing the extensions onto a hair cap that covers the natural hair. While a weave can provide you with a new look in terms of color and length, it's important to choose a qualified stylist and to care for the scalp and natural hair properly during the sew-in or quick weave wear.
MIZANI 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil
This lightweight oil boasts a 99% biodegradable formula. With a blend of coconut, olive, sunflower and jojoba oil ingredients the product effectively combats frizziness, keeps your hair soft, adds shine and is safe to use on color-treated hair.
7. Tape Ins & Microlinks
While Tape-ins involve the adhering to natural hair with double sided tape, microlinks take small sections of the natural hair and thread them through tiny tubes that are clamped onto the hair extensions. Both are great options for adding length while maintaining the versatility of a silk press or natural hairstyle but it's important to choose high-quality extensions and to take good care of your extensions and natural hair alike.
Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist
If your tape ins or micro links tend to use heat tools, protecting your natural hair texture is a must. And, this paraben and cruelty free heat protectant spray will do just the trick.
Champagne x roses - scrunchie set from maibeauty
Now that you have more hair than ever, you’ll need a way to contain it without the tug or pull of a hair tie.
8. Ponytails
Ponytails are a classic hairstyle that often require heat or hair gel. Ponytails can be worn as a protective style for special occasions or casual wear. However, this style requires a great deal of maintenance in order to keep your natural hair moisturized (if using gel or hairspray) and contained in the ponytail.
Bread Beauty Supply - Hair Oil
This product will add a shine back to your hair. This is important for those who may have used hairspray or freeze spray to achieve the look.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with so many different hairstyles and forms of maintenance, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to properly care for your hair. But, after following the tips we've provided, you can confidently take care of your hair regardless of the style.
