Here you can find some hair tips, to maintain your curly, wavy or natural hair (short, nappy hair)
See also at the bottom of this page a summarry of the different hairtypes as a guide when purchasing your products.
Most info I have gathered by surfing the net and as a result of my own trial and error. I'm still learning so share share and share with me and others see
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TIPS
1. Do not buy hair poducts that include ingredients such as alcohol, petrolatum and mineral oil. Please note that not all alcohol is bad for your hair
There are two types of alcohol:
a. The "good" types of alcohol: Cetyl alcohol, MYRISTYL alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol and Behenyl alcohol.
Why: Because they make the hair soft .
b. The 'bad' types of alcohol: SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, Alcohol denat, Propanol, Propyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol.
Why: Because they dry out the hair , with causes also more frizz and hair breakage as a result
Avoid products that contain mineral and/or petrolatum oil as an ingredient. Do not use products with these ingredients for your curly hair or scalp. Both of these synthetic oils coat and suffocate the hair shaft blocking moisture out. Further, they clog pores in your scalp and can retard hair growth. Read your labels.
2. Heat is killing for curly, nappy hair.
Why: it causes hair breakage. Whenever possible air dry your hair
3. Do not comb Curly, nappy hair when it is dry. So comb your hair when it is wet and start at the ends and work further towards the roots. Preferably with a wide tooth comb.
Why: Dry combing causes hair breakage.
4. Sleep with a satin hair wrap or on a satin pillow case.
Why: a cotton pillow case dries out your hair, making you to do more work the next morning in terms of styling and plus it is unhealthy for your curly, nappy hair.
5. You curly, nappy hair needs enough moisterizing and conditioning products.Use a deep conditioner once a week for your hair to smoothen and to moisturize .
Why: Think of a plant that gets no water and eventually dies, you should visualize the same effect for your curly, nappy hair.
6. Comb your curly, nappy hair with a wide tooth comb and a brush with protective ends.
Why: Avoid unnecessary hair breakage and it is easier to comb through your hair. Also see tip 3.
7. All chemical products such as relax, japanese straightener, perm, you name it are super super bad for your hair.
Why: It takes the curl (structure) from your hair and makes it super weak, with resulting hair loss. Especially if you do not care for it properly.
8.If you are using new products do an allergy / sensitivity test to check whether it is a good combination with your skin. Here I suggest to apply a small quantity of the product behind the ear or the inner side of your arm. These areas usually have a greater sensitivity. If you experience any sensitivity after applying the product - often characterized by a burning or prickly, tingling sensation, redness or other temporary discoloration of the skin - remove the product from the area with hot water and a damp cloth if necessary. Such reactions show that the product is not suitable for your skin and you should stop using it. Finally, also read the ingredients list of the products you want to purchase if you know what causes your allergy or sensitivity.
9. Use a disposable spatle to scoop the products out of your natural hair product which does not have a pump.
Why: to prevent bacteria introduction from your fingertips into your natural product and to extend the lifespan.
10. Last tip: Gather as much as possible information and read the descriptions carefully and what works for another does not mean it will give you the same results...
Above all love your hair and the rest will follow...
Love Doeli
Recommended books in dutch:
www.crownofglory.eu, author Chantal Snip
Note: advice provided on this site is not legally binded
