Natural hair can be a challenge at times. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new natural, here are some hacks you can use the next time your hair gives you a hard time. Some of these tips are common knowledge, while others are life hacks you never thought of. Either way, this is an easy list that you can bookmark for future reference.
2. Detangle your hair from end to root NOT root to end.
3. Don’t let your hair shrink and tangle during the wash process. Wash your hair in braided sections. You can unravel the braid, wash and rebraid to really get to all of your hair strands.
4. DON’T make circular motions while washing your hair… unless you want tangles. Scrub your scalp and let the shampoo run down the hair shaft.
5. Hair conditioner doesn’t have enough slip? Add a few drops of your favorite carrier oil for more slip.
6. Want to avoid frizz when drying your hair? Trade in your towel for an old t-shirt.
7. Do your ends get really tangled? Do your twistouts frizz at the ends? Experiencing excessive breakage? It’s time for a trim.
8. Use a headband to pull your hair into a puff. Too tight? Stretch it out on the back of a chair. To put it on, wrap twice around your neck —without choking yourself — then put it on.
9. Want to wear a turban or headwrap this summer? Here’s a tutorial!
10. Need fashionable headbands? Check out your local teeny bopper store. They have tons of options at an affordable price. Bonus: Check out your local fabric store for great headwraps; check out the bargain bin for a steal.
11. Tired of your twists not drying by morning? Squeeze out excess water and let them air dry before twisting. Check out this article for more tips to get your hair to dry faster.
12. Want more defined twists? The wetter the hair, the more definition — and tighter the curl.
13. Want more length? Style on damp, not wet hair.
14. Looking for heatless curls? Try Curlfomers. More about Curlformers
15. Want to stretch your hair without heat? Try banding your hair. More Heat-Less Ways to Stretch Hair
16. To set your style, give your hair a blast of cool air from you air dryer.
17. Does your hair need moisture, but you don’t want to wet it? Try steaming your hair in the shower. You can also try the QRedew handheld steamer or a traditional steamer. 4 Ways To Style Your Natural Hair with a Handheld Steamer.
18. Need to lay your edges? Spritz a little bit of water followed by a butter or gel of your choice. Tie your hair down until it dries. Then Voila! Your edges are laid hunty!
19. Deep condition you hair with heat for maximum conditioning and moisture payoff.
20. Looking for an alternative for those “homely” looking headwraps at night. Try a satin pillowcase!
So there you have it! 20 hacks for your natural hair! Do you have tricks to share?
Hi Tamara, I want to know as a wife, how do you go to bed with your hair protected (satin scarf) without looking like a granny? My fiance and I do not live together so he’s never seen what i look like when going to bed. I am worried that he might have an idea from the movies 🙂 and will be shocked, and even put off when he sees scarfs, bonnets, etc. I’ve hintered at my nightime routine and know he is a easy going guy (hence i am marrying him) but I am concerned… Any tips on how to still look pretty while protecting my hair?
Three words: Satin Pillow Case. I actually discovered this via my best friend who is recently married and is also natural. She was looking for a way to go to bed a little sexier. Her boyfriend–>husband had seen her in a scarf and did not mind it. She however did not like it. The pillow case just as well as the scarf or bonnet. The added bonus is that it does not pull on your edges like a bonnet (elastic band) or scarf (if tied too tight). Lastly, it doesn’t fall off.
Hope this helps. 🙂
You can also banana wrap your hair, it lays down your edges at night, and allows your natural hair to come out on the top so it looks like you have a high pony. It’s not as sexy as a satin pillowcase, but it allows you to protect your curls and lay your edges at night making the morning routine a little easier.
I am new to the natural hair arena, and am learning a lot of do’s and don’t. thank you! I am so use to perms, it’s hard to get use to not having the slick look. I’m 41 years old and wanted to try something different.
For transitioning hair, you should look into twist outs and flexi-rod styles, it helped me go through the transition without chopping off all of my hair.
Thanks for these – and the reminder about QRedew!