5 Essential Must-Haves for Natural Hair Care
It can be daunting to start your natural hair journey as you are unsure what essential must-haves you need to get the most out of your natural hair journey.
This is made worse by the countless products on the shops shelf geared towards natural hair.
But fear not! We have got you covered here at NaHaZo.
We countdown the 5 essential must-haves that every natural needs to have to get the most health and length out of their natural hair journey.
Let’s get into it!
*Pssst, read up on our feature article on Traction Alopecia & Bald Edges to get a comprehensive overview on how to avoid losing your edges from poor hair practices.
Satin Bonnet
A satin bonnet is a must-have for any natural for the following reasons: –
🌺 It helps retain the moisture in your hair, preventing dryness and frizz. Dry hair snaps and breaks easily, and so a satin bonnet is like a ‘shield’ to help you retain the length (and health) of your hair.
🌺 There is less friction between your hair and the bonnet as you sleep (compared to cotton and other materials). This helps reduces tension that leads to thinning / bald edges and crowns, as well as less tangles and single strand knots.
🌺 Your skin will thank you. Cotton and other materials absorb the oil from your hair as you sleep, making you prone to acne around your cheek areas. Investing in a satin / silk pillow minimises clogged pores and breakouts.
Need more convincing? Read up on the 7 Reasons to Invest in a Satin / Silk Pillowcase.
Old Cotton tees
This is an in-expensive essential and a well-known natural hair hack.
Instead of throwing / giving away your old cotton tee shirts, rather keep them for your wash days. Cotton tees are great for absorbing moisture and will not snag and tug on your hair, as opposed to your towels.
On hair wash days (which will be many), keep a set handy to dry your hair after washing it. Also, on days that you use hair treatments and masks, you can drap a clean tee around your shoulders to avoid it dripping onto your clothes.
Alternatively, you can wear them on these wash / treatment days.
Wide-toothed Brush
The number one reason why naturals lose length and get unhealthy looking raggedy ends of hair Is due to poor detangling methods.
Using fine-toothed combs or combs that snap and tug at your hair causes serious damage to the ends of your hair. One of the first things to invest in is a wide toothed comb that allows you to glide through your hair, without snagging. You can use this after finger detangling your hair, or on the rare occasions that you use heat.
One of NaHaZo’s favorite wide-toothed combs is the Tangle Teezer / Denman, but there are also other great natural hair brushes out there. First make sure you read the reviews!
Spray Bottle
A spray bottle is a staple in any seasoned natural’s cupboard.
As you progress in your hair journey, you will find that your hair loves certain oils or sprays that are not store bought. Also, most natural DIY hair products, while they do not have a long shelf life, are much kinder to your hair (and overall health).
One or more spray bottles are essential for all the DIY oils, leave-in-conditioners and hair spritzes that you will use as you get to know more about your hair.
Just make sure you get one with a good grip (as your hands will be oily, most times) and with a good spray nozzle.
Satin / Silk Scarf
A satin scarf is a big essential, especially as your hair grows longer. Friction between your hair, and the clothes you are wearing can cause your ends to snap and tangle, leading to split ends and unhealthy-looking hair.
A satin / silk scarf in your hair journey is very versatile.
🌺You can drap it around your shoulders on the days that you wear your hair down. You can also tie up your hair in a bun and then wrap the silk scarf around it for an elegant look. This comes in handy on those days you want to protect your ends.
🌺 You can also drap it around the head rest of your car, for long car drives to avoid any snapping or snagging.
🌺Better still you can wrap your hair in a cute scarf as you go about your chores.
A satin/ silk scarf is a versatile addition to any stylish natural’s essentials list.
Bonus: X1 Large Shower Cap or 2
Most naturals eventually graduate to making their own DIY hair products or do hot oil treatments overnight to add moisture and sheen to their hair.
This is where having a trusty (or two) large shower cap is key. A large shower cap comes in handy when you do hair treatments while in protective styling. This allows you to bundle all your extensions under the shower cap.
What do you think of our natural hair essentials list? Is there anything you would add or take away from the list? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
What do you think of our natural hair essentials list? Is there anything you would add or take away from the list? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
And until the next time, happy naturaling ladies!
