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How to swim with African hair

by Roxanne
written by Roxanne

Have you ever wanted to go swimming, but didn’t for fear of damaging your hair? The pool or the ocean looked so tempting, but you just knew your hair would be a nightmare to deal with later? Well, you should never have to worry about that again! Here are some tips and tricks on how to swim with African hair while still keeping it healthy and manageable.

Choose the perfect style

If you’re going to be swimming frequently, then it’s best to wear your hair in a protective style. I’d specifically recommend cornrows, as they are perfect for the water, but twists or knotless braids will absolutely work as well. These should prevent any tangling in your hair. There’s nothing worse than only swimming for 20 minutes and then spending hours detangling afterwards! If you aren’t wearing a protective style, you can quickly throw your hair up into chunky twists or French braids for a temporary way to prevent tangling.

Saturate your hair

Both chlorine and salt water have a tendency to dry out hair, and cause breakage and split ends. Afro hair is apt to behave like a sponge, and will absorb that water with all the damaging chemicals in it. To stop this, pre-soak your hair with water and some conditioner. Your hair should be so full of normal water, there’s no space for it to absorb the pool/sea water!

Wear a swimming cap

Now that you’ve got the perfect style, you can fit it under a swimming cap. Up until recently, fitting lots of hair into a swimming cap was a battle, but now there are many brands with swimming caps specifically designed to fit black hair styles. With a good swimming cap, you can really minimize the amount of water coming into contact with your hair – ensuring your hair stays safe and sound while swimming!

Cleanse hair afterwards

After swimming, you’ll want to get any contaminated water out of your hair ASAP! Rinse your hair with clean water as soon as you’re done swimming, to displace any chlorinated or salt water. Then, wash your hair with a sulphate-free shampoo and use a moisturising conditioner for the best results. If you’re swimming frequently, it might not be best to do a full wash after each swim. Instead, just rinse and condition after swimming, and only do a proper wash every now and then.

Lock in moisture

The biggest concern when swimming in the heat is dry hair. With a combination of the chemicals in the water, the hot sun and the humidity in the air, our hair is almost guaranteed to dry out and become brittle. That’s why I’d recommend locking in moisture by layering conditioner, cream and oil in your hair. This will keep your hair soft and hydrated, even on days when you aren’t going out to swim.

You should never have to choose between looking good and having fun. With a little bit of preparation, you can do both! Go have fun visiting the beach or sitting at the poolside, with the knowledge that your hair is just as happy and healthy as you!

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HairHair care

Taking care of your hair in the summer.

by Roxanne
written by Roxanne

Summer has come around again. While I’m always grateful for the warmer weather, it also presents some challenges regarding taking care of our hair. Keeping our hair happy and healthy is super important, so here are some solutions to all the common problems we can experience during summer.

Increased Humidity

Around this time, the rains start back up again and with all the moisture in the air, there is a higher humidity level. Humidity is probably my worst enemy! It can cause hair to completely frizz up, shrink and lose its curl definition. It could also make hair more prone to dryness, as the hair cuticle swells and lets moisture escape more easily. With all the pool parties happening and the extra sweat from the heat, it’s tough to avoid humidity. Luckily, there are plenty of solutions!

Use a light leave-in conditioner or oil to help control frizz and keep curls well defined. These products also keep your hair moisturised to ward off the dryness and keep your hair happy. No need to worry about humidity holding you back.

Excessive Shedding

This time of year, you might notice that more hair is falling out than normal. Seasonal shedding is a very common experience in the summer and you’re not alone in this! Not only are there environmental changes, but our hormones can change too. More sunlight affects our serotonin levels, raises endorphins and even enhances reproductive hormones. All of this combined can cause more hair fall.

To combat this, try to strengthen your hair roots. Your follicles. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and an active lifestyle can encourage stronger hair growth. But if you’re anything like me, that can be tough to keep up! A daily scalp massage can also be beneficial, as it increases blood circulation on your scalp to deliver more nutrients to the hair follicles. If your hair shedding is being made worse by an itchy, flaky scalp, using a dandruff shampoo and an ointment that takes care of dandruff, dry scalp and itching will help.

Dryness

The heat from direct sun exposure and increased humidity tends to dry out our hair. This can be quite damaging for hair and cause brittleness and split ends. The key to hair care in these conditions is to make sure we keep a good moisture balance. Just using water to moisturise your hair won’t work, but a water-based daily spray is perfect for keeping your hair hydrated and happy! You could also use other hydrating products, like a leave-in conditioner or castor oil – depending on what your hair needs.

Scalp Health

We need to keep our scalp healthy, clean and flake-free so it can support healthy hair growth. So how do we do that? Cleanse your scalp weekly with a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo or use an apple cider vinegar rinse to clarify buildup. We often find that tight hairstyles can cause tension, so it might be good to avoid those when working on your scalp health.

The summer heat doesnt stop at your hair, and it can dry out your scalp too. It’s good to use scalp treatments with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil, as they help keep that itchiness away. No one wants an itchy or irritated scalp!

General Upkeep

Give a go at some hairstyles that require low manipulation to reduce stress on the hair, like braids, twists and buns. Summer is also the perfect time to be incorporating hats, scarves and headbands into your style. Not only will they look great, but they’ll also keep your hair safe from the elements and shield it from direct sunlight. And as always, remember to always sleep on a satin or silk pillowcases or with satin or silk scarf to keep your hair well protected, even while you’re sleeping! That being said, I am sure there is more. Are there any other hair problems you face in the summer? Let us know, and have a wonderful Summer!

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Tea rinses for hair growth
Hair care

Benefits of Herbal Tea Rinse for Hair Growth

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa
written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Are you experiencing any scalp issues including dandruff and hair loss? Are you looking for ways to revitalize your hair and scalp? Check out tea rinses. These tried and tested remedies which can also be consumed in salads, stews or a simple cup of tea, have been used for centuries for different ailments on the skin and hair.

I use fresh rosemary, sage, oregano and lavender and that is what I will talk about today. Dried herbs are also okay to use. I just happen to have these herbs in my garden.

Herbal tea for hair growth
Herbal tea rinse for hair growth

Rosemary Tea Rinse Benefits.

It has anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial properties. This means it helps to soothe the scalp and reduce any irritation. It also helps to control the increase of bacteria on the scalp that may cause itching, sores and other scalp disorders.

Rosemary also helps to increase blood flow to the scalp. More blood flow means more nutrients for the hair follicles and this stimulates hair growth. Rosemary tea rinses are believed to be able to block DHT, the hormone responsible for male pattern balding and female pattern balding. This means, early balding can be put at bay by using rosemary tea as a hair rinse.

Sage Tea Rinse Benefits.

Sage tea rinse for hair growth
Sage tea rinse for hair growth

Sage also increases blood circulation to the scalp which in turn delivers the needed nutrients for healthier, thicker and stronger hair. It is a natural astringent which regulates sebum production on the scalp. This makes it a natural fighter for dandruff that is caused by excessive sebum and an excellent remedy for oily hair.

Besides the beautiful fragrance that it leaves on your hair, sage tea rinse also has anti-inflammation properties to soothe an irritated scalp and reduce itching. It also makes the hair very soft and manageable.

Lavender Tea Rinse Benefits.

Lavender is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties. However, lavender tea rinses have more to offer than just aroma. Lavender is a natural hair conditioner that helps to moisturize the hair and scalp, promoting softness and manageability on your hair. Lavender also has anti-septic properties which help to maintain a clean and healthy scalp.

Lavender is also known to stimulate blood circulation which helps to increase hair growth and reduce hair loss. It also reduces dandruff as it has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.

Lavender tea rinse for hair growth
Lavender tea rinse for hair growth

Oregano Tea Rinse Benefits.

Oregano is rich in Vitamin A, C and E as well as mineral such as, calcium, zinc and magnesium. This makes it a powerhouse for a healthier scalp which grows healthier hair. It helps to nourish and strengthen hair follicles, promoting healthier hair and reducing hair fall. Oregano is also antimicrobial which helps to reduce scalp infections and other scalp irregularities.

How to make a Herbal Tea Rinse

How to make a herbal tea rinse
How to make a herbal tea rinse

Use one, or two or all of these herbs, fresh or dried. Brew a tea and let it boil for about 15 minutes before cooling it to room temperature or slightly warmer. Strain well and make sure only the liquid is left. Believe me, you need to do this well if you don’t want herbs dropping out of your hair at the most embarrassing times or places. Yes, small particles of herbs may be difficult to get out of the hair so avoid getting them there in the first place.

How to use a Herbal Tea Rinse for Hair Growth

I use this herbal tea rinse as a spray before shampooing my hair as a pre-poo treatment while I detangle my hair to prep it for a wash. It helps to loosen any dandruff and dirt on the scalp while giving me the benefits of a tea rinse.

When I finish detangling my hair, I twist my hair and then shampoo. The usual way to use a tea rinse is to shampoo the hair first. I like to do a deep treatment with it though. After shampooing, I apply the tea rinse on the hair and scalp, before conditioning so that the tea has no barrier to penetrate my hair and scalp. I simply pour the tea onto my head and let it trickle down the hair shaft. I then apply a conditioner on top of the tea rinse and let it sit for about 5 minutes while I finish the bathing process. I then rinse it out.

I use this tea rinse, once a week but you can do it up to twice a week with no issues. Just like with anything though, consistency is the real game changer. Doing it once will give you softer hair that once but you will not see the full benefits on your hair. So, do it for at least a month or two and see the results.

Tea rinses for hair growth
Tea rinses for hair growth

Even if something is natural and no side effects have been reported yet, listen to your body. If you use the tea rinse or anything for that matter and irritation occurs, stop using it at once. Irritation is your body’s way of communicating to you that something is wrong.

That being said, tea rinses are a great way to get your hair back to health and vitality. So, try them and reap the benefits. One cup at a time.

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HairHair care

How to deep condition effectively

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa
written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Now you know the importance of deep conditioning and how often to do it. But how to deep condition your hair effectively is another aspect of deep conditioning. Or for doing anything for that matter. We don’t want a situation whereby, your efforts are a waste of time just because you are doing it wrong, in the end, not getting the full benefits of deep conditioning. Alright!  I am just spelling it all out for you. Here is a step by step on how to deep condition your hair effectively.

  1. Wash your hair very well. Washing your hair before deep conditioning is a must. The hair needs to be clean and not covered with dirt and other products that were applied before. If a product is applied before the hair is washed, that is not deep conditioning effectively because the cuticles are somewhat sealed and there is little to no access to the core of the hair. How does the product go deeper? Hair needs to be clean, preferably shampooed. Yes, shampooed because shampoo has a higher pH which allows for the cuticles to be open naturally. And when the deep conditioner is applied, it accesses the core of the hair easily.
  2. Make sure all strands are covered with product, especially the ends. I am not saying apply a lot of product. You do not have to see the product but feel it. So, do not apply too much but spread it or massage it well into the hair so that every strand get some. The ends are also the oldest part of your hair and may need the product more.
  3. Cover with a plastic cap and a warm towel if at home and you do not have a steamer. Otherwise, if you have a steamer, go under the steamer directly. You do not need to cover your hair with any plastic cap. If all you have is a hooded dryer however, you also need to cover your hair with a plastic cap. This creates steam within the cap for your hair which encourages your cuticles to open and let product penetrate to the core of the hair.
  4. Allow the steaming to take place for at least an hour if using body heat, that is when you wear a plastic cap and cover that with a warm wet towel. If under a hooded dryer, 30  minutes should be adequate. However, under an industrial steamer, 15 to 20 minutes is all you need.
  5. Rinse out the deep conditioner with lukewarm water to encourage the cuticles to close and seal the product inside the core of the hair.
  6. Blot dry excess water and style hair as desired.

Simple right? True story. That’s all you need to do. Are you going try this? Let me know how it goes. I know doing your own hair can be a daunting task especially if you are a busy with other things that fulfill you. However, this is good to know even if you are going to get your treatments at the salon. You are still the captain of the ship and you need to know if the stylist is doing it right or not.  Here is to deep conditioning the right way! Till next time.

Here is how you can do it at home.

You may also want to read this

IS IT IMPORTANT TO DEEP CONDITION HAIR?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DEEP CONDITION MY HAIR?

 

 

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Deep conditioning Natural Hair At Nashe Hair Studio
HairHair care

How often should I deep condition my hair?

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa
written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

A common question haa? Well, let’s see. I honestly cannot answer in one word or sentence. I wish it was possible to do that though. So, I will go with, it depends on the type, condition of the hair and lifestyle of the individual. What! Lifestyle has something to do with how often hair is deep conditioned? Well yes. Actually is a big determining factor. I know, hold your horses and allow me to explain.

How lifestyle affects how often hair is deep conditioned.

You guessed it. I am starting with the less common and often overlooked one. A person’s lifestyle affects how often they wash their hair. If you train a lot, you are going to sweat and your scalp may become itchy very quickly. In the end, you may wash your hair 3 times a week with at least one shampoo wash in one week. After a shampoo wash, deep conditioning is very important.

Let’s compare that with someone who is always in a protective style and only washes the hair when they undo. That person will deep condition once after every 2 months at most, after removing their braids or any protective hairstyle.

See! a person’s lifestyle determines how often they are going to deep condition their hair.

Does hair type determine how often hair is to be deep conditioned?

Yes, yes yes. Straighter hair can be deep conditioned once a month while course, coily hair will benefit even if it is deep conditioned every time it is shampooed which can be weekly. Straight hair is generally less dry because it is easily lubricated by the scalp sebum that can easily flow down the hair shaft to the tips of the hair. On the other hand, course coily hair does not enjoy those benefits. Because of the coily/curly nature of the hair, the sebum can hardly reach mid shaft and thus dryer and more brittle and requiring of all the help from products it can get. Therefore our coils and curls will need more deep conditioning that straight hair.

Healthy Natural Hair

Healthy Natural Hair

If you wash your hair at home, and you have coils or curls, try deep conditioning every week. If you wash your hair at the salon, once a month should be enough though because more specialised equipment is used. However, if it is a hair rescue operation going on, every 2 weeks treatments at the salon may be recommended by your stylist. If not sure, ask her/him about it.

That speaks into the next point. Which is the condition of the hair. Sometimes the hair may be struggling and in need of extra moisture or strengthening. In that case, the condition of the hair affects how often you need to deep condition the hair. If at home, every time you wash your hair, deep conditioning will restore your hair back to health. If at the salon is where you get your treatments at, then every other week will definitely help restore your hair back to health. Just make sure good quality products are used and don’t be to shy to pay for the best treatment for your hair. Remember, in this world you will always get what you paid for. Great quality costs more. That is logic.

What is your hair type and condition of your hair? Or, does your lifestyle affect your hair care needs more? I would love to hear from you. Otherwise, till next time, here is to well hydrated, stronger hair!

 

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HairHair care

Is it Important to deep condition hair?

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa
written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

That is a question I am often asked and the answer is always yes. No matter your hair type and condition, it is important to deep condition. Some more than others of course and the products to be used for every deep conditioning session may differ. But deep conditioning is a must for healthier hair that does not break easily.

What is deep conditioning hair?

While some may know, others are quite confused about the term deep conditioning, let alone why it is so important for every haired person. So, let us clear that before we go into why you you should deep condition your hair.

Deep conditioning is when you let a conditioner to sit on your hair for longer so that it can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft and thereby nourishing the core of the hair. Always, the hair is shampooed first or at least washed to strip it of any oils coating the hair and then the conditioning product, preferably one that is specifically made for deep conditioning is applied on the hair, making sure all strands have some.

Applying some form of heat is best in order to open the hair cuticles and allow product deeper into the core of the hair shaft. That is why it is called deep conditioning. It is a process of conditioning deeper into the hair shaft, the core, the medulla of the hair  where the strength of the hair lays.

That’s cleared right? Cool! Let’s now dive into the cooler stuff. Why is it important to deep condition? If you have not got it yet, don’t worry. That is why I am here. Here goes!

 5 reasons why you should deep condition your hair.

  • It helps to product to penetrate deeper into the core of the hair, nourish and repair and prevent any damage to the hair
  • Helps with stronger hair that does not break easily. If your hair is limp, dry and breaks a lot, deep conditioning is your friend. It will make your hair stronger and combat breakage.
  • Helps restore shine and luster to the hair. You can kiss dull, lifeless, limp hair goodbye.
  • Increases moisture retention as the hair is hydrated for longer and from the core as well.
  • Struggling with split ends, deep conditioning is what your hair needs. Well moisturised hair splits less if at all.
  • Helps maintain colour treated hair. Especially when you go lighter. Don’t let that hair turn into straw in your hair. Deep conditioning will restore that softer, luxurious feel again.

Okay! This quite a mouthful. But Deep conditioning is quite a wide topic and I will sure be visiting it again. There is a lot to consider when deep conditioning. The products to use, how often, what not to do and of course how to do it well. I will leave it here for now though and till next time, pamper your hair a little more with deep conditioning.

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Today in History, First Blog Post

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa
written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Today, 9 years ago I posted my first blog post on Natural Sisters. It was literally “Hello World”. Because from that first blog post, a whole new world opened up to me. New opportunities, a career change, new friends and even starting 2 businesses. And as they say, the rest is history.

I have not been feeling well for a while as I struggle with the last bits of Covid-19 symptoms. It really hit me hard such that I am so grateful to be alive. There were days that I thought I would not make it. But by the Grace of God, I’m here, writing this post. Being my first blog anniversary, I could not resist but write something to commemorate it.

I’ve had an amazing journey since then and I am glad I’m still creating content here, hoping it is both enjoyable and informative for you. As a digital content creator, I’m glad my content has a real home which is this blog. I’m even more grateful now knowing that social media platforms can be changed and your pages can even get unpublished or taken down by the owners of the platform. Real story. It happened to me late last year.

Facebook unpublished my pages. Both my blog page and the online shop, Natural Moisture page. Just like that boom! Everything I had worked for was gone. Apparently someone reported that my page was harmful. How is that even possible though? I post about my hair, and the products I sell on my online shop. How is that even close to harmful or dangerous to anyone?

Got a direct message from a concerned follower asking why they could not see the pages. Everything was in good standing according to Facebook but people could not see the pages. I was even adding content but no one would see my content. I wrote several emails to Facebook, to appeal their action and not even one email was replied to. After a while, the pages were deleted. Just like that.

What I’m more disappointed with is the fact that I had no right of reply or an option to defend what I’d been building for years. To think that I even used to sponsor my posts, paying Facebook to reach more people and build a following. All my  content, followers, everything, gone.

So I had to create another page for my blog. Only now, it is called Eve Mafupa and not Natural Sisters anymore. Well most of my social media handles are Eve Mafupa anyway.


So, if you’re a content creator, influencer or whatever you call yourself, and you only use social media platforms to share your content, I beg you. You need a blog. Something you will own and no one will take down. Privacy policies on social media platforms change all the time. Someone can also just want to get at you and report your page. If it’s Facebook, then you’re finished.

Get a blog. Something you will have control over. It doesn’t cost much. Max R300 a month. Otherwise as little as R120 a month, you should be fine. Build an email list and those will be your followers until they decide to unsubscribe to your list. You will be able to communicate to them straight to their inbox without any algorithms to maneuver.

I’m glad, for me, social media has always been an extension of my blog. So, when Facebook took me down, yes I was sad, but, my content already had a home.

Do you need help with building a blog? I know a guy. He’s my husband actually and he is very affordable. You can tell him I sent you when you contact him here. 
Otherwise, thank you for being you. God bless you.

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HairHair care

Is natural hair difficult to maintain?

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa
written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

I have heard this so many times. “Natural hair is all good but not for me. I just would not be able to maintain it.” But is it really that difficult to maintain? When I went natural, maintaining my hair was not one of my problems for real. Why, because my mind was not focused on making it look like relaxed hair. It is natural hair and it grows in a coily and sometimes zigzag manner. And that’s okay.

I remember, one of my friends passing a comment at my hair a few month into my natural hair journey. She said, “But your hair is not straight.” And I said, “Because I’m a black African woman and that is actually how it grows from my scalp. It’s part of the package of being a black African. You get to have this amazing hair.”

I feel as if most of our struggles in growing natural hair start are in our minds. Or rather, not being able to transition our minds as we transition our hair from chemically treated hair to natural hair. What do I mean? Here is the thing. Expecting your natural hair to act and look the same as your relaxed hair is not just unrealistic but frustrating to you and your hair.

We have been so conditioned to think that straight hair is beautiful, or bigger curls are better. That is as false as it can get. Coily hair is beautiful and a very tight curl is better in so many ways. For example, a twist is always full and fluffy compared to curlier hair types. Unless one has volume naturally. And if you were to lock your hair, a tighter curl will lock easily compared to a looser curl. Which can also be a foe. If not detangled for too long, a tighter curl will take more time to detangle.

So, when we transition to natural hair, our minds need to transition as well and embrace what natural hair is completely. It will not be straight, you will have to do that manually. It may not be soft, you will need to apply product to make it soft. And the list goes on. Gather the knowledge that you need to maintain your natural hair and you will not struggle one bit.

Let’s take combing hair for example. A lot of people com[plain about natural hair being difficult to comb. Why comb it? Okay, maybe the look you are going for requires you to comb you hair. Fine. Then you need to wet your hair first before you  use any comb. And not just any comb, but a wide toothed comb. If combs are too much for you, use your fingers to groom your hair. Or a detangling brush. See, there is so much that can be done in that regard.

And another common issue with natural hair is not knowing what to do with it. The beautiful thing about natural hair actually, is the many options we are spoiled with when it comes to stuff to do with it. As in hairstyles. This includes just letting it be. Yes, you read right. That is a hairstyle in itself. If you need your hair to be straight, blow drying and using the straightener is an option. When done correctly with good products, your hair should revert back to it’s glorious coily curly self when in contact with water.

 

Styling natural hair is so amazing because natural hair doesn’t only have body and volume but texture as well. It can be better shaped and sculpted into beautiful artifacts and if you are gifted in creativity, the sky is the limit really.

You struggle because you don’t know. If someone taught you how, then you would not struggle at all. That is why I am here, to help you along your natural hair journey. Sharing the knowledge that I have gained over the years so that, where I struggled, you don’t have to.

Are you struggling with your natural hair? What do you want to know that will make your journey much easier and enjoyable?

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Hair careProtective styles

How To Delay Wash Day When in a Protective Hairstyle.

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa
written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Why would one want to delay that? Water is our friend right? Ummm, not so much when you are wearing a protective style and you have my type of hair which will just fray out when washed. So, yes, water is still my hair’s best friend but in moderation. No immersing, not dipping, no showering but just spraying. Hear me out.

I did these braids some 4 weeks ago. Now, before I would wash my hair weekly religiously. Not joking. I would. But, that meant my hair pulling out of the protective style, if I tie my braids at the back, you would think I have short hair and not see braids at all, after 2 weeks of having them in and already washed twice. There would be big gap between my scalp and where the braid starts, which many used to confuse with hair growth but I knew it was more of loose hair than hair growth.

A week old  bob box braids

 

I must confess, one of the reasons I used to wash my hair religiously was also because I had n choice. Many of you who have been following this blog for a while, know that I have been fighting running battles with dandruff for a very long time. So, it has been the custom to wash my hair weekly when in a protective style and 3 times a week when I have my hair out. Needless to say, for reasons mentioned earlier, this weekly hair washing has been working against me as far as keeping my protective style neater for longer.

4 weeks in bob box braids

This year though, I found a way of making sure my scalp does not flare up with dandruff, so I can stretch my wash days for longer while keeping my scalp fresh and my hair moisturised.

How I prepared my hair for a protective style.

In preparation to do these braids, I washed my hair with a dandruff shampoo. One that I have been trying for some time and will soon be for sale online. It has tea tree oil, peppermint, menthol and  Vitamin E which all help for a healthier scalp, free from dandruff.

I also did a protein treatment, under the steamer for stronger hair when my hair is in a protective style. I then had these short braids done, which are so cool because there is no need to tie them all the time, no unnecessary pulling, and they are heavy as well because there is very little extra hair on my head.

And for the maintenance, there are things I do weekly and those that I do daily to keep my hair hydrated and smelling relatively fresh since I have not washed my hair again since. And let me confess again, this is the longest I have kept a protective style in without re-doing the perimeter or something.

Weekly routine.

On Friday or Saturday, as I sit with family, watching a movie or just talking, I oil my scalp. That’s right. I apply a hair food on my scalp. This is not your normal hair food though. It’s also a power hair food that is packed with dandruff fighting stuff like tea tree oil, peppermint oil, sulphur, Shea butter and other really good stuff for a healthier scalp. I only apply this weekly because really, that’s all my scalp needs and it it is itch free and dandruff free.

Hair Grow Scalp balm

Daily routine.

When I shower, I don’t cover my hair with anything. I tie a high bun then hop into the shower. When I finish, I know that small droplets of water were deposited into my hair while taking the shower.

In the morning, depending on how my hair feels, I lightly spritz my hair and my scalp with the Nashe Organics daily spray.  Those who know this product swear by it for  healthy moisturised hair when in a protective style. It also leaves your scalp feeling fresh, revived and your hair moisturised.

Daily Moisturiser

At night, before bed, I repeat the spritzing with the Nashe Organics Daily Spray, and this time, I do it really well. Opening sections and really going on my scalp to spray and also the length of the hair. I still spray lightly though because, I don’t want the spray to start dripping down my forehead or neck. That will just be wastage of good stuff.

And I always cover my head with a satin scarf or bonnet when I go to sleep. That’s a must. And that’s all I do to my hair. After 4 weeks, my braids look decent, I don’t have any build-up, my scalp is free from dandruff, I am not itchy at all and all this after 4 weeks since I washed my hair.

How often do you wash your hair when in a protective style? Let me know in the comments. Otherwise, until then, God bless you big time.

Hey! Have you seen my latest video? Here it is.

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HairHair care

How to winter proof your natural hair routine

by Evenes Ruth Mafupa
written by Evenes Ruth Mafupa

Yes, winter is upon us and what shall we do except to comply and hide our tresses? Or is it even necessary to hibernate your hair for winter? Well the answer depends on what works for you. As for me and my hair, winter months are spent less active and more resting and out of the cold. Protective styling I mean, and low manipulation hairstyles that also cover my hair from the dry, cold Johannesburg winters.

Knot less braids

So, by now, I have become a total pro in winter proofing my natural, not joking. And that’s what I am about to share with you right now. So, buckle up and let’s get schooled here.

Short Marley Twists

Disclaimer: This method works for those in dry climates during winter months.

  • Do less with your hair. Not kidding. Less is more. should I say low manipulation one more time? There, I said it. Even if you are not a protective styling fan, try not to handle your hair too much. (This tips goes for all year round as well if you are trying to maximising length retention aka hair growth.)
  • Wash your hair at least once a week but please don’t go out in the cold with wet hair. The water will attract more cold to your hair. So, cover your head if your hair is still wet so that your hair doesn’t freeze.
  • More moisture retention techniques for your hair. A leave in conditioner alone may not be enough to retain moisture longer. Try sealing the moisture with a butter or heavier cream. I love whipped Shea butter from Nashe Organics. My hair stays moisturised and soft for days.
  • If you’re up to it, a long term protective style may be a good idea. I know salons are not yet open so this may not be too easy to achieve for a lot of sisters. But if you can do African threading, braid or twist your own hair, this may be time to do it.
  • Wigs are a good friend in winter months. For some people this is a no no. However, they offer quite good covering to your actual hair throughout winter. What I love about wigs is that, I can take it off and attend to my hair daily. It also keeps my head warm.
  • If wigs are not your thing, a crochet hairstyle may offer the same benefits as a wig. A crochet hairstyle with for example Marley hair can offer good covering and keep your head warm as well.
  • Moisturise your hair whether in a protective style or not, more so in winter than ever. Twice a day is ideal but, once a day at least if you are too busy.
  • If head wraps are your thing, cover your head with head wraps when you go out in the cold. I particularly go for my morning jog with a cap or woollen hat. Otherwise my hair will freeze completely.
  • When you go to sleep, a satin bonnet or scarf is a must have. It will help you retain moisture. Put one on soon after spraying your hair so that the moisture can get a chance to sink into your hair.

Here is an easy protective hairstyle that you can do on your hair.

Faux locs

A lot of people I know have a winter hair routine. From braiding or twisting in winter to protect the hair, to head wraps through out winter. What’s your plan? Tell me in the comments below. I would love to know.

 

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