These 5 Mistakes Are Damaging Your Natural Hair

… Avoid them with our simple hair care tips

Hey queens, get in here. You know we have glorious and luxurious natural tresses, and we never miss an opportunity to show them off. Unfortunately, some of us can only wish we could because the state of our Type 4 hair can cause concern: damaged, dry, or lackluster hair. Taking care of our unique hair type can be quite a struggle because it needs a little extra TLC to grow healthy, bouncy, and maintain its shine. Understandably, you can fall into hair care traps without knowing your curls are paying the price but no worries, we spill the tea on the mistakes that may be damaging your hair, how to avoid them, and how to improve those beautiful curls in this article. Walk with us.

1. Using Heat 

Almost everyone thinks heat dries faster, and consequently, there is a constant temptation to use the blow dryer to dry and style your hair but your natural hair doesn't like that. Heat is detrimental to your hair. This is because our scalp has a natural oil called sebum that does not adequately reach the end of our hair strands. This makes the ends feel a little dry. Adding excessive heat to already dry natural hair can leave it feeling brittle, making it prone to damage and breakage. But air-drying can do magic to your hair and scalp with its refreshing feel. If you pay close attention, you can feel your scalp breathing. If you must use the blow dryer, use a heat protectant, set it on cool air and watch your curls dance happily.

2. Not Moisturizing Enough

Another one of the most common mistakes we make in caring for our natural hair is not moisturizing enough or regularly. Natural hair is prone to dryness for the same reason mentioned previously. To ensure moisture retention, apply a thick, oil-rich cream that will lock in the moisture. The secret is mother nature's shea butter, whipped into your haircare routine, it is the absolute game changer. Apply generously from root to tip before you twist or braid. The result is – you can already guess - gorgeous hair. With this, you don't have to moisturize too often but you may want to check your hair weekly. If it feels a little brittle or dry, it is time to show some love and moisturize away!

3. Ignoring Protective Hairstyles and Fabrics

Protective hairstyles are a must if you want strong long hair. If your goal is to grow your length, you must reduce exposure to dangerous elements, routines, and styles that damage it. While the weather can wage war on our hair, constant styling with heat, tight weaves, and wrapping with unsuitable fabrics can thin, dry out your hair, and tug at the roots. Instead, use silk or satin fabrics to cover your hair, especially at night to retain moisture and texture.  Also, try braids, twists, loose weaves, and buns. These gems shield your hair from damage and reduce breakage.

As protective as they are, do not wear them for too long. Doing so can cause tension, dryness, and other hair or scalp issues. A week or two is enough to rock your protective hairstyle, and during this time, always moisturize your scalp regularly to keep it hydrated. Wash your hair within 2 to 3 weeks and do a deep conditioning treatment to keep it fresh.

4. Skipping The Trim

Your hair will not keep growing well if you leave it alone. You will be dealing with issues like split ends and breakage, the real gangsters that will not let you have healthy and lengthy hair. Trimming is essential to natural hair growth, it takes out the weak and brittle ends, leaving room for thicker, fuller, and lengthy hair. You can make 0.25-to-0.5-inch trim once in three months but whenever you notice split or weak ends, it is time to get that trim.

A common misconception is that trimming makes your hair short and delays growth. The only truth is trimming keeps your hair strong, and healthy and keeps damage at bay. Be sure to go to a good stylist for the best trim, you will love it!

5. Not Detangling Properly

Detangling type 4 hair can be a lot of work, not to mention the frustration while at it. You want to run a comb and bite down on a cloth to brace yourself for the attendant pain. In that process, you may cause unnecessary breakage to your hair. If this is your lot, fret not, we've got you. The best way is to wet your hair with a spray bottle or moisturize it first, then gently and patiently use your fingers to work through the knots. If you’d prefer to work with a comb, go for a big tooth one. Start from the ends and work your way down to the roots'. Detangle gently, there will be less breakage, tangles, and pain and your curls will thank you.

Bonus fact: Leaving your hair alone for a while causes stronger, longer, and fuller growth with time. Yes, we said not to leave your hair to chance but sometimes, you can help your hair by doing the barest minimum. Natural hair does not need so much disturbance: constant combing, styling, and restyling speeds up breakage and damage. Instead, give your hair some space with simple hairstyles that allow moisture retention, like the famous cornrows: simple yet elegant.

Final thoughts

There is no particular path to achieving your goals as everyone's hair is different and some routines may not work for you. However, you can experiment with hair care products, try different routines, and see what works for you. Caring for our unique beautiful natural Afro-textured hair is a journey we must undertake; it is our crown and we must treat it with love. So long as you avoid these mistakes, maintain hydration, and be patient, best believe your hair will thrive.