It’s the season of going natural, dropping all chemicals and relaxers we usually use to perm the hair and embracing and loving our naturally “kinky hair” despite the fact that it can be sometimes difficult to maintain. It is therefore important to be well informed and enlightened on how to effectively maintain and grow natural hair.
Because of the desire to grow and maintain natural hair there are quite a number of expensive products on the market with overly exaggerated results designed to attract customers to purchase the products, but in all honesty, sometimes these products do not do what they have been advertised to do in the amount of time they are required to as seen in the adverts.So instead of spending on those branded shampoo and conditioners, here are a few tips and items to use for maintaining and growing natural hair and habits to avoid that ruin and interfere with hair health and growth
AVOID HOT WATER ON HAIR : 
Hot water strips hair of its natural oils and makes it dry and bristle in the process. So instead of using hot water to wash the hair, use warm water or water that is a little bit warmer than the body temperature.
DO NOT BRUSH WET HAIR : Wet hair is three times weaker and more likely to break.It is therefore recommended to towel dry hair first and then gently detangle with a wide tooth comb.
TRIM YOUR HAIR REGULARLY : Trim your hair at least every six weeks to eliminate split ends.
GOOD DIET: Drink enough water for your body type and eat mostly raw healthy fruits and vegetables, diet plays a large role in hair growth, ever heard the saying “ you are what you eat”, what you put into your body will be reflected on the outside.
STRENGTHENING AND MOISTURIZING YOUR HAIR : You need excellent moisturizing products to moisturize and strengthen your hair : Olive oil, Shea butter and coconut oil, and cocoa butter are the best moisturizers and hair strengthening oil. Almond oil helps to treat damaged hair and makes it strong. Pour some almond oil in a bowl and heat for 40 seconds and evenly distribute on your hair, leave for 30 minutes and then wash with warm water.
EGG TREATMENT FOR CONDITIONING HAIR : Use an entire egg to condition your hair, apply one cup of egg white or an entire egg mixture to damp hair and leave for at least 15 minutes, rinse with cool water. Eggs help to restore the hair’s protein levels especially after removing a protective hairstyle.REJUVENATING YOUR SCALP: Coconut oil is great for rejuvenating the scalp, and enhancing shine without adding weight to hair, castor oil helps to nourish weak fragile strands while fortifying hair with the strength it needs to grow.
WATER IS YOUR FRIEND : Spritz water on dry hair often.Wash your hair once a week to maintain moisture and keep scalp and hair healthy.
AVOID PUTTING STRESS ON YOUR SCALP : Very tight braids and ponytails break hair and damage scalp, loosen them up a bit.
PS : Avoid heavy gels and hairspray, also avoid alcohol based products as these can cause hair to dry and get damaged. Growing natural hair also needs a lot of patience to get desired result, but believe the results will start to show in no time provided the hair is well taken care of. Everyone’s hair journey duration is different so never get discouraged that someone you started with has a large afro while you still struggle with shrinkage, It will all work out in the end.