There’s so much choice in the beauty world, it can get overwhelming, especially when it comes to Afro hair.

“Afro hair can be dryer than other hair types,” explains trichologist Stephanie Sey. “The curl in the hair can make it difficult for natural oils to be distributed down the hair shaft. Afro hair is also a little more delicate, as the bend and twists in the hair strand can cause points of weakness, and these same bends and twists can also cause single-strand knots. Finally, a tight, curly texture means that it doesn’t reflect light in the same way as straighter textures, so the hair appears not to shine.”

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Young woman with Afro hair

To combat this, you might want to make more effort to ensure your hair is properly nourished. You don’t have to pump your hair full of chemicals to keep it shiny and healthy; there are plenty of natural ingredients which will work wonders.

Natural products for Afro hair

Many of these help all hair types, but they’re particularly well-suited to the needs of Afro hair, strengthening the strands whilst adding shine and moisture…

1. Coconut oil

Bottles with fresh coconut oil on wooden table

There’s a scientific reason why coconut oil is well loved: “Coconut oil has very small molecules which can penetrate deeper into the hair than other oils, so rather than acting merely on the surface, the effects of the oil are longer lasting,” explains Sey.

“Additionally, coconut oil is slightly positively charged. The reason this is important is because weathered and damaged hair is negatively charged, so these opposite charges result in the coconut oil being attracted to the hair, meaning that it will soften and protect it.”

As an added bonus, you can easily buy coconut oil from the supermarket. Use it like you would a hair mask, and let your locks soak up the moisture.

Try Coconut Merchant Organic Coconut Oil available from Amazon.

2. Avocados

 
 
 
 
 
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Hair growth nurturing mask… Been using this mask lately and it WORKS! 🙌🏽💁🏽 You guys keep asking me for natural tricks for luscious hair and to make it GROW… I know it’s hard! 😩 Putting together all my holistic hair tricks for the #blog, but in the meantime SAVE this hair mask, because it’s AMAZING: – Mix 1/2 avocado + 1 egg 🍳 + 1/2 tbsp coconut oil (melted is better). – Blend very well and apply to your hair, let it sit for 20 mins using your granny’s shower cap 🚿 Lol . Then proceed to wash and style as you normally do… it gives my hair tons of protein and natural oils to keep it hydrated and strong 💪🏽 I’ve also been staying away from blow drying my hair as much as I can, and REALLY playing my witchy tricks, mixing herbs 🌿 and making growth tonics. Super good if you have curly hair and are letting your curls breathe and shine in their glory! #NaturalHairCare . Do you make some of your hair masks at home? Tell me all about it in the comments, I need more ideas! — Hope my little recipe helps you! Xo 🥑🍳🥥 #InAvocadoWeTrust #HolisticHairCare

A post shared by Candy Calderon Wellness Expert (@candycalderon_) on

Avocados aren’t only good on toast – they contain healthy fats and nutrients which can contribute to healthy hair. “The oil that is extracted from avocado is great for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Sey.

The trichologist also adds: “It’s good at lubricating the hair strand, imparting shine and helping to preserve the ends of the hair.”

Luckily, avocados can easily be made into a DIY mask at home if your hair is feeling lifeless and you’re noticing more split ends. Mash it up with some other nourishing ingredients – like coconut oil, olive oil or yoghurt – and apply to your locks after shampooing, as you would a normal mask. Just don’t forget to wash it off afterwards, and use any leftover avocado for breakfast the next morning.

3. Almond oil

Small bottle of almond oil

Not only does almond oil smell delightful, but there are plenty of reasons it should be added to your haircare routine.

“It contains zinc and vitamin A, and is one of the best sources of vitamin E,” says Sey. This is particularly important, because vitamin E is a natural antioxidant, so can combat free radicals (unstable molecules) and oxidative stress – which can “damage the cells in the hair follicles”.

Try Naissance Sweet Almond Oil, available from Amazon.

4. Aloe vera

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Aloe vera is an excellent ingredient in all its forms – gel, hydrosol or juice, notes Sey. It is a humectant, which means it retains moisture, so is perfect for keeping hair moisturised.

If your head is feeling a bit tender from tight braids or chemical treatments, aloe vera is a great choice. “It is an anti-inflammatory, so is soothing to the scalp,” explains Sey. “It also has a pH of about 5, which is excellent for scalp health, as well as smoothing the hair shaft.”

Try Seven Mineral’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel, available from Amazon.

5. Jojoba oil

Fun fact: jojoba is pronounced ‘hohoba’. “It’s actually a wax, which is liquid at room temperature,” says Sey, and it’s beneficial because “its composition is very similar to scalp sebum”.

A lot of products can weigh down your hair and suck the life out of it, but this isn’t the case with jojoba oil – which Sey says “isn’t greasy and is really good at sealing moisture into the hair”.

Either look for products containing jojoba, or buy the oil from a health store and use as a serum after you’ve washed your hair.

Try Naissance Cold Pressed Golden Jojoba Oil, available from Amazon.

You may also be interested in…

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