The afro is a classic sign of pride, culture, and natural beauty, but it needs lots of love and care to grow. Taking care of your afro is super important, especially if you’re trying to build volume and need strength. In this article, we share three tips to help nourish your afro!
Photo by Matheus Natan
1. Keep it moist
Hydration is essential for all things to thrive, and moisture is one of the most important parts of afro-care. So before you comb, hydrate. Before you style, moisturise. Choose shampoos and conditioners that are specifically made for coily hair. To help keep your hair moist, look for products with shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, olive oil, or other nourishing ingredients.
Here are some product recommendations and links to shop:
2. Handle with care
If you have an afro, then you already know how important it is to be gentle with your hair. Never over-comb or brush vigorously. You need to ensure that you have enough time for detangling before styling. If you want to get rid of knots or kinks gently, you can finger-detangle or use a wide-tooth comb. When drying your hair, slowly squeeze out extra water to reduce friction, and use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt instead of rubbing your hair with a towel. The moral of the story is: soft is best.
3. Ease on the pull
When you style your afro, watch how much stress you put on it. Do not wear your afro in tight styles for too long; this adds unnecessary pressure and can cause traction alopecia and hair loss along your edges. Choose styles that are less tight so your hair can breathe and grow easily.
Lastly, don't forget to protect your hair while you sleep! If you don’t already have one, buy a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to keep your skin from rubbing and losing moisture while you sleep. This easy step can help keep your afro's moisture levels up and keep it from frizzing up or breaking.
We absolutely love seeing all types of afros, but our favourite type of afro is a healthy one! Happy caring.
Love MPL, Your Hair Doctor.