The past year flew by rather quickly. Some naturals had a great year, some a horrible year and still for others it may just have been just an okay year.

One thing that is true is that there is hardly anyone who can say that there is absolutely no room for improvement where their natural hair is concerned. I think I can safely say that nobody, or in this case, no hair is totally perfect. The onset of a new year is apropos to implement some changes and adapt some healthier hair habits that will improve the condition of your hair. Many of these points were touched on throughout the past year and are therefore reminders and reinforcements of basic principles for healthy hair care. Here are the 6 reminders.

1.      Minimize Tension

As cute as many hairstyles are, they are not always in the best interest of our edges. Styles that require tightly pulling of the hair can cause weakening and eventual elimination of edges. Ponytails have that well groomed, flawless appeal that many hairstyles require for that wow factor.

It is totally okay to wear them once in a while without fear of serious damage. Wearing them daily on the other hand will place too much tension on your hairline and even cause strands to get popped out from the roots.

Braiding too tightly can have the same effect on your hairline. Since your edges are the most fragile part of your hair, it may not be able to withstand the pulling and tugging that is associated with installing braids or cornrows. Because natural hair generally has a kinkier or curlier texture than relaxed hair, it is more challenging to achieve sleek-looking edges if they are not pulled tightly. Don’t consider the instant gratification but think about the long term effects that this hair practice can have on your hair. Opt for looser styles and depend on the aid of edge control products to provide that smooth, sleek finish.

2.      Do Hot Oil Treatments

A Hot Oil Treatment gives the hair moisture and it conditions and softens natural hair very effectively. It helps to restore life to hair that has been damaged by, heat, color, excess manipulation and adverse weather. The oils penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize it from the inside out. It also helps to tame those unwanted frizz and make for more polished looking hair. The Hot Oil Treatment also helps with dry scalp and dandruff by conditioning the scalp and eradicating dryness. Including oils with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties such as Tea Tree or Peppermint Oil will help in this regard.

The decision on what oils to use for a Hot Oil Treatment is strictly left up to the individual. There are pre-made over-the-counter oil blends made for this purpose but the fact is that most persons just pull out their "mixtress” hat and put together their own homemade treatment by mixing together their favorite oils. It is perfectly okay to use only one type of oil and still get great results but the popular thing to do is to combine 2-3 different carrier oils and maybe a couple drops of essential oil. The most frequently used carrier oils are Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil etc. Essential Oils commonly used are Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil and Tea Tree Oil.

The Hot Oil Treatment is a reliable means of combating dryness, be sure to include this process in your hair care regimen as it will result in softer, shinier, more manageable hair.

3.      Minimize Heat

If ever there was a natural hair enemy, it is heat. Frequent and excessive application of heat to natural hair will over time cause damage. The potential consequences of heat are sometimes irreversible. Heat damage is not always immediately apparent, but in most cases, with extended use, it will become obvious that hair is weaker and less healthy. 
Hair straightening tools damage your hair shaft from the inside out, making the hair dull, more brittle and less elastic.
 

Reduce the amount of heat applied to your hair to a minimum and if possible, avoid it all together. Your hair will thank you for it.

Heat-free natural hair tends to thrive better than hair that has been exposed to heat on a repeated basis. Heat, depending on the intensity and frequency with which applied, can cause the bonds of the hair to break temporarily or in severe cases, can cause them to permanently break.  In the latter case, the actual structural curl pattern of the hair changes, resulting in looser less defined curls and - where damage is extensive -bone straight hair. Heat abstinence is a fundamental, foundational principle that should be adopted very early in any natural hair journey.

There is no denying that the versatility and manageability that straightening natural hair gives is very pleasing and satisfying and the temptation to do so can be very strong.  Think long term when dealing with your hair, especially if length retention is among your hair goals. Avoid that dreaded heat and explore safer straightening alternatives for your hair. If the previous year saw you applying lots of heat to your hair, rest assured that it is never too late to start taking a healthier approach to your hair care.

4.      Keep Ends Protected

Keep your hair ends protected as often as you can. This tip is of paramount importance to especially those whose primary goal is hair growth. The thing that gets most of us confused is the fact that our hair sometimes seems to be stunted. That is really not the truth. If you are alive and breathing, and free from all major illnesses resulting in baldness, your hair will grow. Studies show that hair grows at an average rate of ¼ to a ½ inch each month.

The issue that most likely exists, though, is the inability to retain length. Length retention is dependent on a number of facts, but one of great importance is the protection of the ends of your hair. The ends of the hair are the oldest, the most worn and weathered and, hence, the most likely to break. Wearing protective styles on a regular has been tested and tried as being one of the easiest ways of achieving long hair.

If the ends are braided, twisted or tucked then they are not exposed to the elements that will cause them to weaken. Protecting them also prevents knots and tangles, which are usually culprits for inducing breakage. In order to preserve what comes out of the roots, you have to protect what is at the end.  Take greater care with how you wear your hair both during your daily routine and while preparing for bed.

If you protect your hair ends from damage and breakage then that will prevent you from having to cut them a lot, and as such, you will be able to record and retain length. In essence, if you don't get split ends very often, then you won’t need to trim your hair very often. That way you will be able to realize a lot more growth. Protecting your ends involves keeping them moisturized. Moisture can be sealed into the hair by using a sealant such as Shea Butter or your favorite oils. Keeping your hair in a protective style like two strand twists or bantu knots especially at bedtime is an excellent way to protect your ends. Try not to manipulate your hair too much as this can lead to split ends. Heat or excessive combing and brushing can lead to breakage.

5.      Adapt a Healthy Lifestyle

The key to enjoying a healthy natural hair journey is adapting a healthy lifestyle. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and lots of water coupled with regular exercise is vital to your overall health, including the health of your hair.

Vitamin E for example improves circulation to the scalp. When your scalp does not have enough blood circulation, the roots of your hair don't receive enough nutrients to support the strength and life of your hair follicle. Vitamin deficiencies resulting from an unhealthy diet can cause dry brittle hair, which makes your hair more likely to break.

We have heard it said over and over again that water is life and is beneficial to the whole body. A generous intake of water on a daily basis will, in fact, result in healthier hair. Water is vital for every cell in the body, including the hair follicles. Keeping the body hydrated results in improved circulation of nutrients in the blood making it better able to reach the scalp and ultimately strengthen your hair. Drinking water increases the amount of moisture, not only in your skin, but over time you will be sure to notice the difference in the appearance of your hair.

Overall lifestyle habits will definitely play a role in your ability to achieve more noticeable hair growth. Exercise cannot be over emphasized. Exercise stimulates the blood to flow. The nutrient rich blood nourishes each hair follicle, promoting healthy hair growth. Lack of sufficient blood flow would yield the growth of duller, more brittle hair. Apart from supplying the follicle with nutrient-rich blood, exercise also helps to alleviate stress, which is a known cause of hair loss.

Getting enough sleep (8 hrs. recommended) and staying stress-free can cause your hair to grow faster and longer. Sleep is also a very important factor that can determine one's overall health. As it relates to the health of your hair, getting the required amount of sleep can aid in hair growth as growth hormones are secreted during sleep.

Studies show that factors like stress, depression and sleep deprivation actually contribute to hair loss. In the case where there is severe stress, it can result in a condition called Alopecia Areata where the white blood cells attack the hair follicles, stopping hair growth and causing the hair to fall out. There is also a condition called Telogen Effluvium in which emotional or physical stress prematurely pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase, forcing the affected hairs to fall out easily. There are also the cases in which individuals undergoing stress literally get the irresistible urge to literally pull out hair from their scalp. This condition is called Trichotillomania.

In light of these facts, it is extremely important to lead a stress free life as it will improve your overall health. Making minor adjustments to your daily routine can reap significant benefits as far as hair growth is concerned. Set your hair goals, and with much commitment and dedication, you will be able to achieve if not surpass them.

6.      Maximize Moisture

Natural hair needs moisture in the same way our bodies need water. In order for natural hair to thrive and be healthy, it is imperative that it has sufficient moisture at all times. Depriving your hair of much craved moisture can have very damaging effects. Hair that is not well hydrated is at risk of becoming extremely dry and brittle.

Water is one of the best sources of moisture for natural hair. There is a common misconception that natural oils are a source of moisture but in most cases, oils only help to seal in the moisture applied from other sources.

Water-based moisturizers are also great for introducing moisture to your hair. You can easily identify water based moisturizers as they list water among the top three ingredients in the product information section on the container.

Having identified the source or sources of moisture that you will incorporate into your regimen, you will then have to ensure that there is frequent application. Daily introduction of moisture to the hair is recommended. Moisturized hair is not only poised to be strong and healthy, but is also very soft and silky to the touch and often looks very shiny. Maximizing moisture only takes a matter of minutes. Completing this brief and easy step at the same time each day makes it easy to ensure that it is not neglected or overlooked. If ever there was a natural hair care practice that should never be ignored, it is that of moisturizing. Make every effort to make this a constant part of your regimen and you will be sure to notice a vast improvement in the condition of your hair.

Healthy hair habits may not come all at the same time, but being diligent and consistent with them on an individual basis will eventually lead to a comprehensive and fulfilling, natural hair regimen. Make this year the most productive one as you strive to get your hair to flourish at its healthiest state.