Natural hair care can become overwhelming if there is a lack, or misuse of knowledge. There are many options concerning the types of products and the procedures applied to care for and style natural hair. Observing, processing and experimenting can become a bit much and information overload can result in a lack of direction and in extreme cases, a total state of confusion. Without having to do in-depth research or be continually engaged in trial and error, there are simple tips and tricks that are very helpful and can make a world of difference in the life of a natural.

Consider the following ABC tips that can be applied and incorporated into your natural hair regimen to make for a less stressful and time consuming experience.

A - Accelerate hair growth by adopting a diet high in fruits and vegetables and drinking lots and lots of water. 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 and as a result not retain length. 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.

B - Brushing natural hair is sometimes a necessity. Whether for detangling purposes or to achieve a hairstyle that needs to be neatly secured. It is important to note that when brushing your hair, it should be done gently in order not to place stress on your strands. It is wise to limit the frequency with which your hair is brushed as excessive brushing of your hair can actually pull them out of their follicles.

Brushing, although difficult to avoid, should be kept at a bare minimum. If you must brush your natural hair, try to avoid using brushes with densely packed bristles and opt to use a wide bristle brush such as a Denman Brush.   

C - Cover your hair at nights or whenever you sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf. This protects the hair from being exposed to breakage. Direct exposure to the fabric used to make bedding can have a drying effect on your hair and the friction between your hair and the bedding can also cause your hair to break.

Covering your hair also helps to maintain moisture. Leaving your hair uncovered causes drying and makes it weaker that it would be if it were moisturized. Even if your hair is not set in a protective style, it should still be covered to keep your hair in the best condition.

D - Detangling natural hair should be a part of any natural hair routine. Knots and tangles are a recipe for disaster. If hair becomes matted, it can actually get tangled to the point that it is impossible to detangle it without tearing out or breaking your hair.

Natural hair should be detangled on a regular basis in order to avoid irreversible damage such as single strand knots. Natural hair is best detangled when wet as water helps to loosen the tangles and knots. This makes it easier to comb through or finger-detangle. One very important tip concerning detangling is to use a wide tooth comb at all times to prevent excessive shed hairs. 

E – Elongation sometimes appears to be an unattainable feat. Natural hair in general and kinky, coily hair in particular, has a tendency to shrink. This makes it difficult for such hair types to reflect their true length. Shrinkage is sometimes so severe that the hair may seem to be half of its actual length. It especially shrinks up when wet, and if allowed to dry without styling, will certainly appear shorter as it dries. In order to combat this shrinkage, there are simple tips and tricks.

Natural hair can be stretched without heat by placing it in rollers, rods or curl formers. These are very effective ways of stretching hair, especially if done when hair is wet as the hydrogen bonds are temporarily broken and reforms in whatever shape it is placed as it dries. That means if it is stretched when wet, it will remain stretched if allowed to dry that way.

Another option is to twist or braid your hair. The tension placed on the hair will cause it to stretch. Plaits are more effective than twists as there is more tension on the strands, resulting in more elongation.

F – Frizz-Free natural hair is far-fetched in most cases. Factors such as weather, daily manipulation, and lack of moisture are among the most notable causes of frizz. Extremely hot and humid weather causes water to come into contact with the hydrogen bonds of the structural protein of the hair called alpha keratin.
 

The humidity causes the alpha keratin to become loose and stretchy, making the strands longer and prone to frizz. If hair is worn loose, it will have a greater chance of experiencing frizz. Wearing your hair rolled, tucked or twisted in a protective style of some sort will minimize the effects of frizzing. In the case of manipulation, hair should be gently handled at all times in order to avoid excessive frizzing. Limit the use of brushes, and if a styling tool must be used, opt to use a comb. Adequately moisturizing your hair will also help to reduce frizz.

G – Growing long, healthy hair is a possibility for everyone. On average, hair grows at a rate of a quarter inch to a half inch every month. The rate may vary from person to person based on genes, diet and the state of health. In most cases, however, it appears that hair is not growing at a noticeable rate because proper care is not taken. In such instances, even though the hair grows, the growth is not being retained and as such it appears as if there is no progress.

In general, low maintenance styles such as protective styles are recommended in order to retain growth. Keeping hair sufficiently moisturized also helps to retain length because if hair is dry and brittle it tends to be more susceptible to breakage.

Growth is attainable and retainable if these simple tips are applied.   

Although caring for and maintaining natural hair is not as easy as 1…2…3, applying theses simple ABC’s will make the process easier and less frustrating.

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.