How to Create the Perfect Afro Hair Care Routine

“What’s your hair regime?”

The last time someone asked me that, I was like, “What hair regime?”

I have 4C hair, and the most I do is wash it once a week using a basic clear shampoo, apply some amla oil blend, and wrap it when I go to sleep. I don’t comb or detangle it, but it take the knotted ends off with my fingers whenever my hair starts looking like dreadlocks (which is not the look I’m going for).

But I also understand that a lot of us do want a hair regime as part of self-care and looking fabulous. So, let’s look at the essentials of a hair routine that protects and maintains African American hair.

What Are Your Specific Hair Needs?

As we’ve discussed in other posts, every head of black natural hair is different. So, if your hair is lighter and wavier, you’ll need a different hair routine than if your hair is denser and thicker. Your styling options also count. I wear mine as an uncombed afro, so it’s near-zero maintenance. But if you prefer to braid, straighten, or color your hair, you’ll need a hair routine tailored to your look.

3 Elements of a Healthy Afro Textured Hair Care Routine

A good hair care routine has three parts:

• Daily care
• Weekly or monthly care
• Nighttime care

Daily Hair Care

If you like to change up your look every day, then pay attention to your daily hair care routine. Focus more on gentle detangling techniques, redefining curls, moisurizing, and conditioning. Washing your natural afro hair daily may cause more harm than you think because you’re stripping away the natural oils in your hair. Instead, use a natural sulfate-free cleasing product to refresh your hair every day.

Weekly/Monthly Hair Care

Every week, or at least a few times per month, focus on your scalp to strengthen your hair and reduce breakage. Be gentle as you tighten your finger coils or redo your twists or braid-outs. Apply your favorite natural oil to your cornrows.

If your hair is unstyled like mine, this is the time to wash it thoroughly to remove excess oils, dirt, and dandruff. Massage your scalp to stimulate hair growth and relieve stress–sometimes a scalp massage is as good for the soul as it is for your hair. Detangle and minimize heat use to avoid damaging your hair.

Note: When it comes to trimming your afro textured hair, play it by ear. Some of us struggle with split ends more than others. Our hair grows at different speeds as well, so you may need to trim more often if yours grows faster. Trim your hair when you find it best to do so.

Nighttime Hair Care

You want to minimize friction between your natural hair and your bedding when you sleep. That’s why wrapping your hair with a headscarf goes a long way to protect your afro textured hair. You can also wear a satin bonnet or sleeping cap to keep your style intact overnight and prevent moisture loss. I prefer to wrap my afro in a pineapple style to prevent matting.

Be Consistent

Once you start your afro hair care routine, stick with it. Your afro hairstyles may change, but your routine should be consistent. Allow your hair to adapt to your ideal routine. That way, your hair will be stronger, healthier, and easier to style and maintain.