This is how I take care of my hair Using Natural Products

Like my body responds well to nourishing food, so does my hair to healthy products.

The journey to keeping my hair natural and healthy began in 2012. Someone noticed I had not processed my hair and advised me to look up natural ways of caring for it. At the time, I was a regular hair salon client; I would enter the hair salon with an old hairstyle, and leave with a new one. I gave my hair no breathing space, neither did I desire to wear it out. It was up until I noticed my hairline receding, that I considered better care for my hair.

But due to being hesitant about doing it on my own, I would still make hair salon visits and ask my hairdresser to avoid touching my edges. I thought this would help but it worsened the situation. I finally got to the point where I was no longer satisfied with someone else doing my hair. So, I began watching YouTube videos of African-American natural hair vloggers. These women gave tips and taught simple natural haircare skills that were helpful for me as a beginner. I decided to go searching for natural hair products, but they were not available in South African stores. Luckily, I found natural hair butters and oils available for purchase online. I became a mini scientist in my kitchen, whipping and mixing hair concoctions. Through trial and error, I learned what worked best for my hair and what didn't.

With the little information, skills, and products at my disposal, I attempted to style my hair. It was amazing to see how well it turned out and people's reaction to it. My friends and some co-workers loved the new look. It truly became an encouraging and enjoyable experience. It awakened my passion for hairstyling and in the process inspired others too. Natural haircare also motivated me to eat healthy.

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It’s been ten years of rocking my hair with gratitude and confidence. Gratitude because I am thankful to the Giver of the hair and skill. Confidence because I embrace my God-given hair and its uniqueness. Today, I am able to share these simple but effective hair tips that you might find helpful too. So, here goes:

Step 1

Prepoo

In a spray bottle, pour one part Apple cider vinegar and four parts water. Shake and spray onto the roots of your sectioned unwashed hair to make it damp, but not dripping. If the smell of vinegar is overbearing, consider adding four drops of lavender oil to mask the smell. Let that sit on your hair for 30 minutes in a disposable shower cap or plastic bag.

Step 2

Cleanse

In a 750ml bottle, pour 1 part Castile soap/Liquid black soap + 4 parts water. Add 7-10 drops of each essential oil: Tea tree, Rosemary, Peppermint and Lavender oil.

Rinse the Apple cider mixture under a shower head or preferred way of washing hair section by section. Pour the shampoo on one part of your hair and massage the roots. Refrain from scratching the scalp while washing, as this can damage your hair follicles. Cleanse all sections and repeat the washing process to ensure all build up is gone.

Towel or t-shirt dry, keep hair sectioned and head over to detangle and moisturize.

Step 3

Detangle & Moisturize

Scoop a generous amount of Shea butter, rub it into your hands until soft and melted, then apply to hair. Ensure the butter disappears into the hair strands before detangling. Your hair must feel soft too after applying Shea butter. Grab your wide tooth comb and detangle from the ends to roots. I love using Shea butter to detangle because it is a non-toxic natural hair conditioner.

Do not rinse out the butter, but lightly oil the scalp with a mixture of your homemade hair growth oil. Hair growth oils should contain 80% of a carrier oil of choice (olive, coconut, jojoba, argan), plus seven drops of each desired essential oil.

Add a small amount of Shea butter and Jamaican Castor oil on the palm of your hands and mix. The warmth of your hands melts the oils and makes it easy to apply onto your hair. But, if you like a smoother consistency, use a hand mixer or blender to get a creamier and softer butter (I prefer hand whipped butters). Twist or braid the hair and cover with a satin scuff or bonnet until dry and ready to style.

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What are the benefits of using these oils on my hair? You may ask. Below are benefits of Shea butter and essential oils I use for hair.

Rosemary promotes hair growth, boosts memory, prevents muscle spasms. Supports the circulatory and nervous systems.

Tea tree has antimicrobial, antiseptic and disinfectant qualities. Also used in shampoos and skin care products. It features in mouth rinses but should not be swallowed, as it is toxic.

Lavender smells good, is refreshing and cleansing. Calming and relaxing. Helps to sleep better and soothes muscle pain.

Peppermint treats hair fall, cools the scalp, and boosts hair growth.

Jamaican Black Castor oil (JBCO) repairs dry damaged or brittle hair. Thickens hair and encourages rapid hair growth.

Shea butter moisturizes both hair and skin. Repairs damaged hair and reduces stretch marks.

You will notice that these oils also have benefits for the body. They are so versatile that I use my shampoo as a shower gel, and my oils and butter as body moisturizers or ointments. These are so good for you and will not break the bank!

I have learned that my body knows what to do when given the right stuff. There is no need for stressing my hair with a bunch of toxic chemicals that will affect it or my health. I choose to use what is good and step out of the pressure of becoming a hair product junkie. Hair growth is not an overnight thing; I've taught myself to focus on its health and the length will follow.