HELP! My hair is damaged, what can I do?

DAMAGED HAIR. 

These are probably two of the scariest words you'll ever see if you're natural. 

I've been very active on Twitter (@NaturallyNi) over my winter break and I've had my mentions open to questions about natural hair. The question that's popped up the most is: "What can I do about my damaged hair?" Well let me tell you, I've had damaged hair before, but with the right care and treatment, your curls will be on "fleek" (as the young kids say) in no time! Here is a simple routine you can follow to repair your damaged hair:

STAY AWAY FROM HEAT. Try not to flat iron or blow dry your hair.

Pre-poo with an oil and detangle your hair before washing. Pre-pooing with an oil of your choice (i.e. coconut, olive, jojoba) for a few minutes and detangling with a wide tooth comb or your fingers will leave your hair less stripped and easy to work product through when applying your co-wash or shampoo.

1. Opt for co-washing instead of shampooing. The term co-washing is short for conditioner-washing which is when you cleanse your hair with a cleansing conditioner (or a regular conditioner) instead of a shampoo so that your hair feels less stripped. My favorite co-wash conditioner is the Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner, and I follow up with the Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner for added moisture.



1. If you like shampoo, try a natural alternative. A natural alternative to shampoo can leave your hair less stripped, as well as promoting shine, such as Apple Cider Vinegar. Try cleansing your hair with Apple Cider Vinegar diluted with water (about 3 parts water to 1 part ACV). ACV promotes shine and you can easily rinse it out. Make sure to use a conditioner afterwards so that your hair doesn't smell like salad dressing (LOL.).
1. DEEP CONDITION. I can't stress this one enough! Deep Conditioning is essential to natural hair because it replaces all the nutrients your hair may have lost throughout the week, month, etc. Personally, I DC once a week with the Shea Moisture 10-in-1 Superfruit Masque. You can purchase a DC (Shea Moisture has really great ones!) or you can make your own with your favorite conditioner and a mixture of your favorite oils! You don't have to wear a plastic cap or sit under a hooded dryer if you don't want to. You can DC on the go, rinse it out when you feel like your ready, and always make sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner if needed.



2. Do protein treatments! Protein treatments don't have to be complicated. I simply mix one egg, some olive oil, and mayonnaise. I leave it in my hair for about 20 minutes and then I rinse it out and shampoo my hair (I shampoo once a month).
3. 
   TRIM! TRIM! TRIM! Make sure you trim your hair regularly. Every 2 to 3 months is a good time.
4. Questions? Comments? Tweet us: @NaturallyNi or @pennyroyalpry using the hashtag #nerdynaturals! Follow our Tumblr: CLICK HERE.