8 Steps to Keep Your Hair Moisturised

Dryness is a problem experienced by many naturals, myself included; during my recent trip to the coast, I struggled to retain moisture in my hair due to constant exposure to salt water and chlorine. Why is it so important to keep natural hair hydrated? More than anything else, natural hair needs moisture to thrive. Well moisturised hair is supple and elastic, which makes it look soft and prevents breakage.  Dry hair on the other hand looks and feels dull and dry. In order to grow long, strong, healthy hair, it is vital for naturals to have a regualr moisturising regimen.

Getting water in your hair is easy. Keeping it there, not so much. So how do you keep your hair hydrated? (aka how many more times can I say the M word). Follow these 8 steps below for shiny hair that stays moisturised and retains maximum length:

I have an avocado tree!

Imagine my surprise when I come home from holiday and see one of the dogs eating an avocado in the back garden. I'm like 'huh??'  Then I notice little avocados strewn on the ground and I look up and ...

Oh what plans I have for you sweet, sweet avocados....

Homemade (Moisture) DC Recipe: Harvest of Sunshine Hair Butter Review

I have no DC; I didn't replace my store-bought one after it finished because it didn't work very well and was rather costly to boot. I have since been experimenting with different mixes at home, depending on what I have in the house, and this has got to be my favourite one so far.

Why it is wonderful:

- It makes my hair incredibly soft; I first used it after I came back from the coast when my hair was dry, brittle and crying out for attention. 

- It goes on easily as it has lots of slip so would make a great detangler. 

- It is perfect for the non-DIYers like me because it is so quick and easy it is to make with affordable ingredients 

- It washes off easily and doesn't leave your hair feeling greasy or with residue. 

Ingredients: 

Mombasa Diaries: Day 16: I'm Coming Home

Heading home today. The first holiday I've had that I am actually looking forward to going back because my Qhemet products have arrived and I can't wait to try them out!!! #hairnerd

thank you Laura!!

Mombasa Diaries: Days 12-15: Holiday Products

It's a wrap. Party season is over! Thank goodness! I don't think my body could take any more. I haven't exercised a single day because it has been unbelievably, unbearably hot. I've eaten two salads and I've barely swam for trying to preserve my hair for nights out. Feeling blergh!

Mombasa Diaries: Day 11: New Year's Eve with Melissa

Since no swimming happened yesterday, my knot out is still hanging in there. Ok that's a lie. It's puffed up as hell. What I've now realised about coconut oil is that because it's so light, it just sort of disappears after a few days so even though my hair was drenched before, it's just got a nice sheen now. 

We're not going to bother going for any of the big beach parties tonight because they're always full of teeny boppers, far too expensive and always a bust. So we're keeping it local tonight. 

Which is where i meet a lovely young natural, Melissa.  At our local beach bar. Who'd have thunk it. I LOVE the way natural hair brings total strangers together. 

Melissa was WORKING her high puff. Even after days of camping and swimming with her hair open, it was still sooooo soft. Totally lush. I must have her on to tell us her secret. 

Happy Nappy Year lovelies!

Mombasa Diaries: Day 10: 4 Simple Ways to Remove Chlorine From Your Hair

It is notoriously difficult to remove chlorine from your hair!

This is because chlorine is an oxidant which chemically reacts with your hair, making it  difficult to remove with ordinary shampoo, let alone conditioner. It is therefore recommended that you shampoo your hair with a clarifying shampoo after prolonged exposure to chlorine. Swimmers' shampoos are specifically made for this but are very drying and quite frankly, I'm not sure you can buy them here anyway. A chelating shampoo such as Kinky Curly Come Clean would work and is locally available via Aunaturelle but, while researching my salt water post, I came across several interesting and slightly amusing tips on how to cheaply and effectively remove chlorine from your hair using ordinary household ingredients. 

I have already done a post on how to protect your hair while swimming so this is additional information useful particularly for those who swim regularly.