Authors from the AUC School of Medicine: Students Tooussaint Battley and Bamba, and Assistant Dean of Community Engagement Natalie Humphrey, PhD.
Hey friends! It’s Bamba here. School is out, and now is the time for outdoor fun, swimming, and playing in the sun. But let’s make sure our hair is well taken care of. Healthy hair is happy and shiny. So, let’s talk to you about how to keep your hair healthy, strong, and looking good during this rainy season heat.
Here are some styles you can try to keep your hair protected while being active this summer break:
Braids, flat twists and cornrows
These styles are great for coily, kinky, and naturally curly hair. Natural curls can get pretty dry, making it easier for your hair to break-off. These styles can help you keep your hair moist, shiny, and growing! Make sure the braiding is not too tight, which can make your head hurt or make your hair fall out. Also, it would be best if you kept your scalp moist with natural oils. Braids can stay in for six weeks, but you must take down flat twists and cornrows every weekend for washing.
Two-strand twists
This style is perfect for completely natural hair because it has all the benefits of flat twists/cornrows, but it does a better job of keeping in moisture. The ends can hold together with or without the help of bands. Twisting two strands of hair keeps your hair the healthiest. Twists can stay in for two-four weeks, but washing/conditioning should be done every weekend, with a good leave-in conditioner and hair/scalp oil.
Weaves
Believe it or not, weaves are considered a protective style! This means it helps your hair to grow and not break off. Weaves style is most appropriate for teens and adults. This style is good for giving your hair a rest from heat styling or if you are trying to grow your natural hair longer. The way it works is your real hair is put into cornrows, and the weave is sewn into your hair. The weave can be styled just like human hair, which means you can rock many different styles. However, weaves can be very expensive, and the better weaves will keep your head from itching. Also, bonded weaves that use glue are a NO-NO. Putting glue on your hair can cause it to break more easily and become damaged. Finally, weaves should be taken down every four-six weeks to wash the hair and scalp.
Natural hair
Some of you may want to be totally free and wear your hair naturally, without any protective style. But here are some key points to note so that your hair can be healthy. If your hair has more coily or kinky curls, first cleanse your hair with a sulphate-free shampoo and put on a deep moisturizing conditioner once weekly. Washing more than once a week can really hurt your hair. Next, while your hair is still wet, put in a good leave-in conditioner and use a wide-toothed comb to cover each strand of hair. Then, a little hair gel with a good hold will make your curls pop for everyone to see! If your hair has more fine curls, you can follow these same steps, but use less gel and conditioner.
If your hair is fine and straight, you may find that your hair is naturally oily. This means you need to wash your hair every day. Too many oils can make your hair sticky.
General tips to remember
For any style that you choose, it is important to wear a silk bonnet/scarf for girls or silk “durag” for boys to keep moisture, get rid of frizz, and help your hair to grow.
So, that wraps up our talk on how to care for your hair this rainy season. Remember, healthy hair is happy and shiny! Talk to you later!!!
Photo: flat twists (left) Pinterest, via Marly; and two-strand twists (right) Pinterest, via Amazonaws.
