Remember how cool Janet Jackson looked with long box-braids? Or the versatility of Brandy's microbraids? We do. A braided hairstyle can make afro-textured hair look really fly, but did you know it can also protect it from feeling really dry? Just as your skin needs to be protected during winter, women with afro-textured hair should protect their delicate strands from ice cold weather, and braids are a stylish option for hair hibernation. Here, some tips and inspiration.
Bellissima! Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme
Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme ($39) is a before-shampoo treatment oil for dry hair. It helps to detangle and soften hair as well as deliver much-needed nourishment to ends that have been damaged by coloring, bleaching, perms or straightening.
It is made from an all-natural blend of concentrated botanical oils that help to restore full vitality and shine to dry hair. This is an amazing product for your summer beach bag because it coats and protects hair from the damages that sun, salt water and chlorine can cause.
To use, cover hair with a small amount of oil and brush it through, paying close attention to the ends. Leave it on for at least ten minutes (but it can stay on all night too as a treatment for stressed hair) and follow with a shampoo best suited for your hair type. Notice the difference in texture, elasticity, softness and shine. Sounds amazing, doesn't it?
At Home Spa Treatment: Moisturize Dry Hair
We all know olive oil is a healthy fat that is essential to our health, but it's not just for salads and warm bread. You can use it to nourish your dry and fuzzy hair. I've tried leave-in conditioners and deep conditioning treatments, but they don't seem to work. Here's something I do about twice a month, but you can do it once a week if your hair is really thirsty.
Here's what you'll need:
- 1/4 cup olive oil (you may need more or less depending on how long and thick your hair is)
- plastic grocery bag
Here's what to do:
- Rinse your hair with warm water.
- Pour about 1 tbsp into the palm of your hands, rub them together to warm up the oil, then using your fingertips, gently massage it into your scalp and hair.
- Continue doing this until your hair is covered evenly with the oil, making sure the ends of your hair are treated too.
- Now place the plastic bag over your hair, tying the ends in a knot or securing it closed with a hair clip or clothespin.
- Keep the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse, shampoo and condition as usual.
That's it. Your hair will look and feel shiny, soft, and smooth. It's especially good if you have thick and curly hair, but it's also great to do in the summer when the sun and saltwater can really dry out your hair. Try it and let me know what you think.
Fit's Tips: If your hair is NOT dry, do not try this treatment - your hair will end up looking really flat and greasy.
Cold Winter - Dry Hair
Now that it's cold outside and you've got the heat pumping inside, your hair must be screaming for moisture.
Here's a great tip I learned from my hair dresser. Whether your hair is dry to begin with, or just dry during the winter, choose a shampoo and conditioner that's recommended for permed or color treated hair.
Even if you don't have a perm or highlights you can take advantage of the hair care products that offer a little extra moisturizing.
Wash your hair only as often as needed. If you have curly hair, you can get by washing your hair once a week. If you have silky straight hair, wash it every 2 days.
Try a leave-in conditioner to help moisturize even more. And if you can, skip out on blow drying and let your hair air dry.
