Growing up with afro hair, we all heard the myth that washing our hair too often is damaging for our kinks and coils. Some of us could probably count on one hand the amount of times our hair was cleansed in a year. We now know better, that washing our precious afro hair is just as important as our methods of moisturising and protecting it.
How often should I wash?
A rule of thumb is that afro hair should be washed every 7 – 10 days, or more often if you have an active lifestyle Every 4 - 5 days. It is important to cleanse the scalp and hair of flakes and product build up to ensure optimum health and hair growth. Co-washing alone does not cut it as conditioner does not contain the right ingredients to fully wash the hair. That being said, some regular shampoos are not ideal for afro textured hair as they contain sulfates which can strip the hair of essential oils. Try and avoid these types of shampoos – Nylah’s newly formulated strength and shine shampoo is a perfect sulfate free choice.
Should I Use Hot or Cold Water For Afro Hair?
There is also a lot of debate about whether hot or cold water is best for washing afro hair types – each has its benefits to be honest. Warm, not hot water is better for cleansing as it opens the cuticles and rids the hair of debris. The issue with hot water is that it can leave your hair feeling dry as it removes all oils from your hair. Cold water constricts the cuticles and is not best for removing dirt and product build up. As such, it preserves natural oils and keeps your hair manageable and shiny. The best advice for afro hair on wash days is to start off with warm water and finish the process with cold water.
Follow these tips for hair. We hope this blog has been helpful to you. If you have any queries, please feel free to add a comment below or send us a message.