How to Care for Afro Hair: Everything I Learned About My Natural Hair During Lockdown

Ask any woman about their hair and expect a lengthy story behind it's cut, colour or condition, but for black women in particular, the relationship we have with our hair can be complex, wrapped up in self expression, identity, and politics, something I really came to explore during lockdown while salons were closed.

You may have seen the 'Natural Hair Movement' trending on social media recently, but the truth is, recent history has given us a wealth of natural hair icons. From Nina Simone's gravity defying styles in the 1960s, Diana Ross and Angela Davis' fierce trademark manes in the 1970s, Grace Jones' androgynous angles in the 1980s, and Lauryn Hill's cropped dreadlocks in the 1990s. But in the Noughties a prevalence for chemically straightening (relaxing) hair and installing weaves came out of a common misconception, that natural hair is hard to maintain, something I'd often been told myself.

Reminds Florence Johnson, owner of Simply Gorgeous salon, 'Curl type should be the first thing you consider when caring for and styling your hair. There are far more important aspects such as porosity, density, and thickness that should be looked at when looking for products, treatments and styles.'

READ MORE: How To Figure Out Your Hair's Porosity, And Treat It Accordingly

READ MORE: Know Your Curl Type: Everything You Need To Know About Your Curl Pattern And What It Means For Your Hair Care

1. Get Expert Advice Before Experimenting

My 4C hair has been through a LOT over the last few decades, and until recently deep conditioning and treating it had not been a priority. As a child the seemingly never ending process that was 'wash day' meant washing, conditioning, detangling and finally moisturising my scalp, a process I wasn't keen to replicate as a teenager, and so began a long journey of experimentation. First, the braids that fascinated my classmates, then the kaleidoscope of weaves - long, short, curly, straight, natural black, Rihanna red, blonde (a few times) and even a poorly advised dip dye blue, until finally the weight (both literally and figuratively) took it's toll, and I took it all out and decided to relax my hair. Having done very little research, my damaged ends (which I'd obsessively straightened) broke off, and what had once been thick hair that hung well past my collarbone became a chin length bob that I concealed under more weaves until lockdown.

The closure of salonsacross the country at the height of the pandemic hit the beauty industry particularly hard, and made many of us rethink our usual routines. 'It was really trying,' said Florence, 'It was the first time we had to close our doors in over 14 years but it was understandable. We provided support to regular clients via virtual check-in consultations with them to answer any care queries they were having - these proved really popular so we’ve continued this offering and have opened it to all.'

2. Protective Styles Are Best For Damaged Afro Hair

I decided to best use the time away from the salon chair to give my hair the well deserved break it needed, and to invest in restoring my damaged hair back to its healthiest state, no small feat! Masks, leave-in conditioners and creams have helped with its brittleness and locked in moisture, and for now thanks to the team at Simply Gorgeous, it is back in braids, a protective style to avoid any further heat damage.

'A protective style is any style in which your natural hair is encased or will experience little to no regular manipulation, lessening the chance for it to be damaged i.e. - braids, wigs, crochet, faux locks, twists etc,' but not all protective styles are suited to everyone, adds Florence. 'If you have fine and sparse hair, avoid styles such as box braids as these will weigh down on already fine hair, but perhaps opt for a cornrow style with extensions. If you're wanting to go with braids, ask for them to be thin to medium with little hair added so this does not cause too much tension. Crochet styles are also great choices.'

3. Find A Salon That Works For Your Hair Type

You know your hair better than anyone, so don't book a salon for the convenience factor. Take the time to research recommended salons with experience in your hair type. 'Instagram and a brand’s website are a great port of call to get an initial feel for the experience you’re going to have at a salon. Also look at reviews online to see what other people are saying - we’re not talking about paid for influencer partnerships here. Book in for a consultation. We’re now offering virtual consultations for new and existing clients to help guide them to the right service for them. This consultation will be a great way for you to asses you comfort level and trust in the salon before booking for a full service.'

4. Hair Treatments Are Not 'One Size Fits All'

Many of us realised the importance of self care during lockdown, and faced with the task of doing my hair everyday, I learned to slow down and appreciate self care in all of its forms, including taking the time to look after and appreciate the hair I have. For every complaint I've had about its length and tight kinks, I can now celebrate it for its versatility, uniqueness and above all, strength! If you're in the transition period between salon appointments or simply looking to give your hair a little extra love, these are our favourite products and Simply Gorgeous recommended treatments to help restore your crowning glory.

READ MORE: The Best Afro Hair Salons In London

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