Is There A Right Way To Wash Natural Hair??

Depends on who's asking.

There are different kinds...or types of natural hair. Up until this minute (just kidding), the natural hair community used a hair typing chart that has since been criticized as being problematic for reasons such as:

• Many people don’t fit into just one category.

• Different parts of your hair can have different textures.

• Many people have much coily or kinkier hair in the “kitchen”or the nape of the neck.

• The curl/coil pattern at the front of your head tends to be different due to its exposure to the elements.

• Your curl pattern can be impacted by the climate or water quality in your area.

The chart also leaves much to be desired and discussed. It doesn’t give you all the information you need to know about your hair. It doesn’t address:

1. Dryness

2. Porosity

3. Differences in Length

4. Heat Damage

5. Hormonal Changes

6. Chemical Changes

and so forth.

Source: Mello Hair

So What Does This Have To Do With How I Wash My Natural Hair?

Well, coiler textures like type 4 hair tend to tangle much easier and faster than looser hair textures like type 3 hair. This is due to the higher number of coils (bends and twists) on a single strand of hair. The strands tend to wrap around each other and if left unchecked can lead to a long detangling session.

Source: BiancaReneeToday

What's the Solution?

I'm glad you asked.

Myth: Washing your hair in twists doesn't clean your hair properly

Tip: Wash your hair in twists

• Washing your hair in twists makes wash day way easier! It:

• Allows direct access to the scalp for proper cleansing.

• Reduces breakage as your hair doesn’t get tangled as easily

• It’s easier to moisturize/apply product after as your hair is already parted into sections

• Reduces shrinkage

• Less time consuming .

Also, focusing on cleansing your scalp allows the soapy water to run down your strands which cleanses the hair itself! #winwin

NOTE!: If your hair is coming out of a protective style, use conditioner as a lubricant to detangle before putting it into twists

Watch a mini tutorial by my fave @halfricanbeaute!