Hair can be of different types depending on the curl pattern – straight, wavy, curly and coily. Each hair type has its challenges and ways to deal with it. But mostly, it’s the curly/coily hair that requires additional efforts to manage them. And we’re here to make things easy for you. Wondering how? Here are a few afro hair tips and afro hair solutions to manage your curls that can give your locks the best grooming it deserves with a little bit of help from the ancient Indian practice of Ayurveda.
How to find out your Ayurvedic hair type
Do This – Take your index finger and thumb. Hold a strand of hair in between them.
- If your hair feels thinner than a sewing thread, your hair type is Vata, which means thin hair type.
- If you find your hair thicker than the thread, you have a Kapha hair type with a thick structure.
- Anything in between can be Pitta dominant hair type, i.e., a hair structure with a medium thickness.
How to take care of Afro hair?
How to take care of my afro hair? This is a common question for many. Afro hair is difficult to manage compared to the other hair types as it is frizzy, lacks moisture, and dries out easily. Thus one should start with this afro hair care early to get the best results.
Regular care will ensure nourished and bouncy curls, but none of it will happen overnight. However, with herbal and Ayurvedic products, remedies and hair care tips by your side, you can gradually achieve your hair goals. The Ayurvedic approach ensures your hair goes through a natural healing process and no additional damage is caused by the usage of harmful chemicals.
Afro Hair care: If you have been struggling to manage your curls with your regular routine, then it’s time to deep dive and access the root cause. If you have visible issues with your hair like split ends, dryness, etc., it is a sign that the “Prakriti” (a person’s harmonious state) has been imbalanced. These imbalances or Vikritis should signal you to rethink how to take care of your afro hair.
Ayurvedic products for afro hair
Natural ingredients work wonders in solving afro hair issues. Ayurveda has natural remedies for curly hair issues like Ayurvedic shampoo and conditioner for curly hair. It mostly uses natural herbs and plants like aloe vera herbal oils like neem, hibiscus, fenugreek, etc., which are natural sources.
Another very powerful product from ayurveda is henna. Henna brings many benefits for natural hair and has been widely used all over the world for at least 5,000 years.
With care and planning, henna can be used with many hair types from 1-4, although the preparation stage may be different depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Henna offers several benefits for afro-textured hair:
- Scalp Health: Henna nourishes the scalp and prevents irritation from chemicals.
- Hair Growth: It promotes hair growth and increases thickness.
- Conditioning: Henna naturally conditions hair, reducing frizz and strengthening strands.
- Shine: It repairs damage, adds volume, and enhances shine
- Versatility: Henna works well with dreadlocks, box braids, and loose hair, offering flexible color options.
- Vibrant Color: Henna provides rich, natural color without harsh chemicals.
- Looser Curls: Henna may slightly loosen curls, offering a gentle alternative to chemical relaxers.
Henna gloss
If you want to exploit the benefits of henna for afro hair but aren’t ready for a bold colour transformation just yet, a henna gloss could be the ideal solution. Essentially, it involves combining henna hair dye with conditioner or shampoo to dilute the concentration of the colour. This way you get deep conditioning with subtle colour.
Ayurvedic Hair Tea
Ayurvedic hair tea is a powerful and natural treatment for afro-textured hair, rooted in the centuries-old principles of Ayurveda. It involves brewing a blend of herbs such as amla, hibiscus, brahmi, fenugreek, and neem, each of which brings its own set of benefits to the hair and scalp. Amla is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and promote growth. Hibiscus flowers provide deep conditioning and help retain moisture, which is crucial for preventing dryness and brittleness common in afro hair. Brahmi is known for calming the scalp and reducing inflammation, while also strengthening the roots and encouraging thicker hair growth.
This herbal infusion is easy to prepare at home and can be used as a rinse, a spritz, or mixed with other oils for a leave-in treatment. Root2tip’s Root Energizer oil is highly recommended. The high nutrient content nourishes the scalp, improves circulation, and reduces dandruff, creating a healthy environment for hair to thrive. Over time, ayurvedic hair tea treatments can make afro-textured hair more manageable, enhance its natural shine, and prevent damage caused by environmental stress or styling practices. By using ayurvedic hair tea regularly, you provide your hair with a gentle, chemical-free way to maintain its strength, softness, and overall health.
Pro Tips on How to take Care of your Afro hair
- Find a hair care routine that suits your lifestyle.
- Do not over wash your hair, but never use hot water.
- Use wide-toothed combs and detangle or comb when the hair is damp.
- Ensure to keep your hair nourished and scalp hydrated by messaging oil regularly.
- Trim regularly to avoid split ends.
- Avoid using hair sprays and mousse.
Dos and Don’ts for Curly Hair According to Ayurveda
- Wash hair regularly to remove dirt and grease but remember not to over wash them.
- Dry Vigorously with Towels, instead use microfiber towels.
- Use Ayurvedic shampoo for curly hair and follow it up with a conditioner like the Root2tip’s Triple Protein Masque Deep Conditioner which is unique blend of silk, wheat, and henna hydrolysed protein extracts designed to give you strong, healthy hair that can withstand daily styling and manipulation. wash your hair.
- Use a satin pillow to sleep as it causes less friction and causes less damage to the hair.
- Do not use hair dryers to make the hair more dry and frizzy.
- Use a natural conditioner every time you wash your hair.
In conclusion, managing afro-textured hair may come with its unique challenges, but with the right care and knowledge rooted in Ayurveda, it can thrive. By understanding your hair type and adopting a routine enriched with natural ingredients like henna, herbal oils, and Ayurvedic hair teas, you can nourish your curls, improve scalp health, and promote overall hair strength and shine. Whether you’re seeking moisture, frizz control, or natural conditioning, these Ayurvedic solutions provide a holistic approach to afro hair care without the need for harsh chemicals. With consistent care and attention to your hair’s needs, you can enjoy healthy, vibrant, and beautifully groomed curls.