Detoxing your natural hair is an essential part of reaching your ultimate goal of having healthy hair. On a daily basis, our hair is exposed to pollutants, dirt, and product buildup. This can cause hair damage, breakage, and stunted growth. To avoid this, start implementing detoxing products in your regimen. Detoxing natural hair involves removing these impurities to promote hair growth, restore natural shine, and maintain healthy hair. In this article, we will discuss how to detox natural hair effectively.
Step 1: Clarify with a Sulfate-free Shampoo The first step in detoxing natural hair is to clarify it using a sulfate-free shampoo or a clarifying shampoo. Sulfates are chemical ingredients commonly found in most laundry detergents to remove dirt and soil, so the clothes are squeaky clean. We do not want this for our natural hair as it can strip the scalp of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness, breakage, and dandruff. A shampoo free of sulfates is the best option for the health of your scalp and hair. It is gentler on hair as it effectively cleanses without leaving the hair dry and prone to breakage. The best sulfate-free shampoos are those that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil.
Step 2: Use an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse is After shampooing follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse as it will balance the pH of the hair and scalp. Both the scalp and the apple cider vinegar are acidic by nature. The apple cider vinegar rinses are a natural astringent that removes dirt and buildup, leaving hair looking shiny and healthy. To make the concoction, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, apply it to your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. It’s important to use cold water to close the hair cuticles, which helps to seal in moisture and prevent frizz.
Step 3: Apply a Bentonite Clay Mask Next, follow up with a bentonite clay mask. This will help to remove impurities, toxins, and buildup from hair. Bentonite clay is a natural ingredient from the earth’s minerals that has a negative charge, which attracts positively charged impurities such as dirt and product buildup. To make a bentonite clay mask, mix the clay with water until it forms a thick paste. Apply the paste to your hair and scalp and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Ensure to massage it into the scalp so it will unclog your pores. Bentonite clay is very powerful, so it’s important not to use it more than once a month.
Step 4: Do a Hot Oil Treatment A hot oil treatment can help to nourish and strengthen hair while also stimulating growth. Heat up your favorite natural oil, such as coconut, olive, or jojoba, and apply it to your hair. Apply from root to tip so that every hair strand is coated with oil. Cover your hair with a plastic cap or deep conditioning cap for 20-30 minutes. If you have a hooded dryer, you can use that as well. The heat from the dryer helps to
open the hair cuticles, allowing the oil to penetrate the hair shaft and nourish it from the inside out. This will soften and strengthen the hair shaft.
Step 5: Use Natural Products After detoxing natural hair, it’s important to maintain its health by using natural products that are free from harmful chemicals. Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter. Avoid products that contain sulfates, parabens, and silicones, as these can cause dryness and damage to hair.
Detoxing natural hair is an important step that should be performed on an ad hoc basis to maintain healthy and beautiful hair. By removing buildup, impurities, and toxins from the hair and scalp, you can promote hair growth, restore natural shine, and maintain overall hair health. Detoxing your natural hair is a process that requires patience and consistency, but the results are well worth it!
