Afro-Caribbean traditions still reign strongly even outside of their respective islands. From different foods, styles, and, of course, hair. How Black women, particularly from different islands, care for their hair nourishes their curly and coily textures. We wanted to share some of the treatments created to strengthen, repair, and promote growth by Gen Z natural hair stylist Amber Nicole, who has actress Celeste O’Connor of the Marvel Universe on her list of clients.
If you’re just starting your natural hair journey from a big chop or transition, or you’re a lazy natural ready to turn a new leaf, these tips from Nicole are for you. She’s dealt with an array of textured hair and sees it all as beautiful with the potential to thrive. One treatment she highly recommends is an organic castor hot oil treatment. Castor Oil is a thick oil made from castor beans with many benefits besides moisturizing and effectively penetrating your shaft.
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Nicole suggests heating up your castor oil, applying it generously to your scalp to the ends of your hair, and covering it with a shower cap or plastic bag. This helps the oil get into your hair shafts for a full moisturizing effect. If you have dry hair or recently dyed it, this is a great treatment to keep your tresses from breaking. She also recommends keeping the oil in for 30 minutes for an effective treatment. Once your 30 minutes are up, rinse the excess oil and wash your scalp as usual. “This treatment is fortified for the hair shaft and follicle, all while locking in moisture, leaving your hair shiny and strong.”
Nicole swears the next treatment uses natural shea butter. Simply apply it from root to end after you’ve washed and conditioned your hair or after a co-wash. She said shea butter “acts as a natural SPF, heat protectant, and leave-in.” She loved using it on herself and her clients because shea butter isn’t water-based; it’s derived from shea nuts and seals moisture from the water in your follicles.
You’ll want to purchase shea butter that specifies being hand-made and organic to be sure that you’re getting the best quality for the health of your hair. Doing this regularly after every wash day and throughout the week for maintenance will help promote growth and moisture for those with curly, coily, and kinky natural textures.
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