“Our hair is our crown.” Our hair is a part of our body that can change with the seasons or stay the same for years. It stays with us at all times of the day and is an accessory we never take off. Hair says the unspoken about how we view ourselves to the world inside and outside of us.
Textured hair can mean freedom, authenticity, and natural beauty. In 2014, 40% of Black women wore their hair natural. This number grows with each passing year. Women transition from constant straightening or harsh chemical relaxers into celebrations of our coils, curls and kinks. From 2017 to 2020, Black women with natural hair texture increased by 23%. The increase of women with natural hair calls for increased knowledge of how to tend and care for type 3 and type 4 hair. As the weather changes, type of maintenance for texture hair evolves as well.
In this article, we will journey through the do’s of natural hair for summertime care, which vitamins support healthy hair growth, and protective hairstyle inspiration for you to try this summer.
Natural Hair Care Tips
Do Keep Hydrated
Hydration is the key to functioning cells as 60% of the human body is composed of water. This includes the cells in our hair. Like a plant, we must add hydration for our hair to grow. Our natural hair is naturally dry and more delicate than other hair types. Water is the star product of moisturized curls.
Refreshing your hair with a mist of water to rehydrate after waking up. A simple recipe of one part distilled water, half parts coconut oil and coconut milk, and one part of rose water. Coconut oil and milk offer fatty acids and vitamins to nourish hair. The nutrients leave hair shiny, hydrated, and soft. Rose water adds hydration, and vitamins A, B3, C, and E which stimulate hair growth and add a natural scent to the hair.
Adding a moisturizing hair mask during wash day for deep conditioning. Make a DIY mask with equal parts aloe vera gel, honey, oat powder, and coconut milk. Leave it in your hair for ten minutes and wash it out. And of course, drinking up your daily cups of water to hydrate from the inside out.
Do Use Sunscreen
In the summer (and all year long) we should be using sunscreen, but did you ever think to use sunscreen on your hair? Sun exposure can damage hair color and leave strands with a dry feeling. Pick up a hair sunscreen to protect the scalp from UVA/UVB rays and burns. Hair sunscreen comes in sprays, oils, and powders. Which one is best: whichever one is easiest to reapply for you. Bonus tip: wear a broad-brim hat to protect the roots and facial skin from UVA/UVB rays. It will keep you cool from strolls around the park or at the beach.
Do Take Your Vitamins
Vitamins are necessary building blocks to our health which in turn impacts our hair thriving or falling flat. In the summer sweat causes a loss in vitamins as we spend more time being active outside. Replenish your health level with an intake of these key vitamins.
Incorporate antioxidants into your diet this summer. Antioxidants interact with free radicals (from the sun) to neutralize them. Antioxidants strengthen keratin bonds and give a boost to our immune system, which leads to stimulation of the hair follicle and growth. Find antioxidants in foods like raspberries, pecans, grapefruits, sweet cherries, dark chocolate, and spinach. A rule of thumb: foods that have darker, richer colors like reds, greens, yellows, and blue will contain antioxidants.
Vitamins C, E, A, Zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and B12 are the building blocks to nourishing the body and hair. Add foods such as brussels sprouts, fish, chicken, eggs, lemons, kale, cashews, and seafood into your summer diet. Whole foods will have a major impact on overall health which supports thicker, softer, shinier hair.
Do Detangle Gently
Tangles arise when summer adventures at amusement parks, HIIT classes, and late-night dancing occur. Textured hair is more delicate and prone to being tangled than straight hair. The solution is to gently detangle your curls. On damp hair, apply a conditioner with lots of slip. This will help to gently detangle your hair and work out any tangles. Section your hair into four sections with clips and go in with a wet brush in small sections. Starting from the bottom and carefully brushing down to work out any knots. If the brush gets stuck, go in with a few more brushes to get the tangles out. Once completed, clip up the section and repeat until you complete your whole head. The gentle detangle is a critical step for having healthy and happy hair this summer.
Now that you’ve done all the do’s: keep hydrated, use sunscreen, take your vitamins, and detangle gently– it is time for protective styles.
Protective Styles for This Summer
Protective styles are just as varied as the hair types in the natural community. Protective styles keep your textured hair away from harsh elements like sun, pool water, and sweat. You’ll look cute on your vacation without the stress of refreshing your hair after horseback riding or traveling on an airplane. It is an effortless way to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.
Protective styles should be maintained with a satin or silk pillowcase or bonnet. This aids in moisture staying in the hair compared to cotton, which dries hair out. Keep your style moisturized with the hydration spray mentioned earlier by spraying every three days or when your hair seems dry. For the health of your textured hair, take out the style around the two-month mark. Try one of these four styles for summer 2024!
Passion Twists with Bantu Knots
Passion twits are two-strand twists that feel light, take a fraction of the time to install compared to box braids, and are super cute for summer! If you’re a free-spirit girl, passion twists will fit your personality. Make this style more interesting, by adding bantu knots towards the front of your head. It will create a headband-halo illusion and the passion twists will flow behind you.
Box Braid Bun
A throwback from the 90s and easy to wear when the sun is beating down: the classic box braid bun. Whether you do large box braids, medium (my personal favorite), or micros, the braid bun will look fabulous from day to night. Be sure your scalp is happy by keeping the braids tied loosely (not too snug) into the bun. As cute as this style is, let your hair down so your edges and roots get a break from the tension.
Fulani Braids
Originating from the Fulani people in West Africa and the Sahel area, Fulani braids are feed-in braids with cornrows in the front and box braids in the back. If you’re looking for something unique, experiment with mermaid fulani braids. This style consists of peak-a-boos of oceanic blues, purples, and seafoam green against blonde or black hair. Finish your style with cowrie shells and sea-inspired charms to make this look even more fantastical.
Knotless Box Braids with Beads
As summer turns to fall, the heat is still popping and, so should your hair. Try Knotless Box Braids with beads as your protective style during this period of transition. The sleekness of knotless braids adds an effortless grace to this protective style. The stylist will start a braid with your natural and bit-by-bit add extensions so you can’t tell where your hair ends and extensions begin. Knotless braids are much gentler on the scalp versus box braids, making this a perfect choice for tender-headed folks or those with finer curls. To finish off the look, and give it a whimsical edge, add clear beads or bright color beads to the ends. This style is roll-out-of-bed approved.
Your Hair Story
Embracing your natural hair is not just a trend; it's a journey of self-expression, authenticity, and care. As we navigate the rest of the summer months, it’s essential to remember that our hair, our crown, deserves the best attention and nourishment. By keeping hydrated, protecting your hair from the sun, taking the right vitamins, and gently detangling, you can ensure your hair remains healthy and thriving.
As you embark on your summer adventures, remember that your hair tells a story. Let it be one of strength, beauty, and resilience. Whether you're lounging on a beach, hiking through nature, or dancing under the stars, your hair is a testament to your identity and a crown you wear with pride. Here’s to a summer of beautiful, protected, and healthy natural hair!