Caring for natural hair

"When I started going natural and reading widely about it, that's when I realised that some of the hair regimens we have are not healthy for the hair at all. I mean, a lot of Nairobi women are always in weaves and braids. This is supposed to be a protective hairstyle. So why is it that they have short and damaged hair?" Wacuka asks.

She advises that the first thing in having healthy hair is in accepting it as it is. This will help you know the moisture-to-protein balance levels of your hair. The next step is to use products that do not harm or strip your hair of its natural oils.

"Always wash your hair with conditioner. Ensure that it's free of sulphates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or SLS, which is added to shampoos to create bubbles) and mineral oils. Also, to oil your hair, use either extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. There are many other options in the market, just choose what works for your hair, says Wacuka.

Wacuka says the popular way of cleaning braided hair using surgical spirit not only damages hair, but also makes the scalp dry and flaky.

"Instead, use apple cider vinegar to clean in-between cornrows or weave-lines. After that, you can rinse your hair with water and apply natural oils like the ones mentioned above to seal in the moisture. Not only will you hair be moisturised, your scalp will be very clean," says Wacuka.

Kenya has its fair share of extreme weather, which greatly affects hair. Wacuka says it's best to keep your hair constantly moisturised.

"You can mix water, natural oil of your liking, glycerin and a bit of your choice sulphate-free conditioner in a bottle and spray it on your hair at least twice a day. Ensure you have a weekly regimen that will boost your moisture-protein balance at all times," says Wacuka.

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