Along with the appropriate moisturizer, shampoos, conditioners and
treatment methods, doing the right things before you sleep is important
to ensure your natural afro or curls is well looked after.

Twists or Corn-rows Before Bed
Natural hair doesn't need to be wrapped (using a comb or brush to sweep
the hair around the head into a mound) before bedtime because it
doesn't need to be kept straight. The best way of preserving shape and
keeping hair strands together is to twist the hair in sections or plait
it in corn-rows.

The smaller the twist, the tighter the curls in the morning once they
are loosened, but generally dividing hair into fist-sized sections and
twisting (by diving each section into two and twisting gently but
firmly until you reach the tip) is adequate, as are corn-rows plaited
from the front to the back of the head. Both styles keep the hair in
shape rather than splayed out all over your head.

In the morning, separating the twists or corn-rows with your fingers is
preferable to combing it out. The less use of combs and brushes the
better as these can pull out natural hair which is very delicate.

Moisturize Both the Scalp and Ends
Natural hair, especially the ends, needs more moisture than other types
of hair. Dry ends lead to breakage so keeping both the scalp and tips
well-oiled at night is a must. Light oils (olive or avocado oil works
well) are better than thicker ones like Pink Oil, which can just sit on
your hair and make it lank and heavy. Sparse oiling of the scalp
followed by a bit more for the ends of each of your twists is
recommended before bed time. The average sleeping time of six to eight
hours, and the lack of harmful interference from sunlight or winds
means nightly moisturizing is the best time for giving your hair the
nutrients it needs. Repeat the light oiling for both the scalp and ends
in the morning.

Silk Scarves and/or Silk Pillowcases
As you sleep, your hair rubs against the pillow and against itself
which can also lead to breakage. This rubbing can be reduced with the
use of a silk or satin pillowcase because these are made from softer
materials that's kinder to hair than cotton. The hair oils you've put
in is also more likely to remain on your hair if you use silk or satin
pillowcases.

Because natural hair doesn't need to be wrapped, you can twist and
sleep without a scarf, provided you're sleeping on a silk or satin
pillow case. You may, however, choose to wear a scarf as extra
protection, and it'll also ensure smoother hair in the morning.

There may be other night time routines you find work well for your
hair, but doing these three things regularly goes a long way in
managing natural hair.

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Posted By Miss Sixx to Au Naturale by Miss Sixx at 11/02/2009 09:05:00
PM

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