Keeping on top of your afro hair requires some work. Although you may be washing your hair less, that doesn’t mean you’re living carefree, especially as we head into warmer months. The heat of the summer can leave your hair dry and tired, so it’s important to have a good routine.
There are a few steps that as part of a regular routine, will keep your afro haircut in tip top condition all year round. In this blog, we'll take a look at some tips to maintain afro textured hair. First though, lets look at its history.
Why is it Called an Afro?
The afro hairstyle originated from Africa along with twists, braids and other styles that have been worn for eons. These traditional tribal hairstyles were used as indicators of hierarchy, community and to socialise whilst styling.
With its name derived from its place of origin, the afro hairstyle was popularised during the 1960s. Championed by those involved with the civil rights movement, the curly afro was a rebellion against societal pressures to straighten and grow out hair.
By the 1970s the afro had become the epitome of the black is beautiful movement, as well as a stand against racial injustices. Thankfully today, the cultural heritage and hairstyles from the Motherland are celebrated and adorned as a staple of modern fashion. But, how to maintain an afro?
Use the Right Shampoo
As well as keeping your hair clean, shampooing protects your hair and scalp and keeps them healthy. When choosing a shampoo, you should avoid any that contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) as it leaves hair dry. When products leave your hair feeling dry, the natural oils which protect it have been stripped away.
Finding a shampoo that suits your hair type will always be beneficial to its health. There are plenty of specially formulated shampoos for afros on the market. Check out Jack Black – Double Header, one of the best around.
You can read more about washing and frequency in our blog here.
How do I Shape my Afro?
As your hair grows, you need to keep up with regular maintenance, especially with an afro. When it becomes overgrown, a little love and affection should help tame it.
Using an afro comb to fluff out your ‘fro and then using clippers, tackle any stray hairs to keep it in shape. If you keep it short, use the same grade clipper guard to shave all over.
For those with a fade or cut in, you might be best leaving that to the professionals.
Use Afro Braids or Twists for Bed
When your head hits the pillow for a well-deserved night’s sleep, braiding or twisting your afro can help protect your hair. Sleeping with an afro can lead to frizz, flat spots and dents.
These protective styles can be used in conjunction with some oil or moisturiser and a durag or satins to replenish your hair whilst you sleep. The removal of the braids or twists in the morning will breathe new life into your hair and it’ll be back, bigger, better and bushier than before.
Use Waxes and Cremes
If you’re after a little extra hold for your ‘fro, styling waxes and cremes are the way to go. You should, at all costs, avoid gels. Gels will strip your hair of its natural oils leaving it dry and susceptible to damage.
Cremes are absorbed by the hair which means less product build up, more moisture and healthier hair.
Keep Hydrated
One of the best things you can do for your hair, is keep yourself hydrated. This is more important through hot months, hydrating yourself works wonders for body, mind, soul and hair.
Use Good Quality Combs and Sponges
You should always have the best tools for the job to hand. A good quality afro comb or curl comb should be part of your arsenal. Curl sponges are also the friend of the afro. Use them in a circular motion and you’ll help shape the curls and produce some great textures.
If you’re still unsure about how best to grow, maintain or clean your afro hairstyle, why not speak to our specialists. You can book an appointment with the best barbers in New York City at our Broadway shop through this link. To see a full range of services, you can click here.
Whatever your style and however you go about your day, remember to #KeepItHandsome
Keeping on top of your afro hair requires some work. Although you may be washing your hair less, that doesn’t mean you’re living carefree, especially as we head into warmer months. The heat of the summer can leave your hair dry and tired, so it’s important to have a good routine.
There are a few steps that as part of a regular routine, will keep your afro haircut in tip top condition all year round. In this blog, we'll take a look at some tips to maintain afro textured hair. First though, lets look at its history.
Why is it Called an Afro?
The afro hairstyle originated from Africa along with twists, braids and other styles that have been worn for eons. These traditional tribal hairstyles were used as indicators of hierarchy, community and to socialise whilst styling.
With its name derived from its place of origin, the afro hairstyle was popularised during the 1960s. Championed by those involved with the civil rights movement, the curly afro was a rebellion against societal pressures to straighten and grow out hair.
By the 1970s the afro had become the epitome of the black is beautiful movement, as well as a stand against racial injustices. Thankfully today, the cultural heritage and hairstyles from the Motherland are celebrated and adorned as a staple of modern fashion. But, how to maintain an afro?
Use the Right Shampoo
As well as keeping your hair clean, shampooing protects your hair and scalp and keeps them healthy. When choosing a shampoo, you should avoid any that contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) as it leaves hair dry. When products leave your hair feeling dry, the natural oils which protect it have been stripped away.
Finding a shampoo that suits your hair type will always be beneficial to its health. There are plenty of specially formulated shampoos for afros on the market. Check out Jack Black – Double Header, one of the best around.
You can read more about washing and frequency in our blog here.
How do I Shape my Afro?
As your hair grows, you need to keep up with regular maintenance, especially with an afro. When it becomes overgrown, a little love and affection should help tame it.
Using an afro comb to fluff out your ‘fro and then using clippers, tackle any stray hairs to keep it in shape. If you keep it short, use the same grade clipper guard to shave all over.
For those with a fade or cut in, you might be best leaving that to the professionals.
Use Afro Braids or Twists for Bed
When your head hits the pillow for a well-deserved night’s sleep, braiding or twisting your afro can help protect your hair. Sleeping with an afro can lead to frizz, flat spots and dents.
These protective styles can be used in conjunction with some oil or moisturiser and a durag or satins to replenish your hair whilst you sleep. The removal of the braids or twists in the morning will breathe new life into your hair and it’ll be back, bigger, better and bushier than before.
Use Waxes and Cremes
If you’re after a little extra hold for your ‘fro, styling waxes and cremes are the way to go. You should, at all costs, avoid gels. Gels will strip your hair of its natural oils leaving it dry and susceptible to damage.
Cremes are absorbed by the hair which means less product build up, more moisture and healthier hair.
Keep Hydrated
One of the best things you can do for your hair, is keep yourself hydrated. This is more important through hot months, hydrating yourself works wonders for body, mind, soul and hair.
Use Good Quality Combs and Sponges
You should always have the best tools for the job to hand. A good quality afro comb or curl comb should be part of your arsenal. Curl sponges are also the friend of the afro. Use them in a circular motion and you’ll help shape the curls and produce some great textures.
If you’re still unsure about how best to grow, maintain or clean your afro hairstyle, why not speak to our specialists. You can book an appointment with the best barbers in New York City at our Broadway shop through this link. To see a full range of services, you can click here.
Whatever your style and however you go about your day, remember to #KeepItHandsome
