Helecia Williams’ 7 Tricks to Treat Your Hair

Hair, regardless of color, texture or length, needs all the tender loving care you can provide, and then some. Trust me, your hair will certainly appreciate the gesture! So, in the spirit of Halloween, let’s get into seven tricks for treating your hair.

1. Deep conditioning is always a good idea. No matter the weather or season, hair needs to be strengthened. Deep conditioning is one of the easiest methods to restore it. All you have to do is simply use your normal conditioner (hint hint: Richee Rich Moisturizing Conditioner), add a plastic cap, and let it sit or apply heat. Once you’re done, your curls should melt in moisture.

2. People, PLEASE trim your ends. Don’t just dust them! Dead ends are the number one sign of breakage and last time I checked, things don’t normally rise from the dead – so let it go! If your ends are not trimmed, they will continue to break and more damage will result. You don’t have to trim regularly but do so when needed. If you notice that your hair is heavier, lacks volume, gets frizzy often, knots easily or won’t hold a style, then it might be time to examine the ends. Removing dead ends can result is luminous and healthy hair.

3. Protect yourself! Outdoor conditions can be harsh, but there are times when you can be the one doing the most damage. Protective styling can give your hair a break. Whether it be weave, braids or buns, any style that is low maintenance and doesn’t cause tension on your strands can be classified as a protective style. I try to protective style at least once a month, mostly with a French braid style, and it definitely helps! Even afterward, I rock the braid out. By doing so, I’ve noticed that the hair doesn’t shed as much and looks fuller. Your hair can finally thrive when you give it a break.

4. Aqua is your best friend. It’s surprising that something so simple can be considered a hair treat. Yes, we are all aware of the fact that water is great for our overall health, but it works wonders for hair. When directly applied to hair, it can be used for cleansing and moisture retention. When drinking proper amounts, water helps foster hair growth, similar to watering a plant. Stay thirsty, my friends!

5. Moisturize regularly. There are many ways to tackle this beast – it’s simply about finding the method that works best for you. I enjoy oils that are capable of sealing and moisturizing, like coconut oil, which I apply at least every other day. On wash days, I always resort to the LOC Method. Immediately after washing and conditioning, I apply a leave-in conditioner (like UFD’s Good Hair Conditioning Styling Creme, or Midnite Train Leave-In Conditioner) followed by an oil (Shining Star) and ending with a cream or butter (Extra Butter or Supercurl). It’s a great way to maintain and lock in moisture.

6. Multi-Masking. A huge trend in skincare that has been proven effective. If it works for your skin, then it has to be beneficial for hair care, right? So mask your hair, and do it the natural way. Think of it as customizing your hair care; you can mix different natural ingredients like honey, eggs, and different oils to create the ideal hair mask for you. And just like deep conditioning session, you would apply it the same way.

7. Au Naturale. Use natural hair products. No, really use natural hair products. Start checking the ingredients to ensure that the products you are using don’t contain harsh or harmful chemicals. Your products should be gentle on the hair and aid in hair health. Uncle Funky’s Daughter is a great brand to start off your natural hair journey. Do your research! It will be worth it.