Gentlemen, I’ve not forgotten you. If you’re rocking your natural hair and looking for tips on how to keep it healthy and stylish, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you have tight coils, loose curls, or somewhere in between, maintaining natural hair requires a bit of care and the right products. Here’s a detailed guide on how to maintain your natural hair, including the best hair routine and products to use. Find a feature post on men and natural hair here.
Feel like your hair has been the same length forever, I’ve an Ebook that will help you grow your hair healthier, longer and thicker. Grab your copy here… Also, check out all the Ebooks,guides and journals that will go a long way in your hair care journey here.
“Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.”
Table of Contents
Natural Hair Routine for Men
Why Natural Hair Care is Important
Taking care of your natural hair isn’t just about looking good; it’s about maintaining the health and strength of your hair. Proper care can prevent breakage, dryness, and scalp issues. Plus, it helps your hair look its best, making it easier to style and manage.
Building a Hair Care Routine
A consistent hair care routine is crucial for maintaining natural hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Cleansing
Cleansing your hair removes dirt, product buildup, and excess oils. It’s essential for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair. Cleanse your hair weekly or after every two weeks. How often you cleanse your hair depends on the rate of exposure to dirt, sweat and product use. Go for moisturizing shampoos that will not strip off the natural oils and leave your hair dry.
Recommended Products:
- SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
- This shampoo is sulfate-free and enriched with Jamaican black castor oil, which promotes hair growth and strength.
- Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl-Defining Anti-Frizz Shampoo
- This gentle cleanser removes buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
How to Use:
- Wet your hair thoroughly.
- Apply a small amount of shampoo to your scalp and hair.
- Massage gently, working the shampoo through to the ends of your hair.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
2. Conditioning
Conditioner helps to replenish moisture, making your hair softer and easier to manage. Instant or rinse off conditioners are also excellent detanglers, they melt away the tangles making it easier and painless to detangle. These conditioners ate also used to co-wash (washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo.) Personally, I don’t use this type of conditioner, deep conditioner is my go to.
Recommended Products:
- Cantu Hydrating Cream Conditioner with Shea Butter for Natural Hair
- A quick, conditioner that leaves your hair soft and hydrated.
- TGIN Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner
- Packed with shea butter and argan oil, this conditioner provides intense moisture and nourishment.
How to Use:
- Apply conditioner to the length of your hair, focusing on the ends after rinsing off the shampoo.
- Leave it on for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly.
3. Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning provides intense hydration and strengthens your hair, repairs hair damage preventing breakage and promoting elasticity. There are two types of deep conditioners; moisturizing deep conditioners and protein based deep conditioners/ protein treatments. Moisturizing deep conditioner should be used on every wash day while protein treatments on need be basis.
Recommended Products:
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
- This deep conditioner is perfect for dry, damaged hair, providing deep hydration and repair.
- Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner
- This deep conditioner revitalizes and strengthens your hair, leaving it soft and manageable.
How to Use:
- Apply the deep conditioner to clean, damp hair.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticle.
4. Moisturizing
Keeping your hair moisturized prevents dryness and breakage, making it softer and easier to style. Moisturize daily, every other day or as often as your hair needs it. I moisturize weekly when wearing a protective style and after every other day when wearing my hair out. To moisturize in between wash days, use leave-in conditioners.
Recommended Products:
- Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream
- This leave-in conditioner provides lasting moisture and helps to repair dry, damaged hair.
- Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask & Leave-In Conditioner Treatment
- Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask deeply quenches and nourishes dry, damaged hair to help repair and soften curls and mend split ends.
How to Use:
- Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to damp or dry hair.
- Distribute evenly, focusing on the ends.
- Style as desired.
5. Sealing
After moisturizing, apply moisture sealants. Sealing helps to lock in moisture, keeping your hair hydrated for longer periods. To keep the moisture locked in your hair , use either a butter or an oil. Personally, I don’t use sealants.
Recommended Products:
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- A thick oil that seals in moisture and promotes hair growth.
- Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp and Hair Oil
- Hair Oil hydrates curly hair with moisture to help protect hair from breakage and split ends. Scalp feels moisturized and hair is stronger and healthy-looking with no weigh down after every use
How to Use:
- Apply a small amount of oil or butter to your hair, focusing on the ends.
- Distribute evenly to seal in moisture.
Styling Tips for Natural Hair
- Protective Styles: Consider protective styles like twists, braids, or cornrows to minimize manipulation and breakage.
- Low-Heat Styling: Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent damage. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant.
- Regular Trims: Get regular trims to prevent split ends and maintain healthy hair growth.
- Night Care: Use a satin or silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a satin scarf to reduce friction and retain moisture.
Maintaining natural hair as a man doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right routine and products, you can keep your hair healthy, soft, and manageable. Remember, consistency is key. Stick to your routine, listen to your hair’s needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different products to find what works best for you.
Got any tips or favorite products for maintaining natural hair? Share them in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other on this natural hair journey.
