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Two years ago, I embarked on an 'all-natural mental and physical transformation,' because I was at a stage in my life where I needed to connect to my spirituality and live an all-round healthy lifestyle.
This meant transitioning my permed hair to natural hair because the chemicals from relaxers were damaging my hair; wearing sustainable clothes and nurturing eco-friendly habits; eating more greens than junk food.
Sincerely, I won't rate my progress a ten because committing to all three aspects was challenging, but I can happily say that I haven't been tempted to perm my hair again because I have wanted this since I was 12 years old. Going natural was an eye-opening experience for me—especially now I remember how easy to manage it looked on other girls.
At first, I had a lot of migraines during the transitioning stage and afterward, I had to battle with keeping my hair moist constantly because I have coarse 4C natural hair.
Secondly, I had to prevent excessive breakage by taking supplements, consistently plaiting my hair, and applying hair treatment products.
At some point, this routine became overwhelming; and so, had to seek easier, and quicker growth-boosting hair routines.
I found really helpful videos on YouTube, where some of my favourite influencers shared insightful tips and products that helped their hair to grow. I learned that there is no easy-to-do natural hair routine; I only had to be consistent to achieve results.
Secondly, I noticed that the influencers kept mentioning the same products that are obviously filled with a lot of chemicals, which didn't bode well with me because my intent for transitioning is to ditch chemicals.
Also, I could tell that the influencers were definitely paid by brands to promote their products, which I didn't find cost-effective. I began to search for healthy and affordable alternatives, and I found some the day I went to a local market in Nigeria to shop for groceries.
I met a woman in her 40s, selling a variety of fruits, herbs, and spices, and I was enthralled by the look of her natural hair; it was long and thick. After being complimented, she began to spill the magic behind her hair growth.
I was shocked when she told me that the herbs and spices that I was buying to cook, did the trick. Of course, I had to purchase more items to test whether it actually works. It appears that they are actually as potent as she described them to be!
Hibiscus flowers aren't a one-trick pony. Not only can they be used for decorations, but they also have a high nutritional value to the hair and body. I various regions in Africa, the hibiscus flower is used in making medicinal beverages.
With an ample amount of vitamin C, flavonoids, amino acids, mucilage fibre, moisture content, and antioxidants, the hibiscus flower nourishes the locks, induces a satin-soft texture to prevent frizz and breakages, prevent hair loss, prevent split ends and premature greying, and thicken hair volume. All you have to do is soak the petals in water for a while; then immerse your hair in the water, and leave for 5-10 minutes before washing it off.
Ginger is well known for preventing and curing flu-like symptoms. However, many people may not know the benefits it has to the hair. One benefit is that it combats hair loss by strengthening hair follicles with its minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids.
Secondly, it possesses antiseptic properties which help to fight dandruff and dry scalp. The oils present in its root serve as a natural conditioner, to keep the hair smooth, prevent breakages and split ends.
Adding blended ginger to your spray bottle or leave-in conditioner would be a good addition to your hair routine.
Thyme fosters hair growth in 2 ways: stimulating the scalp and preventing hair loss. According to recent studies, thyme oil was discovered as an effective agent in treating alopecia.
Thyme is particularly potent, therefore, you only 2 tablespoons of it in a carrier oil before applying it to your scalp. Leve it in for10 minutes, then rinse it out.
Lavender is essential to hair care because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Also, it shields the hair from lice and fleas, in general.
Lavender's antibacterial properties help to soothe the scalp as well as heal irritations and infections like dandruff and scalp flakes.
In doing so, Hair loss is reduced, thereby improving hair growth. A few drops of lavender fluid can be added to your hair oils to enhance efficacy.
Moringa doubles as a health supplement and a growth propellant. Moringa possesses thiocyanate which strengthens hair follicles and averts hair loss. You can use it as a natural conditioner and promotes new hair growth.
Moringa is fortified with Vitamins and minerals like calcium and Vitamin E, which keep the scalp healthy by supplying more nutrients to the hair follicles, through increased blood circulation. Applying the Moringa paste as a hair mask once a week would help to make hair strands healthier and stronger.
The moringa oil can be applied with your fingertips on damp hair, to massage the hair into the scalp.
Since I started using these herbs, I have noticed major changes in my hair texture and length. It feels healthier and less prone to excess breakages.
I haven't met my hair targets yet, so I'll keep using these herbs till I achieve my desired results.
Now you're done reading, it's time to take action! Feel free to share this post and your results with as many people you think need this information.
Good riddance to stunted hair growth!