12 Healthy Hair Habits for Your Best Natural Hair Yet

Hair health is a goal for all of us, but making strides to better hair health can seem quite daunting. Thankfully, maintaining healthy hair is all about creating a solid foundation of healthy habits. And in most cases, these healthy habits are quite easy to adopt. We rounded up 11 how to get healthy hair tips and habits that will help your natural hair be, feel and look healthier and stronger in no time. But before you keep scrolling, grab a pen or pencil and start taking notes — we’ve got tips for every curl type out there.

Don’t overestimate the basics
Proper hair care doesn’t have to be challenging. Remember to stick to the basics. Don’t skip shampooing and conditioning, take your vitamins and be gentle with your strands. Simple steps like this are the foundation of a healthy haircare and styling routine and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Stick to sulfate-free shampoos
While there is a time and a place for a clarifying shampoo, sticking to sulfate-free shampoo options are ideal for natural hair. Sulfates can be harsh and drying and since curly hair is naturally drier, sticking to gentle and hydrating cleansing formulas is best. One of our favorites is the Wash Day Delight Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Curly Hair. It’s formulated with micellar water for a gentle lather that won’t strip hair of its natural oils.

Make hair masks your friend
When your curls need a little TLC, look no further. Deep treatments and hair masks help to repair, rejuvenate and refresh tired curls so you can get a fresh start. Looking for the best hair mask? Apply a moisture-rich mask like the Coco Creme Curl Quenching Deep Moisture Mask from root to top and allow it to sit on hair for 15-30 minutes. Then rinse and style as usual.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
It’s no secret that curly hair needs, and we repeat needs, moisture. Finding ways to keep moisture levels balanced in your hair will only lead to better hair health in the long run. Think of it as layering and be sure that every product from start to finish is full of hydrating ingredients. The Goddess Strength Driving Strength Leave-In Cream with Castor Oil is a great first-step styler that’s chock-full of moisturizing ingredients. If your curls need hold, apply a quarter-sized amount of the Wash Day Delight Hair Gel to Foam Styler Aloe. It’s an alcohol-free gel that gives a natural-looking hold without causing flaking or stiffness. And for all-around A+ moisturization, try the iconic Healthy Hair Butter.

Don’t forget scalp care
Just like we take care of the skin on our faces, we should do the same for our scalp. And no, you don’t need a 5-step daily regimen to keep your scalp healthy, but don’t leave it to thrive on its own either. To help remove product build-up and promote healthy hair growth, consider a scalp massage with a moisturizing oil like the Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Pure Hair Oil.

Eat a balanced diet
Healthy hair doesn’t start with stellar hair care products, it starts from within. Eating a balanced diet that is filled with healthy fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates and protein only works in your favor when it comes to hair health.

Drink plenty of water
Just like a proper diet is necessary, so is consuming enough water. If your body is dehydrated, it can’t operate at its best, the scalp and hair follicles included. Drink lots of water and reach for water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, too.

Sleep wisely
You can spend hours taking care of your hair during the day, but if it’s not protected at night, all that hard work goes out the window. When it comes to snoozing, reach for a silk or satin pillowcase or bonnet. And avoid sleeping with your hair out and down. Instead, try a pineapple or loose top knot or braid. For extra moisture, apply a dime sized amount of the Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Hair Oil from mid-shaft to ends come morning.

Skip heat styling
It’s no surprise that too much heat styling can wreak havoc on your strands. If possible, avoid it altogether and try styling without heat. But if you want to use hot tools, use them sparingly.

Make trims a priority
Every hair pro will say that trims are essential for hair health. In most cases, you’ll want to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. When routine trims are kept up, dead ends are kept at bay.

Detangle gently
In general, it’s not best to detangle your hair when you’re in a rush or tired. Detangling curly hair can be, well, frustrating, but it is important to take your time and be gentle. Rushed and improper detangling can lead to snapped ends, breakage and frizz. Start from the ends and work your way up slowly and gently. If you need help with detangling, apply the Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Creme as a hair detangler from root to tip before you begin.

Choose protective styles
Wash and go’s are easy and super cute, but opting for protective styling from time to time is a good habit to adopt. Protective styles help to give your strands a break from manipulation and help to maintain healthy hair growth. If possible, choose a protective style once or twice a month to give your strands a little break.

Still looking for more hair tips? Start with the ideal scalp care routine for you.