How to Keep Natural Hair Moisturized For a Fully Hydrated Look

Are you struggling to keep your natural hair moisturized? Although scalps retain oil naturally, straight hair more easily retains moisture  — curly-haired folk often suffer from oil buildup on top of their heads, which results in build-up, dry flakes, and dry hair. That said, if you're so over natural hair drying out, here are a few tricks for keeping natural hair moisturized.

Cotton pillowcases actually absorb the moisture in your hair while you sleep, and although this isn’t the cause of your dry hair, per se, it certainly isn't doing you any favors. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase – which maintains the oils in your scalp as opposed to absorbing them – helps your natural hair retain its own moisture over time. Vegans can reap the beauty benefits, too, with vegan satin pillowcases.

We know what you’re thinking: how could dead, frayed split ends affect your hair’s moisture? Whatever the science of it all, they do — in order to keep your hair as young, fresh, and moisturized as possible, you have to trim it regularly; just as you would trim a diseased leaf off a houseplant. TLDR? Get rid of the excess dead hair so your scalp can tend to the hair that needs moisture and nutrients.

According to Buzzfeed, you should do the LOC method – liquid, oil, cream – for dry hair, but in a different order. Instead, apply your water-based liquid to dry hair, then cream, then oil. Because oil is a sealant, it will be more effective to apply it last, locking the already-existing moisture into your hair, and therefore, keeping it moisturized.

You may want to use heat to style your natural hair, but if your hair already runs dry, the heat will only dry it out more. Keeping your hair natural – in this context, meaning heat-free – is the best way to keep it natural and moisturized.

Just like our skin, hair needs water – especially dry hair – so if you’re not drinking your eight glasses of water a day, it could be a contributing factor to hair dryness. In addition to getting the appropriate daily water intake, you can also mist your hair with water a few times a day (yes, also like a houseplant). The ends need the hydration the most, since they are the oldest part of the strand.

Aloe vera gel features moisturizing ingredients like water, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and phytonutrients. According to Naturally Curly, aloe vera gel can be used in just about any step of your moisture treatment, in the form of pre-shampoo (to fight off dandruff and exfoliate dead, dry flakes), shampoo, conditioner, a detangler, natural curl definer, and a growth treatment. Just read the ingredients, first — preservatives may increase shelf life, but some are potentially harmful.

If you have dry natural hair, it’s likely a dry scalp is at the root of it all (literally). Try any one of these natural scalp treatments: coconut oil, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, baking soda mixed with olive oil, mashed banana, avocado, or yogurt mixed with egg.

Show your locks some extra love — they deserve it.