• Wash hair at least once a week
• Limit the use of shampoo to one use per week
• If there is a need to wash hair more than once within the week, e.g. after exercising, co-wash hair as often as is needed (Conditioner only washing without using shampoo allows hair to be cleaned without the stripping effects of shampoo)
• Clarify hair once a month or when needed with ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) or a good clarifying shampoo to remove product build up
• Avoid Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulfate in shampoos as this will dry out the hair

Conditioning

• DC (Deep Condition) after every shampoo to restore moisture and oils stripped by the shampoo.
• Do a protein treatment regularly – monthly, fortnightly or as needed. If hair is relaxed or coloured then more protein is necessary to maintain the correct protein balance of the hair
• Follow up with a good leave-in conditioner after every wash. Leave-ins are designed to keep the hair soft and smooth.
• Use natural brands of shampoos and conditioners where possible

Moisturising

• Moisturise hair with WATER in a spray bottle (you can use floral water such as rosewater or aloe vera juice, which is excellent). You can also buy a ready made spritz or water based moisturiser. Leave-in conditioners can also be used as your daily moisturiser of choice.
• Seal hair with oil or butter such as jojoba oil or Shea butter, a mix of your choice or buy a ready made hair oil or butter mix.
• Limit the use of silicones as they can build-up on the hair and are hard to remove with gentle shampoos. Clarifying shampoos are best at removing silicone build-up.
• Avoid mineral oil/petroleum as these suffocate the hair and scalp preventing moisture from getting in or toxins from getting out

Styling And Hair Management

• Limit the use of heat, as direct heat is damaging. Air-dry hair in large twists or braids. The use of a hooded dryer for deep conditioning is fine.
• Try to detangle hair only when saturated with conditioner as dry combing or brushing can lead to breakage
• Avoid dry combing as much as possible when styling. Using your fingers when styling is much gentler on the hair and minimises breakage. There are many styles that can be done without combing the hair. It just takes some practice and imagination!
• Covering hair before bed stops the hair from rubbing against the pillow and breaking off.
• Protective styling, such as buns, braids, twists or any style that tucks away the ends of your hair, is a great way to retain length as it protects your ends from damage and breakage.