Taking primary charge of your hair care will help you create a healthier relationship with your hair (Image: Shutterstock)

I’ve been on a healthy hair journey for many years now and I’ve picked up a number of tips and tricks along the way which have revived my hairline. I used to fully rely on hairdressers to ensure that my hair was always in tip-top shape but my edges really suffered at their hands.

Hairdressers are trained to ensure that their clients have healthy heads of hair but taking matters into your own hands, to a certain extent, will help you create a healthier relationship with your hair.

Below are three things you can try for healthier hair and a fuller hairline.

 If your shower cap doesn’t completely cover your hair, your hairline will weaken over time (Image: Shutterstock)
Do your own hair

I visit the hair salon twice a year on average. This has not only saved me money, it has also saved my hairline. Once I taught myself how to retouch, braid, wash and treat my own hair, I saw a significant improvement in the health of my hair overall. When you take charge of your hair care, you’re in control of how much heat, pressure and force you’re comfortable with.

Now that we’re on lockdown due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, going to a salon is not the best idea because of the limited amount of personal space between you and the hairdresser(s). This is your chance to learn how to take care of your own hair at home and, as you do your own hair, be very gentle with the hairline.

Use essential oils

My three staple essential oils are tea tree, peppermint and lavender. Peppermint oil and tea tree oil increase blood circulation, which promotes hair growth, and lavender essential oil helps with skin inflammation and stimulate hair growth.

I dilute a few drops of these oils into a mixture of olive oil, castor oil and vitamin E oil in an applicator bottle. I apply this oil mixture onto my scalp every few days and on my hairline twice a day after a shower.

If your shower cap doesn’t completely cover your hair and some water touches your hairline, apply this oil mixture along the hairline to prevent it from drying and breaking over time as a result of being in constant contact with water.

 My three staple essential oils are tea tree, peppermint and lavender (Image: Shutterstock)
Protect your hair when you sleep

The number one rule for black haircare should be to never sleep without a bonnet or satin scarf. Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture and create friction between your hair and the pillow. Friction causes breakage and your hairline will deplete if it is constantly exposed.  

Satin and silk don’t absorb as much moisture as cotton does. Make sure you wrap your hair with a satin/silk scarf or a satin-lined bonnet regardless of whether your hair is in a protective style or not. This way, your hairline will remain nourished and protected all through the night.?

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