Sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to back to the “old school” to learn some things.
When you think of the old school hair, it conjures up various memories for different people. For some, it’s old afros and afro picks. For others, it may bring forth images of 1,000 beads in braids while roller skating. For others, it may mean something totally different.
But one thing is for sure, usually, when we think of old school, it’s full of fond, feel-good memories.
And these tips are no different. These are some old-school hair tips that bring out the best in your hair and still work to this day. Take a look at the top five:
Mom had it right with this one, though our methods have changed slightly.
Getting cornrows as a child was a daunting process though mama meant well. It was great for her to knock out a style and not have to worry about your hair for at least a week, right? That’s still the case.
Protective styling is still very important for maintaining length and giving your hair a break from manipulation. The difference now is that tight braids are not encouraged.
We now know that they can contribute to traction alopecia and breakage, so keep the braids light and loose.
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While warm water opens a hair’s cuticle to allow shampoo and conditioner to do their job, cold water helps to close the cuticle and seal in moisture from the conditioner.
A cool hair rinse will also remove excess product without stripping away all the moisturizing ingredients. Curly-haired ladies know that more moisture equals less frizzy-looking hair too. It will also close down the cuticle cells, which has two benefits. For one, it locks those ingredients and water inside the hair strand. And when the cuticle layer is closed, the cells lay more smoothly, which makes light reflect better off the hair. More reflection equals more shine.
So, by all means, you can take a warm shower, but at the end, rinse with cold water. Mama used to do it, and I still do it now.
In 2009 Oprah said, “I have worn weaves, I have worn wigs, I have done all of it, because in order to keep your hair, you can’t put heat on your hair every day! You have to give your hair a break.”
It’s important for long-term hair health to give our hair an extended break from daily combing and heat styling.
This one still gets me, because it reminds me of my mom so much. It not only maintains your hairstyle but also keeps your hair from drying out.
The emphasis now is on sleeping with a silk cap or on silk sheets. This inevitably prevents your hair from losing moisture. Silk pillowcases are also a nice alternative.
There’s always some new products, some new method, some “hair breakthrough” they say is gonna change the game and change your life.
You don’t need to jump on every new trend and new finding product. If what you’ve been doing has worked, then just keep doing that.
New doesn’t always mean better and old doesn’t always the best too. Find your middle ground.
For more on what to put in and on your hair, click here.
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