The harmattan season usually occurs at the end of the year in Nigeria. The season begins after the rainy season with extremes of cold, sometimes heat and intense dryness.
Due to the extreme dryness of this season, the moisture of the hair is lost constantly. This leads to hair dryness and brittleness, making hair breakage a very common occurrence. The goal during this season is to maintain hair moisture and preventing dryness as much as possible.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you have healthy hair all through the intense dryness of the season:
Cowashing
Stay away from shampoos as much as possible during the harmattan season. A good alternative is cowashing because shampooing the hair dries it out quicker. Cowashing is the use of only a conditioner on the hair which helps retain moisture and will still give a clean hair. It is advisable to cowash with warm water during the season.
Invest in a spray bottle
A spray bottle is where you have a mix of water – oil – leave in – glycerin/Coconut mixture. It is very essential as it will help to make remoisturizing easier through the day. A small spray bottle to take along everywhere with you and be able to spritz from time to time to re-moisturize the hair is recommended.
Deep condition regularly
Deep condition your hair often, which could be daily, every other day, or even weekly to lock in moisture and strengthen the hair. The harmattan season can also make the hair look dry and dull, and so moisturizing should be done daily to add shine and reduce dryness.
Steaming the hair
There are a couple of hair mayonnaises that are perfect for steaming the hair. A home mayonnaise can be made and helps retains moisture in the scalp.
Protective hairstyles
The importance of protective styles cannot be overemphasized. They help protect ends which are the oldest and most fragile part of the hair, from breakage allowing the hair to grow and stay healthy. There are the usual styles like box braids, Marley and Senegalese Twists, cornrows and even wigs.
Increase water intake
Water is good for the body. Everyone is encouraged to drink up to 8 glasses of water per day for healthy skin, hair and nails. If you have to take 8 glasses of water when the weather is normal then you certainly have to take more during the intense dryness of harmattan to keep your hair moisturized.
Avoid dust as much as possible
If you cannot totally avoid it, then wrap your hair as often as possible. It is almost impossible to avoid dust this period but it’s one of the things you should do to care for your hair. When going out you can wear a hat to prevent dust from settling on your hair.
Vegetables
Eat more vegetables and fruits that can provide you with the daily vitamins and minerals that you need
Daily routine
Moisturizing and sealing is a good activity to adopt as a daily routine.
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