Hair restoration and growth tactics
THE BENEFITS OF HIBERNATION
As we enter winter in South Africa, we can take a cue from the natural world and the hibernation habits of animals. Hibernation is a state of reduced metabolic activity that allows animals to conserve energy, reduce stress and enhance recovery during the coldest months. This period of rest and rejuvenation is crucial for their survival and overall well-being. Interestingly, this concept can be adapted to benefit our natural hair, especially during June and July, the coldest months in South Africa.
These benefits can inspire a unique approach to natural hair care, where we put our hair in a “hairbernation” state to protect it from the harsh winter conditions.
Protective Styling: Opt for low-manipulation protective styles such as braids, twists, ben and betty styles, cornrows, etc. These styles protect your ends and reduce the need for daily styling.
Protective covering: To further protect your hair from the dry weather try and cover it with doeks, beanies, tracksuit tops and other forms of hats. At night do not go without your satin doek. This Covering keeps moisture in your hair. Please cover all hairstyles even braids and wigs are also a form of protection.
KEY TACTICS TO ADOPT FOR HAIRBERNATION
- Protection from Harsh Elements: Winter can be particularly harsh on natural hair, leading to dryness and breakage. A protective routine can shield hair from cold winds and dry indoor heating.
- Moisture Retention: The cold weather tends to strip moisture from hair. A hairbernation routine focuses on maintaining hydration.
Moisturize and Seal: Regularly moisturize your hair with conditioners and seal it with natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil to lock in moisture. - Reduced Manipulation: Less frequent styling and handling can minimize breakage and promote length retention. Reduce combing, plaiting too often and undoing hair during this winter. If you must comb or detangle use your fingers more and make sure the hair is moist using water and oil sprays or just plain water.
- Overall Hair Health: A period of reduced activity allows hair to recover and maintain its natural strength and luster. Scalp Care: A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair. Keep your scalp clean and moisturized with gentle oils and regular massages to stimulate blood flow.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support hair health from within. In winter it is best to drink lots of green and rooibos tea and hot water with lemon. Embrace the natural cycle of rest and renewal, and let your hair benefit from the wisdom of hibernation.
Practical steps to follow if using Dignify AfroBeauty Products
Protective styles with
hairpiece
Hairpieces can rip your hair of moisture and tangle it, so you must use water base moisturisers like the shine lotion daily during this time.
Day 1: Oil at night & Shinelotion in the moring
Day 2: Hair food at night & Shine lotion in the morning
Day 3: Onwards – repeat Day 1 and Day 2 routine until it is time to undo. Scalp oil is a great addition at night, every other day.
Undo after 6-8 weeks max
Natural look
This hairstyle is constantly exposed and needs more hydration during these two month. Use Shine Lotion every morning. Below are the routines for the night
Day 1: Hot oil treatment
Day 2: Hairfood on scalp and hair
Day 3: Scalp and Hair oil on hair
Day 4: Leave-in conditioner
Day 5: Onwards repeat the above and you might need to wash every 3rd week
Cornrows- Free hand
Cornrows are easy to maintain
Day 1: Scalp and Oil at night
Day 2: Shine Lotion in the morning
Repeat the above untli the lines are no longer defined then
Day 1: add hairfood in between the lines at night
Day 2: Shine Lotion in the morning
Day 3: Nothing
Day 4: Scalp and hair oil at night Undo after 3 -4 weeks max
