Must-have, low budget regimen for beginners on their longer healthier hair journey-Part 2!

Protective style: high bun done on an old twist out.

Hello ladies! Here are a few more additional suggestions and ideas for you as you begin your longer hair care journey. I had a prior post about the must-have products and regimen for you.


I advise you start your length check after your next relaxer, if your last relaxer application was done over a month ago. Note where your tips end and take a picture! Have a friend help you out if you can. You want your hair nice and as straight as possible, so you probably would need a straightening iron to help with this.


Now I understand that some of my friends out there would still have issues with following this regimen. I know! The weaves, the time and energy for all this wahala! I have thought about this and trust me it is an issue for me too, and I have thought of this veeery well and I came up with a few tips:

Wigs: If you can, you need to look into wigs. The wig-wearing culture is not too strong here as it is in the US, but wigs are sold here and quality ones too. I also know that stylists now sew weaves on wig caps so that you can pull the cap off and back on at anytime. I have decided to try these out this year so that I can still av the “fab” look whenever my natural hair isn’t looking its best or when I just want to look different. And most importantly, I can pull the wig off and do my washing, DCs and daily moisturising and sealing, while protecting my hair and ends! :-)
If you do have weaves installed-as I am sure even I would sometimes, try not to leave it on longer than 2 weeks. While it is on, spritz often with water and glycerin, or water and conditioner after lifting the tracks. For braids, do the same on the scalp and along the length of the braids. DC as soon as the weave/braids come off.

The salon aspect: We know how incompetent Naija stylists are right? It makes my heart bleed mehn….that is why we need to learn to do lots of stuff ourselves, and then look for a good salon or make sure you instruct your stylist on how to handle your hair-from relaxing, to detangling etc. Try to do things yourself much as you can. E.g You could wash and DC your hair at home and tie a scarf and hop to your salon for roller sets or straightening, make sure you take your products to the salon, base your scalp and relaxed ends before heading to the salon for a relaxer touch-up, talk to your stylist about your relaxer technique BEFORE beginning the process etc.
Try out cute protective styles like twist outs, bantu knots, buns etc. Our hair is beautiful and versatile. Flaunting is compulsory! Lol. Also before using a straightener or any form of direct heat, use a heat protectant serum or oil your hair; this serves as a barrier for the heat. Our hair hates heat! Also try to use heat not more than once a week.

Protective styling: Check for videos and tutorials on twist outs, braid outs, cute buns, faux bobs etc. These hairstyles are an essential for anyone who cares about their hair. Plus they look good too! The styles help to protect our ends, reduce manipulation that leads to breakage and ensure easy access to the hair for daily moisturising and sealing.

Availability:  For hair care products check large supermarkets around you. I like Oasis at Opic plaza along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, or Goodies stores, Shoprite and other supermarkets. They have popular brands like Pantene, Motions, Herbal Essences, Organic Root Stimulator, Crème of Nature, etc. The oils are more difficult to find; u could check blogs like the thekinkyapothecary.blogspot.com, naijahairmustgrow.blogspot.com or naturalnigerian.com. Extra virgin olive oil is relatively easy to find in cooking sections of supermarket though.


For natural unrefined shea butter or natural unrefined honey, ask for these at markets or check these blogs as well. You can also contact me to place an order.


So ladies! Let’s call this a longer hair for beginners challenge shall we? IT CAN BE DONE! We can have beautiful hair; we only need to give our hair some TLC and be patient. :-)   Let me know what challenges you are facing with keeping this up, send me progress testimonials and pics and throw your suggestions at me!   :-)