For those of us with tight curls and coils, natural hair can be both a source of pride and a challenge to maintain.

While many women are embracing their natural texture and forgoing chemical treatments, it can be difficult to know how to best care for your hair. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy, beautiful natural hair.

Start with a healthy foundation. Healthy hair starts from the inside out, so make sure you’re getting the nutrients your hair needs. A diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help support healthy hair growth. Drinking plenty of water is also important for keeping hair hydrated.

Keep it clean. Clean hair is essential for healthy hair growth, but too much washing can strip your hair of its natural oils. Aim to wash your hair every one to two weeks, depending on your hair type and lifestyle. Use a sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out your hair. Some good African American owned brands for shampoo include:

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. One of the biggest challenges of natural hair is keeping it moisturized because tight textured hair is prone to dryness, which can lead to breakage and damage. That being said, to keep your hair moisturized, use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil, and seal in the moisture with a hair butter or cream. Some good Black-owned brands for moisturizing products include:

Use natural products to strengthen and grow your hair. In addition to keeping your hair moisturized, there are a number of natural products that can help strengthen and grow your hair. Henna, Amla, and Fenugreek are all natural ingredients that have been used for centuries to promote healthy hair growth. Henna is a natural plant dye that can strengthen hair, while Amla and Fenugreek are both rich in vitamins and minerals that can nourish and strengthen hair.

One natural hair care brand that incorporates these natural ingredients into their products is Curly Proverbz. Their products are formulated to strengthen and grow curly and coily hair, and contain Henna, Amla, and Fenugreek. You can also find these natural ingredients in their pure form and mix them into your own hair care products.

Protective styles are your friend. Protective styles, such as braids, twists, and buns, can help protect your hair from damage and breakage. They can also be a great way to give your hair a break from daily styling. Just make sure to avoid styles that are too tight or put too much stress on your hairline.

Be gentle. Natural hair is delicate, so it’s important to handle it gently. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up. Limit heat styling, which can damage your hair, along with hair accessories, such as rubber bands, which can cause breakage.

Get regular trims. Regular trims can help keep your hair healthy and prevent split ends. Aim to get a trim every three to six months, depending on your hair’s needs.

Add some finishing touches. After you’ve taken care of your hair and styled it to perfection, why not add a finishing touch with a hair fragrance? Hair perfumes are a great way to add a subtle scent to your locks while also providing additional benefits like moisture and shine. Here are some top hair perfumes to try:

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume This luxurious hair perfume is infused with honey from the Mirsalehi Bee Garden and adds a sweet, floral scent to your hair while also providing nourishing benefits.

Aveda Pure-fume Hair Mists These hair fragrances come in a variety of scents, including Mihana, Marassona, and Alanara. They are made with pure flower and plant essences and can be layered for a personalized scent.

As a word of caution, it’s important to use hair fragrances sparingly to avoid overwhelming the senses. A little goes a long way, and you’ll be sure to turn heads with your subtly scented locks.

Last but not least, Embrace your texture. A gift from God, your natural hair is unique and beautiful, so embrace it! Experiment with different styles and products to find what works best for you. Whether you have tightly coiled kinks or loose curls, celebrate your natural texture and don’t be afraid to show it!