How to Maintain Healthy Natural Hair

1. Use a mild shampoo: Look for a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of natural oils. Shampoo your hair every 2-3 weeks, depending on your scalp's needs. 

2. . Apply conditioner regularly: Give your hair a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a month to lock in moisture and prevent hair breakage. Choose a moisturizing deep conditioner with ingredients such as Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Amana Oil, Krappa Oil, Coconut Oil or Aloe Vera. 

3. Be gentle when detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair when damp with water and a conditioner. You could also use a good detangling brush. Start from the ends and work your way up to avoid excessive breakage. For others, it works better if you start at the roots (this works especially when your hair is still a bit short. Personally, I always start at the tips or in the middle... As long as the hair is combed out with care, it's should be fine. 

4. Daily moisturizing: Apply a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing lotion or moisture to your hair daily to keep it hydrated. Check for ingredients that help retain moisture (see point 2). 

5. Keep your hair moisturized: After moisturizing, put an oil, butter or lotion in your hair that helps to retain moisture in the hair.

6. Protect your hair while sleeping: Use a satin or silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf or bonnet while sleeping to minimize friction and protect your hair from drying out .

7. Avoid heat styling: Limit the use of heat styling tools such as flat irons or curling irons, as excessive heat can damage your natural hair. Instead, do heatless styling methods like twist-outs, bantu knots, or braid-outs. 

8. Trim the ends regularly: cut your ends at least 2 times a year to remove split ends and knots in order to maintain a healthy hair growth. This will help prevent breakage and improve the overall health of your natural hair. This will then result in length retention!

9. Do more protective hairstyles: Experiment with protective hairstyles like braids and twists to minimize manipulation and protect your hair from environmental factors. 

Rand lastly, remember that everyone's hair is unique, so it's essential to listen to your hair's needs and adjust your routine.