Not just today, but all days should be World Afro Day right?!
Founded by Michelle De Leon to celebrate all natural hairstyles, World Afro Day is a day for embracing all kinks, coils and curls that are unique, and create a space where naturalistas with textured hair can take pride in their unique hair pattern and celebrate their curls.
FUN FACT: Did you know that on the 15th September 2016, a year before World Afro Day came about, the State of Alabama in the United States had passed a law allowing companies to deny jobs to people with dreadlocks.
Exactly one year later to the date, World Afro Day was born.
Sometimes it can be hard to start and create a routine, but not to worry, here at Flora & Curl, we've got you covered.
We thought we would take things back to basics, and share a simple 3 step routine to cleanse, hydrate and moisturise your fro. A routine that is as easy as 1,2,3.
STEP ONE: Cleanse
Starting off with a fresh head of hair and a clean scalp is the starting point to a great and successful wash day. Our fros thrive when the scalp is clean, so this is one step not to be missed.
A shampoo like our Coconut Mint Scalp Refresh Shampoo is perfect for refreshing your scalp naturally, while cleansing and removing product build up.
FOUNDERS TIP: Start by applying the shampoo to your roots, and then rinse it out so that the surfactants can be dispersed with the water along the rest of your hair strands. This reduces the risk of drying out the ends of your hair.
This is a crucial step to note as the ends of our hair are delicate and have a tendency to be drier than the roots.
STEP TWO: Condition, or Deep Condition
Whether you prefer to use a rinse out or deep conditioner, conditioning adds moisture back into our hair that may have been lost during the shampooing stage. It gives curls a fresh start while also reviving, replenishing and infusing that much needed hydration to reveal soft and moisturised curls. An intensive treatment like our buttery Rose Water & Honey Molasses Moisture Mask will do just that!
FLORA & CURL TIP: For that extra added goodness, try adding a few drops of our African Citrus Bloom Superfruit Hair Oil to really elevate your conditioner to the next level. Paired with our Insulated Shower Cap, conditioning and deep conditioning just got a whole lot better. We promise, your fro will thank you for it!
STEP THREE: Moisturise & Seal
We've cleansed our scalp and hair, infused moisture back into our strands, and now it’s time to moisturise and seal all the wonderful ingredients that we have primed our curls with.
All textures need moisture, but type 4 hair tends to be drier than other hair types such as type 2 and 3, so fros needs to stay moisturised and hydrated. A great way to maintain the moisture in your fro would be to use the LOC or LCO method. Liquid Oil Cream or Liquid Cream Oil. Both methods are an effective way at layering products to provide maximum moisture.
But, we are not done yet. Here are a few more tips you can add alongside your routine to maintain and look after your fro.
- Give yourself a hot oil treatment (Why not even treat yourself to a relaxing scalp massage)
- Protect your fro at night using a silk or satin bonnet and/or pillow case
- Wear protective styles such as braids or cornrows to give your hair a break from time to time
- When combing or brushing your hair, always start from the ends and work up towards the roots – but remember to be gentle
- Trim your ends regularly. This will help retain length and minimise single strand knots
- Use a fro pick like our Gentle Fro Pick to create more volume
- Water is your best friend. Keep your fros hydrated, even when your hair is tucked away
Loving your fro doesn’t have to be complicated and isn’t complicated.
Our crowns are a celebration of who we are, so be proud to wear your curls and fro in all its glory. After all, it is a part of us, and a beautiful way to recognise the beauty in afro hair.
Naturally yours,The Team at Flora & Curl
