Let’s be honest: keeping natural hair healthy in Naija no be small work. Between the harsh sun, dusty roads, salon wahala, and the price of good hair products, it’s easy to make some mistakes—even when we mean well.
But guess what? Most of these mistakes are very common, and the good news be say you fit fix them fast. Whether you dey start your natural hair journey or you don dey for the game since Tuface and BlackFace, this post go help you level up your hair game.
Here are the top natural hair mistakes how to avoid them
1. Skipping Wash Days Because “Natural Hair No Dey Dirty”
Some people believe say natural hair no need regular washing. They’ll keep that hair for 4 weeks plus, with sweat, dust and product buildup just dey chill on their scalp like it's Lagos traffic.
Why e bad:
Dirty scalp = blocked pores = stunted hair growth + dandruff + itchiness.
Fix am:
Wash your hair at least every 2-3 weeks using a sulfate-free shampoo. If you dey rock braids or cornrows, use a spray bottle to cleanse your scalp gently with water + apple cider vinegar solution.
2. Combing Dry Hair (A Big No-No!)
Some people just pick comb and drag through dry natural hair like say dem dey brush wool. Na from there breakage go start.
Fix am:
Always detangle with a wide-tooth comb or fingers when your hair is damp or wet, preferably with conditioner or leave-in for slip. Add small coconut oil or leave-in spray before you comb.
3. Overdoing Tight Hairstyles
We Nigerians love styles that last. So we go tell stylist, “Abeg make am tight so e go last.” But tight braids, Ghana weaving or ponytails dey pull your edges like NEPA wire.
Why e bad:
Too much tension can cause traction alopecia (loss of edges) and long-term hair thinning.
Fix am:
Speak up at the salon. Let your stylist know you want a firm but not tight style. Give your hair breaks between tension styles, and massage your edges with castor oil.
4. Not Moisturizing Enough (Especially During Harmattan)
Harmattan will dry your hair out like firewood if you no dey moisturize. Even for rainy season, your hair still dey thirst.
Fix am:
Use the LCO or LOC method regularly. Spray your hair with water or leave-in, apply a moisturizing cream, then seal with oil. Do this every 2-3 days, or daily if your hair dey extra dry.
Bonus tip: Cover your hair with satin bonnet every night to retain moisture.
5. Product Junkie Syndrome
Some of us dey try every product on Instagram. If person talk say this one grow her hair in 1 week, we go buy. Before you know it, your bathroom don turn hair product store.
Why e bad:
Too many products can cause buildup, make your hair greasy, dull, or even start flaking.
Fix am:
Stick to what works. Na quality, not quantity. Get a simple routine: shampoo, deep conditioner, leave-in, oil, and one cream. You don complete!
6. Ignoring Your Ends
Your ends na the oldest and weakest part of your hair, and many people no dey care for them well. They just dey dry, split and break off quietly.
Fix am:
Always moisturize your ends and seal with oil. Try protective styles like twists or bantu knots to tuck them in. And trim split ends every 3-4 months—no be every time breakage be spiritual attack.
7. Not Protecting Your Hair at Night
How you go moisturize your hair during the day and then go sleep with it rubbing pillow like say fight dey? Cotton pillowcases dey suck all the moisture and cause friction.
Fix am:
Use satin or silk bonnet/scarf or get satin pillowcase. It’s one of the best investments for your hair growth.
8. Relaxer Mentality on Natural Hair
Some people still dey treat natural hair like relaxed hair—using small-tooth combs, applying heat every weekend, or expecting it to always “lay flat.”
Fix am:
Natural hair no dey behave like relaxed hair and that’s okay. Learn to work with your texture, not against it. Embrace shrinkage, volume, and natural styles like twist-outs, puffs, and bantu knots.
Final Thoughts from BeckyHubhaven
Taking care of natural hair for Nigeria no easy, but with correct info and consistent care, you fit get the soft, long, and healthy hair you dey dream of.
No let small mistakes hold your hair back. Start small, be patient, and enjoy the journey. And remember—your hair is your crown, wear am with pride
Over to You:
Which of these mistakes you don make before? Or which one still dey worry you? Drop your comment below—let’s talk and learn from each other!
