TRUELOVE hair diaries

Lineo Leteba, Journalist Intern

I have relaxed hair at the moment. I had essence braids before the lockdown, and for a while I was lazy to get them undone. I finally did, and then washed my hair. I use coconut oil, olive oil mouse and Soft ‘n Free moisturiser every three days to avoid overwhelming my hair with products, and to control moisture on my scalp. This is because I have a lot of hair, and I tend to have a lot of dandruff if my skin is too dry. I have a regular wash every week and a half. Undoing my hair was a nightmare. My hairs also grows quickly, so I currently have a lot of growth, which often leads to breakage. So, I have to either braid or relax again. I’m the only person who can braid hair at home, and yet I can’t do my own. So, I bought some wool for Benny and Betty. My mom will just have to be my stylist for now! I use Blac Chic hair food to base, and it feels amazing on my scalp. When I want to style, I moisturise and then spray a bit of water to make it easier. This keeps my hair soft and strong because edge control can damage it if it’s too dry. I lay my edges almost every day.

READ MORE: Nandi Madida on self-care during lockdown

Matshidiso Nkokou, Chief Copy Editor

I currently have braids on. Underneath them is an Afro screaming to grow into a healthy, gorgeous crown! I generally have weak hair, so I’ve opted to grow it with protective hairstyles like braids. I take care of my hair by washing with a shampoo, and applying a leave-in conditioner afterwards. I then moisturise with a hair food, and regularly spritz it with an all-purpose spray for natural hair. I recently started using a Jamaican hair oil that promises to grow my Afro, so I’m looking forward to a post-lockdown hair glow! With the lockdown in progress, I can’t go to a hair salon, so my braids are literally hanging on by a thread! For now, I take care of my hair by using a leave-in conditioner and oil to make it healthy.

READ MORE: Pamper your tresses with these hairstyles and hair-care tips while on lockdown

Tsakane Ndlovu, Fashion Editor

I recently cut my Afro into a simple short cut, and I absolutely love it. I wash my hair regularly, basing my scalp and making sure that it is always moisturised. I haven’t faced any challenges so far because I’ve had natural hair for a while, but on the days that I feel too tired for a hair-care day, I rock my turbans. My hair is growing out of the haircut though, but I just have to wait until after the lockdown to go to the salon for a cut. In the meantime, water has been my best friend; a spritz when needed in the day keeps my hair hydrated at all times, and INOAR coconut oil  keeps it soft and healthy.

READ MORE: Hair-crush Kelly Rowland serves hair inspo 

Palesa Vilakazi, Beauty Editor

I cut my hair about year ago, and now do a different pixie or short haircut every month. It grows fast though, and without my trusted hair stylist to relax, cut and style it, the growth is currently hectic! At the beginning of the lockdown, my relaxed hair was still slick, so I would wash it once a week, condition then apply an olive oil wrap mousse to keep it laid and frizz-free. Now that the growth is progressing, I mostly wash it once a week, apply a leave-in conditioner and wear a silk doek to seal in moisture. I really miss my short hairstyles, and they need the skills of a professional stylist as I can’t cut my own hair. I watch a lot of hair tutorials by local and international influencers to get more DIY tips for short relaxed hair. I’ve been basing my scalp every day to keep it healthy and nourished, and in-between washes, I apply a hair oil with olive or coconut oil for a boost of moisture. My satin bonnet, which I wear to sleep, and silk doek that I wear indoors, have been my hair heroes as they are saving it from dryness and brittleness