Having a huge afro is pretty neat – but not many people realize how much work goes into maintaining it.
It requires special care – and being in the hair business, I understand that it’s hard to do it all yourself.
Now, whether you’re just starting your natural hair journey or you’re looking for new tips, here’s a guide to caring for your large afro.
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1. Keep your hair stretched while you sleep
If your afro is small, then you want to stretch your afro while you sleep.
To prevent tangles and make mornings easier, try keeping your afro stretched while you sleep.
Since shorter hair can be trickier, consider wearing long elastic hairbands or a satin scrunchie. Keeping your hair stretched helps minimize shrinkage and makes styling in the morning a breeze.
Try these: Elastic Hairbands for Natural Hair
If you have longer hair, then band your hair into 2-4 sections (with satin scrunchies) at night and use your hands to stretch/reshape in the morning.
Using your hands to section it and being patient/soft with your hair will minimize breakage.
You can also twist it.
2. Moisturize your hair regularly
Moisture is key to maintaining a soft, healthy afro.
4A to 4C hair needs a lot of moisture.
Yes, you’ll have to use heavy products.
Follow a solid routine, either daily or every other day, using the LOC method (Liquid, Oil, Cream).
Start by applying a leave-in conditioner (liquid), followed by a lightweight oil to seal in moisture, and finish with a curling cream or cream-based leave-in conditioner.
This process locks in hydration and prevents dryness.
Anytime you feel your hair is drying out too much, simply use a leave-in conditioner – this is liquid gold, I promise.
Here are my favorite products:
- Cantu Curling Cream (My all-time favorite)
- SheaMoisture Leave-In Conditioner
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil
(Read this post to learn how to prepoo with Jamaican black castor oil)
3. Limit Hair Washing to Once a Week
To avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils, limit hair washing to once a week.
If you sweat a lot or work out regularly, you can co-wash or rinse your hair with water in between washes.
Overwashing can lead to dryness and breakage, so be mindful of how often you cleanse your afro.
Trust me, hair doesn’t need to be washed every single day – it’s okay to skip washes provided you’re co-washing and not having too much buildup.
Suggested Product: As I Am Coconut CoWash
You’ll notice that I suggest mostly budget-friendly products. Because honestly, these do the job and they’re so good. I only take it up a notch when I can’t find a good replacement.
4. Detangle during wash days only
Do not ever brush your hair dry!
Detangling is easier when your hair is wet and coated with conditioner.
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair during wash days gently.
If your hair feels tangled mid-week, try finger detangling while it’s wet, or use a comb or pick if you’re in a rush.
Weekly detangling prevents knots and breakage, keeping your afro more manageable.
Suggested Products:
- Aunt Jackie’s Knot on My Watch Instant Detangling Therapy (best for detangling!)
- Wide Tooth Comb
5. Deep condition regularly
I generally suggest doing this once a week minimum and I am not kidding when I say it makes a world of difference.
Deep conditioning treatments and occasional apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinses are so good for keeping your afro soft and healthy.
ACV helps balance your scalp’s pH levels, while deep conditioners provide intense moisture to prevent dryness and breakage.
Aim for deep conditioning once a week or at least every other week, depending on your hair’s needs.
Here are my go-tos:
- Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
6. Trim regularly
Trimming is crucial for keeping your afro’s shape and preventing split ends.
Schedule trims every 8–12 weeks to maintain your afro’s fullness and prevent damage.
You can also use the search-and-destroy method, trimming individual split ends as they appear. Do this if you’re particular about saving length.
7. Celebrate shrinkage
Don’t get mad at me, okay.
Hear me out.
Shrinkage is a natural part of afro-textured hair, and it’s a sign that your curls are healthy and strong.
When your curls lose elasticity, they become all stringy – so shrinkage is good.
Don’t stress about it—embrace your hair in all its forms, whether it’s stretched or shrunken!
8. Stick to a routine that works for YOU
Everyone’s hair is different, so find a routine that works best for your afro and lifestyle.
With a consistent routine and the right products, you’ll notice a big difference in your hair’s health and manageability.
By following these tips and using the products I’ve mentioned – your huge afro will flourish.
I promise.
Keep it moisturized, be patient with detangling, and protect it while you sleep. With the right care, your afro will be soft, healthy, and beautiful every day.
I hope this helps!
Here are a few more posts that will help:
