If you haven’t been maintaining your natural curls, you may have damaged and broken ends from braiding, extensions, straightening, relaxing, and dyeing. There’s nothing better than being able to show off your natural texture and wave pattern, but it can take time to create nourished, strong locks. Here are three tips to start you on your journey to beautiful and healthy hair.

Use a Natural Deep Conditioner

Fact: naturally curly hair should not be washed every day, or even every other day. Curly hair has a greater and more uneven distribution of a protein called keratin, giving it that beautiful body and bounce. However, curly hair can dry out extremely quickly, and excessive washing will make your hair dry and cause breakage. Excessive washing can also cause your head to produce more oils, thus resulting in even dirtier hair. Instead, you should use a natural deep conditioner a few times a week to nourish your curls. Using a natural deep conditioner regularly will also act as a curl detangler and strengthen your locks, particularly if they have honey.

Invest in a Growth-Stimulating Balm

If you’re looking to grow out your natural hair to show off your beautiful, natural texture (or if you’ve damaged your hair from chemical treatments) using a growth-stimulating balm with coconut oil to stimulate hair growth. Using a high-quality balm with organic ingredients should also replenish nutrients in the scalp without creating greasy, piece-y hair.

Maintain your own Health and Wellness

The absolute best way to have healthy hair is through exercise and a proper diet. Eating plenty of healthy fats and proteins, such as avocado, fish, nuts, and lentils, and regularly getting in some physical activity will make your hair shine. To prevent over washing, just clip or braid your strands away from your face to prevent them from getting oily while you sweat. When you maintain your own physical health, beautiful hair and skin are a natural result.

Repairing damaged curls can take time, but embracing your natural hair journey should lead you on a path to self love and greater health and wellness. Taking the time to refresh your natural texture and to elongate your tresses will bring you one step closer to showing off that natural beauty that you were born with.