Style Stories: Natural Hair Do’s and Don’ts Inspired by Elle Varner

Her stylist says, "it’s all about a regimen that works."

Hair Story - Elle Varner’s hairstylist Daryon Haylock admits that when it comes to natural hair, “there’s been so many misconceptions about what does and doesn’t work," but Haylock reassures us that "it’s really all about a simple regimen." Here are some of the key tips and tricks he suggests for any type of natural hair. (Photo: John Ricard/BET)

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Hair Story - Elle Varner’s hairstylist Daryon Haylock admits that when it comes to natural hair, “there’s been so many misconceptions about what does and doesn’t work," but Haylock reassures us that "it’s really all about a simple regimen." Here are some of the key tips and tricks he suggests for any type of natural hair. (Photo: John Ricard/BET)

Photo By Photo: John Ricard/BET

DO: Wash and condition often. - “People sometimes say, 'oh, you shouldn’t wash your natural hair every day,' but with natural hair — especially natural hair that’s taking in a lot of product — it’s OK to keep it washed and clean.” While some natural hair enthusiasts swear by “co-washing” (or washing the hair only with conditioner), Haylock says that using shampoo is essential. “Shampoo takes off all the oil, grease, grit and grime off the hair shaft. Conditioner won’t do that; it actually adds a layer on the hair shaft, and if you’re just using that, you’re actually building on layers on the hair, which makes it heavier and can take out the curl pattern.”  (Photo: John Ricard/BET)

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DO: Wash and condition often. - “People sometimes say, 'oh, you shouldn’t wash your natural hair every day,' but with natural hair — especially natural hair that’s taking in a lot of product — it’s OK to keep it washed and clean.” While some natural hair enthusiasts swear by “co-washing” (or washing the hair only with conditioner), Haylock says that using shampoo is essential. “Shampoo takes off all the oil, grease, grit and grime off the hair shaft. Conditioner won’t do that; it actually adds a layer on the hair shaft, and if you’re just using that, you’re actually building on layers on the hair, which makes it heavier and can take out the curl pattern.”  (Photo: John Ricard/BET)

DON’T: Put a bunch of products in the hair when it’s wet. - “I always find that it’s better to let the hair dry a bit before putting in moisturizing products. This will really help keep the natural smooth.” (Photo: John Ricard/BET)

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DON’T: Put a bunch of products in the hair when it’s wet. - “I always find that it’s better to let the hair dry a bit before putting in moisturizing products. This will really help keep the natural smooth.” (Photo: John Ricard/BET)

DON’T: Slather on the grease. - "I try to stay away from oil-based and silicone-based products because I find that, unless you’re looking for a heavy, pressed-down look, it really weighs the hair down. I like the hair to have that natural wind-blown, bouncy, touchable feel." (Photo: Terrence Jennings/Picturegroup)

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DON’T: Slather on the grease. - "I try to stay away from oil-based and silicone-based products because I find that, unless you’re looking for a heavy, pressed-down look, it really weighs the hair down. I like the hair to have that natural wind-blown, bouncy, touchable feel." (Photo: Terrence Jennings/Picturegroup)

DO: Explore bargain buys. - “I find that the lower price-point products really work on Elle’s hair,” Haylock says. He uses a reasonably priced shampoo and conditioner and holding spray to fluff hair and give it bounce. “There are so many different products out there and everybody’s hair is different. You have to try things out to find what works best for you.”  (Photo: PNP/WENN.com)

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DO: Explore bargain buys. - “I find that the lower price-point products really work on Elle’s hair,” Haylock says. He uses a reasonably priced shampoo and conditioner and holding spray to fluff hair and give it bounce. “There are so many different products out there and everybody’s hair is different. You have to try things out to find what works best for you.”  (Photo: PNP/WENN.com)

DON’T: Skip trims. - Yeah, you may want to hold onto the extra length, but Haylock says that trimming hair every 6-8 weeks is a must, especially with natural hair. “It grows out at a much more rapid pace, which makes the hair more susceptible to breakage. Keeping the ends trimmed and maintaining a tight upkeep on the ends helps keep it from breaking up.” (Photo: John W. Ferguson/Getty Images)

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DON’T: Skip trims. - Yeah, you may want to hold onto the extra length, but Haylock says that trimming hair every 6-8 weeks is a must, especially with natural hair. “It grows out at a much more rapid pace, which makes the hair more susceptible to breakage. Keeping the ends trimmed and maintaining a tight upkeep on the ends helps keep it from breaking up.” (Photo: John W. Ferguson/Getty Images)