Certified self-care coach and natural hair advocate Ikwo Essien has called on women to embrace intentional self-care and healthy hair routines, stressing that strong, healthy natural hair begins with proper scalp care rather than expensive products or social media trends.
Speaking on the Ask the Expert segment of Trade FM’s Breakfast Business Briefing, Essien said the increasing number of people returning to their natural hair reflects a growing appreciation for authenticity, wellness and sustainable beauty practices. She explained that while many people focus on hair strands, the real foundation of healthy hair lies in the scalp and roots, which require consistent care and nourishment.
She cautioned consumers against falling for products that promise instant results, describing such claims as major red flags. According to her, people should pay close attention to product ingredients, understand the difference between beneficial and harmful chemicals, and choose products based on their individual hair needs rather than marketing campaigns. Essien noted that healthy hair care is not a one-size-fits-all journey, as differences in hair texture, density, porosity and lifestyle mean routines must be personalised.
Addressing common misconceptions about natural hair, Essien said many people make the mistake of comparing their hair journey with others instead of understanding their own hair. She warned that practices such as over-washing, under-washing, neglecting the scalp, wearing excessively tight hairstyles and leaving protective styles in for too long can all lead to hair damage and breakage. She recommended that protective hairstyles should not be kept beyond three weeks and should never place excessive tension on the hairline.
Essien also highlighted the role of overall health in maintaining healthy hair, noting that factors such as hormonal changes, stress, postpartum experiences, poor lifestyle habits and inappropriate hair products can contribute to hair loss, scalp irritation and breakage. She encouraged women to pay attention to how their hair responds to different products and routines, saying healthy hair requires consistency, observation and intentional care.
On the growing influence of social media, Essien advised people to verify hair care information before adopting viral trends. Using rice water as an example, she explained that although some natural remedies may have beneficial properties, they are not suitable for everyone. She urged consumers to distinguish between evidence-based advice and online trends by conducting research and seeking professional guidance before experimenting with new treatments.
She further dispelled the belief that protective hairstyles automatically make hair grow longer, explaining that their primary purpose is to reduce daily manipulation and protect existing hair. Hair growth, she said, occurs naturally from the scalp, while healthy maintenance helps reduce breakage and retain length.
The self-care coach also expressed concerns about the use of chemical hair relaxers, saying they alter the natural structure of the hair and may pose health risks because of prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals. She advised women considering hair colouring to use safer products and understand the potential effects before proceeding.
Essien stressed the importance of regular trimming, recommending that damaged ends be removed every three to six months to prevent split ends from spreading further up the hair shaft. She also encouraged parents to introduce healthy hair habits early by teaching children to appreciate and care for their natural hair, saying this helps build confidence and promotes positive self-image from a young age.
For women transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, Essien advised taking time to understand their natural hair texture and adopting routines that support healthy growth. While a “big chop” remains the quickest transition method, she noted that gradual trimming is also an option for those who prefer a slower approach.
She concluded by urging women to pay close attention to signs of excessive hair shedding and breakage instead of ignoring them. According to her, healthy natural hair is achieved through patience, consistency and intentional self-care rather than shortcuts or viral beauty hacks.
Essien maintained that when individuals prioritise caring for themselves, healthy hair becomes a natural result, reinforcing her philosophy that “self-care is self-love.”
Self-Care Coach Urges Women to Prioritise Scalp Health for Stronger Natural Hair
