ELERA Hair Sponge Brush, Big Holes (14mm Hole) Afro Curl Sponge, Double Side Oval Magic Twist Coils Wave Hair Sponge for Home and Barber

Product Information

A sponge brush is a tool that can be used by anyone with naturally wavy, curly, and coarse hair, as well as afro hair. It creates a finger-curl sort of hairstyle in minutes. The sponge hair brush itself has textured holes and comes in several different versions and shapes – you’ll come across oval, rectangular and round versions of varying sizes. I recommend you start with a mini brush until you get the hang of your technique. Having a sponge brush hairstyle has many benefits – you’re keeping your hair natural, you’re styling it heat-free, meaning you won’t be adding any unnecessary hair damage, and it’s also incredibly affordable. They are also super easy to find. The hair shaft is protected by cuticles, which look like fish scales in appearance, under a microscope. Hair cuticles on afro hair types are naturally slightly raised because of the curl/coil, so rubbing the hair shaft whilst using a curling sponge will raise the hair cuticles even further, causing some of them to break, become fractured or jagged, also known as ‘weathered’. Once the hair cuticles is sufficiently ‘weathered’ the softer parts of the hair shaft are no longer protected, becoming vulnerable to damage and prone to thinning and breakage if the curling sponge is continuously used. Damaged cuticles result in hair breaking, the hair shaft losing its structure, becoming frizzy, matted or forming single or double knots along the hair shaft, known as Trichonodosis. Trichonodosis occurs when hair becomes scratched by the curling brush, causing the cuticles to become fractured and the consequential splintering of the hair shaft which then forms knots. If you don't wrap your hair before you go to bed, while you're asleep the pillow will absorb the moisture from your hair and come morning it will appear dry, leading you to apply more products and heat in an attempt to banish frizz." As tempting as it may be to hold on to the length, it can do more harm than good. The ends of your hair are old and have been subjected to brushing and heat so if you don't trim them away, it won't style well. What's more, once the ends start to split, it travels up to mid-lengths causing the damage to spread."

Think a drop fade might be your next hair update? There are a few things to keep in mind before making the leap.

7. Hydration is key

They are a very easy hairstyle to create, and you can either do it with bare hands or use a modern dread sponge if you want them to look uniform.

You will not grow or get a perfect afro overnight. Be patient and keep at it. Men’s hair generally grows at about 1/2 inch per month, so growing out a natural afro will take time and perseverance.Sulphate free washes are less drying and reduce frizz, so afro hair will always benefit from shampoos that don’t contain them.