African American Hair Care : Black Hair Care FAQs
African American Hair Care FAQs
African American hair is gorgeous and with the right care, its natural beauty can really shine through. A few simple tips can give you the magnificent mane you always dreamed of without getting pricey hair extensions or experimenting with endless damaging treatments that rob you of your glow. Here are our top African American hair care FAQs:
Is African American Hair Really More Fragile?
African American hair is extremely fragile and requires a gentle touch so you don't break or lose hair. Curly to kinky hair also requires additional moisture. The reason black hair is more fragile is because structurally it can have a thick cuticle, which is the outer layer of the hair shaft. Another cause for the fragility is the kinkiness, which makes it more difficult for oil from the scalp to reach the ends of the hair.
What Type of Combs or Brushes are Best?
The best comb for African American hair is a wide tooth comb or pick because fine tooth combs can pull or snag curlier hair. Another great investment is a quality natural boar brush because nylon bristles cause hair breakage. To comb out your hair, part it in four sections, comb it from the bottom and work your way to the top. For sectioning your hair, you can use pony tail holders but never use elastics or rubber bands that break you hair.
How Often Should You Shampoo?
While there are similarities in African American hair, there are many different types with some being more fragile and kinky than others. If you have straighter hair, you should shampoo every five to seven days. For kinkier hair, it is better to shampoo every seven to ten days. If you shampoo too frequently, it can dry out your hair and scalp by robbing it of natural essential oils.
Why Is A Conditioner So Important for African American Hair?
You may have friends urging you to use grease, but don't do it. Instead choose quality products made with natural oils that will give your hair a brilliant sheen and keep your scalp healthy. For conditioning, jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil and pomegranate seed oil are excellent options. Shea butter, a natural element derived from the nut of the Karite tree in West Africa, is a fantastic hair moisturizer. Leaving a moisturizer in your hair is essential for healthy looking hair and you can choose a pomade, oil or daily moisturizer made with natural elements for shiny, healthy hair.
Do I Use Water When I Wet Comb My Hair?
Even though it's called wet combing, you should never use water when you comb your African American hair because it can get dry and break. Instead, use hair moisturizer and a wide tooth comb to wet comb your hair and style.
Do I Have to Deep Condition My Hair When I Use Moisturizer and Conditioner Daily?
Even if you use a daily moisturizer and a conditioner when you shampoo, it is imperative to deep condition your hair at least once every month to keep it looking beautiful. Apply a hot oil treatment or deep conditioner to your hair and scalp, cover it with a plastic cap and sit under a hair dryer for 20 minutes. If you don't have a hair dryer, you can wrap your head in a towel for a half hour to hold the heat in while you deep condition your hair.
How Can You Get Through Days When You Don't Shampoo?
On days when you aren't able to shampoo but you really want to restyle your hair, it's easy to refresh yourself. Rinse your hair with warm water, put on a conditioner for a little while and then rinse it out with more water water before you restyle. You will have a clean place to start without stripping essential oils and adding the essential moisture your hair needs.
Should I Use A Relaxer or Go Natural?
The debate of whether to use a relaxer or go natural has been going on for many years and will continue for many to come. Either way, proper hair care is essential to have lovely locks. Relaxers, whether they contain lye or not, have a higher pH to break down the hair so it appears straighter and softer. Caution should be used with a relaxer used at home because your hair can easily break off and your scalp can get burned. If you have your hair relaxed in a professional setting, they will discuss the importance of constant conditioning with you. Natural relaxers use herbal ingredients to soften your have and make it look straighter over time. When you go totally natural and don't use a relaxer, you simply enjoy your gorgeous hair the way it is.
How Often Do I Get A Haircut?
To keep brittle ends at bay and still allow your hair enough time to grow out, you should get a haircut every three months.
What Types of Products Are Best to Use on African American Hair?
Products with natural oil such as jojoba, olive and coconut are the best to use on African American hair. Your shampoo should be very gentle and your conditioner should have a low pH to acidify the hair for easier detangling and extra shine. The deep conditioner you choose should also contain natural oils or shea butter for the smoothest results. Invest in a good wide tooth comb, a boar bristle brush, a spray bottle for misting, coated pony tail holders for sectioning your hair and a scarf to wear while you sleep.
What Types of Hair Products Should I Avoid?
While hair grease remains a popular styling tool, your should really avoid it. All those gooey pomade products that have petrolatum or mineral oil actually clog your pores, which robs your hair of necessary moisture and can stop your hair from growing. Stay away from thick pomades that dull your hair and keep it from being healthy. Also avoid alcohol based products that dry your hair out significantly.
Are There Other Ways I Can Avoid Hair Breakage?
There are a couple of simple ways to keep your hair from breaking during everyday activities. When you sleep, wear a cap or scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase to prevent stress to your hair as you toss and turn. After shampooing your hair, don't rub it when you dry it with a towel to avoid unnecessary breakage.
Is The Weather Your Hair's Enemy?
While we often think the weather is the enemy to a good hair day, it doesn't have to be. During the summer, wearing a swim cap can really protect your African American hair from damage. If you really don't want to wear one, make sure your hair is covered with conditioner to protect it before you swim in salt water or chlorinated water. Deep condition your hair weekly in the summer if it seems dry from exposure to the elements and use moisturizing products with natural sunscreens. In the winter, the precipitation may cause additional frizz and the key to attractive hair is extra moisture rather than excessive use of hot irons and blow dryers. Use the winter season to have a bit of fun with your captivating curly hair and bring out its natural beauty with curl revivers and definers.
With some extra care, quality products and plenty of moisture and attention, your African American hair can be absolutely incredible all the time!
Thank you to Stacey Doyle for this "African American Hair care" article.
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