African American hair is known to be brittle and difficult to maintain in its natural state. Some women perm or excessively straighten their hair because they are frustrated with their natural hair. There are ways to take care of natural African American hair, without resorting to expensive treatments or damaging it with heat. With a few tips you can have healthy, African American hair.
Start in The Shower
Many African American women make their first mistakes in the shower. Hair is at its most vulnerable and brittle state when it is wet. To preserve hair and diminish damage or breakage, invest in a shampoo that does not strip the hair of its natural oils. Shampoos that are sulfate free or all natural are best for African American hair. Sulfates are used in shampoos to make a big lather and do not affect how clean your hair actually gets. Exceeding three shampoos a week is risky for your hair. Excessive shampooing eventually dries out the hair. Failure to condition your hair deprives it of the protective properties of conditioners.
Post Shower
Do not comb wet hair with any styling tool that is not a wide-toothed comb. African American hair is brittle and will most certainly break off if combed with an instrument that has thin bristles. Blow drying also causes damage. Always use a heat protectant before blow drying your hair. Heat protectants prevent excessive damage and actually help improve the quality of your hair while helping it dry.
Styling the Hair
Heat styling is popular among women, especially African American women with natural hair. Having natural non-chemically processed hair can be difficult. Managing hard-to-straighten hair is virtually impossible for some and so they turn to heat. Flat irons and blow driers straighten and smooth the hair to create a sleeker appearance. Unfortunately, heat devices are damaging to the hair especially without heat protectants. It is important that natural African American hair is styled often without the use of heat.
Hair Accessories and Styling Tools
Many women do not realize the effects styling tools and accessories have on their hair. Cotton- or metal-tipped hair elastics or headbands lead to hair breakage. To have healthy hair, breakage must be reduced, which means switching to hair-friendly tools and accessories. Satin hair elastics and headbands are good replacements for plastic or metal ones. Also, the metal tips of any combs or brushes will scratch and damage the scalp.
Moisturizing
Moisture is essential for African American hair because replenishing oils as well as deep conditioning is what helps keep hair healthiest. Make a commitment to keep moisturizing the hair at least two days a week on top of the conditioning. Natural hair is dry and sucks up any moisture it can get. To retain soft, shiny hair, you will need lots of moisture. Olive oil, carrot oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil are all good oils for the hair.
Tags: African American, African American hair, American hair, your hair, African American women
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