Black Hair Care Tips

African-American/Black hair in general is more brittle, coarser, dryer and curlier (nappy) than those of non-African decent. Because of this, hair care for a Caucasian would be different than for an African, who needs to be more careful when treating his/her hair because it is more delicate.

African-Black Hair Care Tips

A healthier lifestyle will result in healthier hair.

Massaging your scalp on a regular basis will stimulate oil production, which will help reduce the dryness of your hair.

Daily shampooing is not recommended, ethnic hair is dryer than other types of hair, shampooing strips away the oils from your hair so try shampooing once every 3 to 7 days instead.

If you engage in daily activities that causes you to sweat, it is recommended that you rinse your hair out with water and only use shampoo on occasion. If you feel the need to use a mild shampoo, go ahead and do so.

Use a mild moisturizing shampoo with a low PH level when washing your hair.

Don't use a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, use a separate shampoo and conditioner, 2 in 1's aren't suited as well for dry hair.

When washing your hair rub only in one direction to avoid tangling.

Shower with warm water; hot water can dry and/or irritate the scalp.

Oil your scalp after shampooing. With your hair still moist, massage the oil into your scalp and brush out to the ends of your hair.

Use a conditioner when you shower, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle.

Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.

Don't rub your hair dry with a towel, instead blot the water out of your hair. Rubbing will cause your hair to tangle and you'll risk breakage.

Limit your use of "hot" items on your hair such as blow dryers.

Use a wide toothed comb or pick to comb your hair. It makes it easier to comb if your hair is slightly moist so the comb can slide easier across your hair. Using a leave in conditioner will also make your hair easier to comb. If your hair is very wet, wait until it dries more; hair is most fragile when it is wet.

If you encounter a tough knot or tangle, use your fingers to loosen it and then continue combing.

Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it. Using a brush to detangle your hair will stretch your hair and may cause your hair to break off.

Use a soft boar hairbrush on your hair daily; this will distribute the oil at the root of your hair and scalp to the rest of your hair. Dampen the brush slightly before brushing.

Get a hot oil treatment once a month which will remoisturize your scalp and hair.

Hair can get caught on cotton pillow cases and break when you are sleeping, especially if you toss and turn a lot when you sleep. Using a satin or silk pillowcase so that your hair will slide across the pillowcase without getting caught.

An alternative to the silk pillowcase is to wear a silk or satin scarf over your hair before your sleep to prevent breakage.

Avoid hair products that contain alcohol which drys out hair.

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