Helpful Hair Care Tips For African American Hair

African American hair in general is more brittle, dryer and curlier (nappy) than those of non-African decent, because of its structure that makes more difficult for the natural oils to work their way from the scalp to the ends of the hair. So, black hair care needs are different from those with other types of hair. Since the most of African Americans are of mixed heritage, there’s a wide range of hair types – black hair and bi-racial can vary widely.

Washing Black Hair

If your hair is very short, it is okay to scrub your scalp thoroughly when shampooing to ensure that your hair gets clean. However, if your hair is longer, scrubbing will only succeed in damaging and tangling your strands. Instead, gently work the shampoo through your hair, rinse thoroughly and repeat the process one or two times more. A conditioning treatment is a very important step after shampooing, and leave-in conditioners are generally the best. It is also a good idea to use a hot oil or deep conditioning treatment at least once a month to keep hair healthy and manageable.   Once your hair is clean, avoid wrapping in a towel to tightly or rubbing your head with the towel. Instead, gently press the hair in between the towel gently to blot out the excess water. If you can let your hair air-dry, that will always be your best option in preventing damage.

Healthy Diet

Your hair reflects what you eat, hence, if you want shiny, healthy hair, you must eat healthy food. Incorporate lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Since, your hair is made of protein, you should eat foods rich in proteins. Also, include vitamins such as A, B6, B12, E, niacin, etc., as a healthy diet does more good to your hair than any hair care product. Read more on best black hair care products.

Cleaning Routine

It is a common myth that washing your hair more often renders your hair more dry and weak. You should wash your hair at least every 4-5 days. Use a good quality shampoo meant for dry hair and do not forget to condition your hair. A leave-in conditioner is best suited for black hair. Also, while washing your hair, do not rub your scalp too roughly. Partition your hair in several sections and gently rinse off the shampoo. Moreover, do not rub your hair vigorously while drying. Just wrap it in a towel and press it, so as to remove excess water. Letting them dry naturally is the best option. Read more on hair conditioning tips

Extra Nourishment

Besides a regular cleaning routine, you need to provide extra nourishment to your hair. Jojoba oil is the best hair moisturizer. Look out for products that are rich in jojoba oil and apply on the scalp every 2-3 days. Oil treatment is also necessary to provide your hair with additional nourishment. Warm some coconut oil or olive oil in a pan and apply it on the roots of your hair with a cotton wool. Follow this routine at least once a month. Read more on olive oil hair treatment and jojoba oil for hair and skin care.

Hairstyling Tips for Black Hair

If you are opting for ‘bone-straight’ hair, do not keep your hair too long. Hair coloring ideas are not a recommended hair styling option for black hair. The chemicals in the dyes are too harsh for black hair. They strip the hair of its moisture and renders it vulnerable to damage. If you must, always color your hair after you are done with perming. More on hair care for curly hair.

General Hair Care Tips for Black Women

• Always de-tangle and pin-up your hair before you go to bed.
• If you have rough, cotton pillow covers, then wrap your hair in satin scarf to protect them from getting damaged over the night.
• Always cover your hair when going outdoors, especially in the sun.
• Avoid using more than one heat product on your hair such as blow dryer, flat iron, hair straighteners, etc.
• Use a wide toothed comb to de-tangle your hair.
• Trim your hair every 2 months or more (depending upon your hair growth) to get rid of split ends.
• Use a pre-styling gel or serum before going for any black hairstyle. More on black hair care tips.

The above hair care tips for black women will definitely help you achieve an enviable mane. Follow them to the word and you’ll be all set to flaunt your shiny, black curls.