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It's not easy to style your hair if you're an African-American woman, as the texture of the hair is coarser than other hair types, and you may find it difficult to combat frizz and breakage. You'll need to give your hair some extra care in order to prevent that from happening and keep your hair looking silky, smooth and straight. With some special products and the right techniques, you can prevent the kind of damage to your hair that will ruin your look.

Wash your hair only once per week with a shampoo that contains moisturizer. You need your body's natural oils, so don't wash more often than that.

Allow your hair to air-dry or briefly sit under a hair dryer before blow-drying to avoid damaging your hair.

Use a wide-toothed comb to keep from snagging your hair. Don't use bristle brushes.

Use shea butter or jojoba oil to moisturize your scalp every day, and avoid petroleum or mineral oil.

Wear a satin scarf or sleep cap on your head when sleeping to protect your hair overnight.

Get a sewn weave rather than a glued-on one. A glued-on weave will rip out your hair upon removal, so avoid it.

Eat a balaned diet to ensure that your body and, consequently, your hair, is getting the right nutrients.