How to Get Soft and Manageable African-American Hair

Keep your curls moist.

African-American hair tends to be more porous and dry than other hair types. This means that the cuticle layer of the hair is not perfectly flat, which leads to moisture loss. The curl pattern of African-American hair also leads to dryness as the oils from the scalp cannot easily reach the ends. It requires special care when styling and the right products to get soft and manageable African-American hair.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Protein treatment
• Coconut oil

Instructions

1. Shampoo and condition your hair two to three times per week. Use sulfate-free, hydrating products. Wash only with tepid water.

2. Apply a protein treatment to African-American hair once or twice per month. This repairs weak hair and makes it soft and manageable.

3. Deep condition your hair at least once per week. Apply the conditioner and leave it on overnight. Rinse it out in the morning.

4. Seal moisture into hair using coconut oil. Put the oil on your scalp and length of your hair when it's damp. Do so after every time that you wash your hair.

5. Use heat styling tools in moderation. Straightening hair with a flat-iron on your hair can make it look smooth and manageable, but can also cause considerable long-term damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a deep conditioner with ingredients such as cocoa butter and shea butter.

• Always use a deep conditioner right after doing a protein treatment.

References

• Black Hair Growth: Dealing With Dry Black, African American, and Afro Caribbean Hair
• Hairfinder: The Special Needs of African-American Hair