How to Take Care of Black Women's Hair

African American hair is not all one type of hair. It can be nappy, wavy, spirally, curly, thin, thick, dry or silky. The hair texture depends on the origins. Whereas there are African American women who have predominantly African-influenced women in their family, their hair may be thicker. There are African American women whose hair took on the characteristics of their Native American or White ancestors. However, for the purposes of this piece, hair care is for women who have African-influenced hair.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo Conditioner Hair oil Comb Brush Hair dryer Hair dryer accessories (brush and comb) Rollers Haircare scissors

Instructions

1. Determine how often African American hair must be washed. On average, it's about once or twice a week. If the African American hair has hair relaxer (also known as perm) in it, do not wash more than once a week, preferably bi-weekly. African American hair tends to be dry, and if it is washed too often, the hair will break off and perm will leave far too soon. (A perm can last at least two months if done correctly.) Constantly washing African American hair also takes out natural oils that take longer to develop in comparison to Asian hair or Caucasian hair.

2. Oil the hair. It is rare to find an African American woman with oily hair, so the oils needed in African American hair must sometimes be substituted. Hair oil treatments like Pink Lotion (Luster) and Parnevu put oil in the hair to make it easier to style and comb. Hair oil also helps eliminate dandruff and split ends. Make sure to oil African American hair after it has been blow dried because the heat from the dryer takes away shampoo and conditioning oil.

3. Clip split ends. It's a good idea to cut split ends every time the hair is wet after being washed because African American hair is at its longest length. It's also easier to see where the ends aren't even. By combing the hair straight, pressing your fingers to the ends of the hair and clipping the uneven edges, it also looks better when it dries and is styled.

4. Avoid continuous hair weave and glue in natural hair. Although it may be easier to just get up and go with artificial hair or someone else's natural hair glued into place, it can seriously damage African American scalp edges. The same goes for artificial braids. If pulled too hard, the braids can damage African American hair. If the African American woman really wants to try out different styles and doesn't have time to style her hair each day, consider wigs.

5. Give African American hair a day off. Constant curling irons, blow dryers, hairspray, glue, weave and perm can wear anybody's hair out. After hair has been washed or permed, consider brushing African American hair into a ponytail or a bun with no extra chemicals. Give it a couple of days of relaxation.

Resources

• Hair Types
• Parnevu T-Tree (TM)
• Luster Pink Lotion products
• Sally Beauty Supply
• How to Oil an African American Scalp