Proper Care Tips for African American Hair

With the proper care African American hair can be soft and manageable, whether it's worn natural or relaxed. African American hair tends toward dryness, which can lead to breakage. This breakage can be exacerbated by many of the processes used to style African American hair. Moisture is most important, because it keeps the hair shaft pliant and smooths the cuticle layer. The cuticle layer is the outermost layer of the hair. When it is damaged, the hair appears unhealthy and brittle. Special attention should be paid to the ends of African American hair, because they are most prone to dryness.

Moisturize

Use a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. A great many products contain some form of alcohol, and alcohol can have a drying effect on the hair. As a result, emollients and products have to be added to counteract the drying effect. When possible, use alcohol-free products. For more information on an alcohol-free product line, see Resources.

Deep Condition

To keep hair healthy and free of breakage, use a nutrient-rich, deep conditioner. To get the maximum benefit from the conditioner, apply to damp hair and cover with a plastic shower cap. Sit under a warm hair dryer for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the conditioner to penetrate deep within the hair shaft. Rinse thoroughly with cool water or tepid water, because this will close the scales of the cuticle and seal the proteins in the hair. This increases the hair's luster and sheen.

Protect

Even the best measures to moisturize and deep condition the hair will not help, if the hair is not properly protected. Heat implements can cause irreparable damage to African American hair. Use a heat protectant product to save the hair from heat damage. Ensure that the hair ends are protected by spraying them with a light leave-in conditioner. Periodically use Macadamia Nut Oil on the hair and wrap in a silk or satin scarf or hair wrap before bed. Macadamia Nut Oil is surprisingly light, with emollient properties that leave the hair soft and manageable without feeling greasy.

References

• Macadamia Oil Information

Resources

• Ulta.com: Alcohol-free haircare
• Nutrient-rich haircare line
• Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray

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