Fragile. Prone to breakage. Dry. Does this describe your hair type? If you are an African American woman, you might say, “Absolutely! Now what do I do about it?” The good news is that there are tricks that will keep your black hair shiny and healthy. Good hair care simply requires an understanding of your hair type and the care that it requires. And while every woman has a slightly different hair consistency and type, there are some general rules that can be applied to the majority of women.

The first step in proper hair care is to use products that are specifically designed for black hair. These shampoos and styling products will address the unique needs of this type of hair, offering the best care possible.   Since black hair tends to be on the dry side and prone to breakage, you will need products that will treat your hair with the same gentleness that you would use to care for your finest silk blouse. Your hair will reward you for your extra TLC by giving you the best do that you can ask for. Curly black hair also tends to tangle easier than other hair types, so additional breakage can occur when you try to comb through it. There are products and tools that you can use to comb your hair out carefully and gently, to ensure minimum breakage occurs.

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.

Other Hair Care Tips

Since black hair is fragile, even sleeping on a “rough” cotton pillowcase can cause damage to the ends of your hair. You can combat this problem by either switching to a satin pillowcase or wrapping your head in a satin scarf before going to bed. When it comes to styling your hair, always use a wide-toothed comb and never a brush to protect strands. Although products with petroleum, like Vaseline, are not thought to be good for your hair or scalp, you can use Shea butter to keep your scalp hydrated. It is also a good idea to massage your scalp frequently to stimulate circulation for healthier hair. Stay away from heat and alcohol-based products, since both of these will lead to more dryness and breakage.

Although black hair can come with its own challenges in the style department, there is plenty that you can do for your hair to keep it healthy and manageable. Treat your hair like it deserves and you will enjoy a great head of hair, no matter what style you choose.

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