5 Tips for Taking Care of African American Hair

To take care of your African American hair, choose hair products that are gentle and hydrating, apply conditioner before going swimming, avoid over-shampooing and under-conditioning, avoid hair products that have synthetic oil, and take care of your hair tips.

African American hair is unique compared to the more common and straighter hair type because of how the strands are structured which makes the hair more prone to dryness and hair breakage. African American hair can have twice as many hair cuticles or outer layers of the hair strands compared to other hair types. The kinkiness of African American hair also makes it difficult for the natural oil secretions of the scalp to reach the hair tips. Because of all these factors, it is advisable to use special hair products like Moroccan argan hair oil and follow a hair care regime that is specially suitable for African American hair. Here are some tips you can follow to properly take care of your African American hair.

Choose hair products that are gentle and hydrating

The products you use on your hair can go a long way, so invest in good quality hair products. Buy shampoos that are gentle and which have hydrating properties and a conditioner that has moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil and wheat germ. Thoroughly massage the shampoo into the scalp, and always remember to use a conditioner after shampooing.

Apply conditioner before going swimming

Before bathing and swimming in a pool or beach, it is important to soak hair in water and coat it with a layer of conditioner. Conditioner and water will help fill the gaps in the hair and will serve as a protective barrier from the chlorine content of the pool water. It is also advisable to rinse the hair with a small amount of club soda after swimming.

Avoid over-shampooing and under-conditioning

Although shampoos and conditioners are useful in getting great hair, you should be careful to just use the right amount for each. Too much shampooing and not enough conditioner can result in dry and frizzy hair. It is advisable to shampoo no more than once every week, and for every other day, simply use a conditioner. Rinse your hair thoroughly with water that is mixed with conditioner to remove any trace of styling products, dirt and oil. Apply a liberal amount of conditioner to your hair, comb through, and then rinse thoroughly before styling your hair. Conditioners are especially important on warm and humid summer days.

Avoid hair products that have synthetic oil

Carefully choose the products you buy and apply on your hair. Synthetic oils, like mineral oil and petroleum oil, are known to dehydrate hair. Some hairsprays and styling creams also contain drying alcohol and should be avoided as well.

Take care of your hair tips

The tips of your hair usually become the driest part of your hair. You can take care of your hair tips by combining conditioner with natural oils and combing through your hair ends using the mixture. You can also leave this mixture on your hair for an additional layer of protection from the sun and other harmful elements in the environment.

Hair is fondly regarded as one’s crowning glory, so it is good to know the right products and regimen to follow so you will know how to treat your hair as such.