African American hair care is a hot topic for some. Deciding on styling products is sometimes a difficult undertaking. Proper hair care makes these decisions easier and keeps African American hair healthier. There is no one-size-fits-all hair care regimen encompassing the human race, therefore understanding the genetic makeup of African American hair is important when grooming and maintaining its health.
Step 1
Brush your hair daily to eliminate tangles and distribute hair's natural oils from the roots to the tip of the hair shaft. A boar hair brush is softer and can glide through the hair more easily than synthetic bristle brushes, according to Beauty Buzz. This reduces hair breakage and damage to the hair follicles.
Step 2
Wash your hair one to two times weekly with a shampoo containing a low pH level. According to Beauty Buzz, a pH level of 2 to 4 percent is ideal. Post-relaxant shampoos have lower pH levels than most shampoos. These can be found at your local beauty supply store. You may also test pH levels with pH strips found at pharmacies.
Step 3
Apply a conditioner to your hair after washing and leave on for two to three minutes before rinsing. Give special attention to the ends of your hair when applying, as this is the area most prone to breakage. If your hair is chemically treated, deep conditioning treatments may be more ideal. These treatments are left on the hair for up to 30 minutes in order to penetrate and add moisture.
Step 4
Apply moisture-based styling aids such as gels and pomades when pulling hair into ponytails, buns, braids or other hairstyles. These provide a sleek appearance while adding additional moisture throughout the hair. Avoid styling aids containing alcohol, which has a drying effect.
Step 5
Sleep on a pillow with a satin casing or pull hair into a satin sleep cap at night. Cotton pillowcases and hair caps absorb moisture from the hair and can increase dryness and breakage. Satin allows your hair to move smoothly as you switch sleeping positions through the night, without drying or damaging the hair shaft.
Step 6
Eat plenty of dark vegetables, legumes, and healthy oils to provide the proper nutrients needed for your hair type. According to Care Fair, vitamins B, C, and E, as well as zinc, are essential to healthy hair growth and maintenance. Hair vitamins are also available in supplement and shampoo forms.
Things You'll Need
- Boar bristle brush or wide toothed comb
- Low pH shampoo
- Conditioner
- Moisturizing styling aids
- Satin pillowcase or sleeping cap
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