Caring for African American hair requires first understating your hair type. African American hair is normally coarse at the roots and prone to breakage, so daily care if imperative for strong and healthy hair. Adopt a hair care regime that is specific to your hair type and take care of your hair on a regular basis.
Keep your scalp moisturized.
Use light moistures and crèmes to condition your scalp. Avoid gooey or thick pomades that can clog your pores and prevent oxygen from entering your hair follicles. To grease your scalp, part your hair in even sections and apply a thin layer of cream or other light moisturizers to your exposed scalp. Gently massage the product into your hair or brush with a wide tooth comb. Massaging you scalp will open your pores so that they will absorb the product. This can be done as often as needed and is beneficial for preventing dry and flaky hair.
Condition your scalp regularly.
Consider a salon or at-home deep conditioning treatment such as a protein or hot oil treatment. To enhance the effects of the treatment--hair growth, strength and hydration--sit under a hooded hair dryer with your hair in a plastic cap. The heat of the dryer will stimulate the inner layers of your scalp and help the oil to be better absorbed.
Protect your hair at night.
To prevent dry, tangled and unmanageable hair in the mornings, wear a scarf to bed or wrap your hair around your head and secure the ends with clips. Satin scarves are best because they are gentle on your hairline and will help to lock in the oils that promote hair growth and strength. If wrapping your hair or wearing a scarf is uncomfortable, hairstylescut.com recommends trying a satin pillowcase that will also lock in moisture and keep your hair as smooth as possible while you sleep.
Get your ends trimmed.
Many hairstylists recommend getting your ends trimmed every six weeks. Harsh chemical treatments such as dye and relaxers or exposure to sun and heat from flat irons are the main causes of split ends--splitting of the shaft of the hair. Drugstore products may be able to temporarily bind the ends of damaged hair back together, but the only cure for split ends is a regular trim, according to dailyglow.com. Trimmed ends promote hair growth by preventing hair from splitting up to your roots and breaking off.
Wash and dry your hair properly.
For dry or damaged hair, use a shampoo and conditioner that are separate, not a two-in-one combination. Combination products may not have enough concentration of essential oils and minerals to treat damaged or dry hair. Since African American hair is prone to breakage, gently massage shampoo into your scalp and avoid pulling or scratching your scalp. Also, do not scrub your hair dry with an abrasive towel, pat it dry instead. Avoiding heat is optimal, but if you prefer to blow-dry your hair, apply a serum with natural oils such as jojoba before applying heat. Purchase products that are especially made for African American hair because they are formulated to work with the delicacy of your hair better than products for those of non-African descent or generic store brands.
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