When trying to learn more about black hair care, there is a lot of misinformation to sort through. The naturally curly or coiled structure of the hair strands can make daily hair care seem more tedious or complicated than the care required for less-textured hair types. In truth, black hair care is actually quite simple, with moisture and protein being the foundation for healthy, highly textured hair.
Moisturizing
Having healthy black hair begins with proper moisturizing. Due to the curly and coiled nature of black hair, it can sometimes be difficult to thoroughly moisturize. That is because oils produced by the scalp may not travel down the entire length of the hair, which causes brittleness and breakage. Steam treatments and moisturizing conditioners can help correct improper moisture balance within the hair strands. You can use a light oil following these moisturizing treatments to help keep your hair moisturized throughout the day.
Protein
All hair contains a type of protein called keratin, according to BlackHairInformation.com. Any time you treat your hair with chemicals or use heat tools, you lose protein. And even in its natural state, black hair tends to be dry and fragile, which leads to breakage and damage. Use commercially produced protein treatments as directed to strengthen weak hair. You can also use homemade protein treatments every month to give highly textured hair a protein boost. A simple homemade protein treatment is a brewer's yeast powder mixture. A coconut protein hair treatment is one example. Combine 2 eggs, 3 tbsp. coconut milk, 2 tbsp. honey, 2 tbsp. olive oil and 1 tbsp. vanilla extract. Let the mixture sit on your wet hair, covered in a plastic shower cap, for 30 minutes, rinse thoroughly and then shampoo. Due to the dry nature of black hair, always take care to maintain adequate moisture levels following any protein treatment.
Protective Styling
Using protective styles for the hair generally involves keeping the hair up and off the shoulders. Buns and braids are two simple protective styles that can easily be dressed up or down while keeping the delicate, oldest parts of the hair protected from wear and tear. Also remember to keep your styling routine simple. The less you manipulate your hair, the less damage it will suffer.
Ways to Prevent Breakage
Protective styling is a good defense against breakage and elemental damage, but there are other ways to prevent breakage. One key to achieving and maintaining healthy black hair is to carefully handle the hair. O. Franklin, author of "Twelve Steps for Growing Black Hair," suggests that black women treat their hair gently and avoid unnecessary brushing, as this may rip the hair. Proper combing technique is a very important part of hair breakage prevention, especially for fragile black hair. The hair should be combed from the ends, slowly working toward the roots. Work gently through tangles and avoid ripping the comb through them.
Extra Tips
Moisture and protein need to be in harmony if you want to achieve and maintain healthy black hair. If hair is over-moisturized it may be mushy to the touch; if hair is overloaded with protein, it may feel dry and brittle and may break off easily. Even protective styling, if done incorrectly, can undermine your hard work. The ends of the hair should always be protected from friction, even if the hair is in a bun or braids.
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