Naturally curly or kinky hair is rich in texture and able to hold a variety of hairstyles from afros to twists, braids and locks. However, curly or kinky hair in its natural state can be challenging to manage on a daily basis if you don’t know the best tools, products and techniques to use.
Hair Care Tools
Using the right styling tools prevents damage to your hair and scalp. In “Kinki Kreations,” author Jena Renee Williams recommends using a wide-tooth comb to detangle African-American hair and a rat-tail comb for parting hair into sections. A brush with soft or medium bristles is ideal for smoothing natural hair, advises Williams. A blow dryer with comb attachments also makes detangling easier. Use a silk or satin scarf to wrap your hair at bedtime to prevent breakage.
Hair Styling Products
Curly or kinky hair dries out more quickly than straight hair, so moisturizing is a must. Choose detangling shampoos that moisturize the scalp and leave your hair soft. Pamela Ferrell, author of “Let’s Talk Hair: Every Black Woman’s Personal Consultation for Healthy Growing Hair,” also suggests choosing shampoos that have natural ingredients and fragrances and few preservatives.
Conditioners contain humectants that attract moisture to your hair and protect against dryness. According to Ferrell, a good conditioner disappears when you rub your hands together. Deep conditioners effectively penetrate the cuticle layer of your hair when used with heat, states Ferrell. Also, use liquid, natural oils instead of heavy grease to supplement the oil on your scalp and along the hair shaft. Jojoba, coconut, almond, olive and lavender oils are good choices.
Hair Care Routine
The key to maintaining healthy natural African-American hair is preventing dryness and breakage. Wash hair once a week or every two weeks, as daily washing strips the hair of natural oils and increases breakage. Comb out your hair before washing to get rid of tangles or matting, advises Williams. When you condition the hair after shampooing, make sure the conditioner thoroughly coats your hair and leave it in for five to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze dry. Don’t wring or twist your hair.
For easier styling, work with your hair in sections. Natural hair dries out quickly, so Ferrell recommends occasionally spraying hair with a mixture of one part oil and six parts water to make styling easier. When combing or brushing, always start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the scalp. If you use a blow dryer for detangling, keep it on low or medium heat to reduce dryness. Apply a moderate amount of oil once each section is completed. When all your hair is combed out, style as desired.
For regular maintenance, apply oil to hair and scalp every three or four days. Don’t overuse leave-in conditioners as they make the hair lifeless and sticky. Never tug or pull at your hair. (General info)
References
- “Kinki Kreations”; Jena Renee Williams; 2004
- “Let’s Talk Hair: Every Black Woman’s Personal Consultation for Healthy Growing Hair”; Pamela Ferrell; 1996
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