The Best Products For African American Hair Care

More African-American women are giving up weaves and relaxers and returning to natural hair styles such as twists, braids and locks. Singers India Arie and Jill Scott, and even Malia Obama, have contributed to this return to natural styles. However, keep in mind that natural black hair is very delicate and prone to breakage. You'll need to stock up on the right products to keep it healthy and beautiful.

Wide-tooth Comb

This is a must-have tool if you wear a natural style. African-American hair is very curly or kinky and can easily become tangled. Fine-tooth combs rip and break your hair. But, a wide-tooth comb detangles hair with minimal breakage and causes less pain to your scalp.

Deep Conditioner

Natural African-American hair dries out quickly, which makes it very prone to splitting and breakage. Deep conditioners penetrate the hair's cuticle layer and restore moisture. Moisturized hair is also stronger and more elastic, so it's less likely to break. Look for deep conditioners rich in protein and apply them for longer periods under a hair dryer---heat allows the conditioner to penetrate more deeply, explains Pamela Ferrell, author of "Let's Talk Hair: Every Black Woman's Personal Consultation for Healthy Growing Hair."

Natural Oils

People of African descent have used oils for hair care for centuries, according to Ferrell, and oils more easily penetrate the hair shaft than heavy creams. Also, they do not block or clog hair follicles, which reduce hair growth. Applying a natural oil after using a deep conditioner and drying your hair helps to seal in moisture. You can find natural oils derived from plants in hair-care stores, salons and online.

Boar-Bristle Brush

According to Andre Walker, Oprah Winfrey's personal hairstylist, brushing at least once a day helps distribute natural oils from your scalp throughout the rest of your hair. It also gets rid of product build-up and dirt in your hair. The best brush to use on natural black hair is a boar-bristle, which has sturdy bristles that can work their way through thick, curly hair.

Protein Treatments

If your hair is dry, brittle and breaking, you need to give it a protein treatment once or twice a week. These products build up the hair follicles and harden and strengthen hair to prevent breakage. However, protein treatments aren't leave-in products---you have to wash them out and moisturize thoroughly afterward.