Many black women have coarse, curly hair that is prone to frizziness, dryness and breakage. Fortunately, a number of hair-care companies have stepped up to the unique challenges of black hair care. Whether you straighten your hair, get weaves or go all natural, there are great products for your hair type available at all price points.
Shampoo
For hair that is very dry, look for a shampoo that is pH balanced; too much alkalinity can be damaging, especially to color-treated hair. Avoid shampoos containing alcohol, a major drying agent. Some black women choose shampoos that don't contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which is the main detergent ingredient in most shampoos. Many natural and organic shampoos do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Consider only washing your hair every other day to help retain more of its natural moisture.
Conditioner
Look for a high-quality, thick hair conditioner that contains natural moisturizing ingredients, such as olive oil, shea butter or avocado. Consider a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment once a week for extra moisturizing. These treatments are left in the hair for several minutes before rinsing to help them thoroughly penetrate hair follicles.
Other Products
Apply a leave-in conditioner after showers to add extra moisture and shine. If you use a flat iron or other heat styler, look for products that offer heat styling protection; these products will coat your hair with ingredients that shield it from the damage a flat iron or curling iron can cause. If you have a weave, use a very gentle shampoo on both the weave and your natural hair to avoid breakage and drying.
Member Comments