The term "ethnic hair" is often used to refer to coarse, curly or thick hair. This type of hair considered difficult to manage and may not grow as long as "Caucasian" hair. In reality, all hair grows between one-quarter and one-half inch per month. The issue with ethnic hair is the coiled structure, and the fact that it is more prone to breakage, makes it appear as if it is not growing. This type of hair needs special care in order to prevent breakage and encourage growth.
Step 1
Wash your hair at no more than once every seven to 10 days. Use a good, salon-quality, moisturizing shampoo and lather once. Avoid shampoos with sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate -- a foaming agent that also strips oils from the hair.
Step 2
Use a clarifying shampoo once every four to six seeks to remove residue and buildup from styling products. The residue can clog the pores, hinder hair growth and can prevent a deep conditioner from penetrating the hair shaft.
Step 3
Condition your hair after every wash. For extra-dry hair, consider conditioning the hair between washes. Apply a hot-oil treatment and a deep conditioner every four to six weeks.
Step 4
Comb your hair wet. Dry-combing disrupts your natural curl pattern and risks breaking your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb and apply a detangler. Part your hair into sections and comb out each section.
Step 5
Wrap your head with a towel and gently pat or squeeze excess moisture from your hair --- do not rub. Allow your hair to air-dry, whenever possible. If you must machine-dry your hair, set the dryer on low, or air-only, and stop before your hair is completely dry.
Step 6
Avoid heat styling. Heat robs the hair of moisture. Substitute a roller-set for a curling iron, or a braiding and twisting in place of crimping. If you must use heat, reduce your usage to once a week.
Step 7
Replace moisture with natural oils, such as jojoba or coconut . Avoid mineral oil and petroleum-based products, which clog the pores and prevent hair growth.
Step 8
Eat healthily and stay hydrated. Vitamins A, E and C as well as the B vitamins feed the hair from the inside out. Protein, iron and zinc are also good for the hair and proper hydration keeps the hair moist.
Step 9
Trim your hair every two-to-three months to remove damaged ends.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Light conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Detangler
- Wide-toothed comb
- Thick bath towel
- Olive or coconut oil
References
- "Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair";Diane DaCosta with Paula T. Renfroe;2004
- "Thank God I'm Natural";Chris-Tia E. Donaldson;2008
- "No Lye! The African-American Woman's Guide to Natural Hair Care"; Tulani Kinard; 1997
- "The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program: Hair and Skin Care for African American and Biracial Children"
- Hairfinder: The Special Needs of African-American Hair
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