Nappy hair, which may also be referred to as "kinky" hair, has a tightly coiled structure and coarse texture. Because of the structure of the hair, natural oils often do not reach the end of the strand, which can lead to damage and breakage. This breakage makes it appear as if this type of hair grows slower than other hair. In reality, all hair grows at roughly the same rate---up to 1/2 an inch per month. Stimulating the roots and restoring moisture to the hair shaft maintains the length and encourages growth in nappy hair.
Step 1
Wash your hair once a week with a salon-quality moisturizing shampoo and only lather once. Use a clarifying shampoo once every four to six seeks to remove residue and buildup from styling products. Avoid shampoos with sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate, which strips oils from the hair. Those with extra-dry hair should "wash" with a light conditioner instead of shampoo---also known as the "no poo" method.
Step 2
Condition your hair after every wash. If using the "no poo" method, apply a leave-in conditioner after washing. Use a hot-oil treatment and a deep conditioner every four to six weeks, even with the "no-poo" method.
Step 3
Avoid dry-combing your hair. Dry-combing disrupts your natural curl pattern, which makes the hair frizzy. Use a wide-toothed comb with a detangling product.
Step 4
Pat or squeeze excess water from the hair---do not rub. Air-dry whenever possible, or use a hair dryer set on low.
Step 5
Use natural oils, such as jojoba or coconut . Do not use mineral oil and petroleum-based hair oils---these products do not absorb well into the hair and clog the pores.
Step 6
Style your hair to protect the ends. Try plaits, twists or "traditional" styles, such as bantu knots. Braided extensions and weaves also protect the ends of your hair from breakage.
Step 7
Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and skin moist. The body uses water to make natural oils, which moisturize the scalp.
Step 8
Massage your scalp with a stimulating oil. Add 10 drops of eucalyptus, 10 drops of peppermint and 10 drops of rosemary essential oil to a 10-oz. plastic bottle of extra-virgin olive oil. Massage a dime-sized amount of oil into your scalp 20 minutes before bed each night.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Light conditioner
- Deep conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Detangler
- Wide-toothed comb
- Thick bath towel
- Olive or coconut oil
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Squeeze bottle
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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