The term "kinky" simply refers to a hair type that is both thick and tightly curled . Kinky hair grows in a coiled pattern from the root and tends to be very porous although seemingly dense. There are some basic steps to caring for this hair type and once mastered, the hair proves to be on of the most versatile and amazingly attractive when styled properly. Most people with this hair type are able to weave the hair into braided, twisted, straightened and gathered styles that flatter the individual face type. Essential to kinky hair care or the products used, specific comb and brush types and a bit of patience.
Cleaning the hair
Step 1
Saturate the hair with warm water and apply shampoo until the entire head is lathered. Divide hair in sections and slowly comb through the hair using the wide toothed comb form root to tip. Expect to encounter some tangles in this hair type. Work patiently through the tangles. The wet, shampoo saturated hair should respond easy to the combing. Rinse and repeat shampoo only. Do not comb again.
Step 2
Saturate the hair with the rich conditioner. Allow the conditioner to remain on the hair for 15 minutes.Then, comb through the hair again using the wide toothed comb or hair pick. Once the hair has been combed completely and thoroughly, rinse the conditioner from hair using warm water.
Step 3
Towel dry the hair. Do not blow dry. Blow drying at this stage will cause hair to become brittle and dry. Simply allow the towel drying to remove all excess water and prepare the hair for further care and styling.
Caring for the hair
Step 1
Use the wide tooth comb to part the hair into four sections. Make the first part from one ear across the crown of the head ending at the opposite ear. Then, make a second part from the center of the forehead directly backward ending and the center of the nape of his/her neck. Gently twist each section to be held securely in place so that you can work with each section individually.
Step 2
Add oil to the scalp of each section and massage into the entire section with your fingertips. Placing a dime sized amount of oil on your palm, spread the oil onto the hair shaft. Use the boar bristled brush to work the oil throughout the section of hair. Braid each section of hair securely when you have completed this process.
Step 3
The hair should now be left to air dry while in these braids. This is the best technique for drying kinky hair as it will retain it's luster and manageability making styling much easier later on. Feel free to style as desired one the hair has dried completely.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember that you must choose a desired style to implement once the hair has dried. Kinky hair lends itself to beautiful braided, twisted, french rolled and 'up do' styles. Do not allow the hair to remain unstyled as it will mat and tangle very quickly.
- This process should be repeated weekly. It is important to note that the use of straightening chemicals on kinky hair will permanently alter the hair type. Chemical straightening is an irreversible process and the hair will have to be cut to return to it's natural state.
Things You'll Need
- wide toothed comb or hair pick
- natural hair oil made from a noncomedogenic base of coconut, olive, castor or jojoba oil
- moisturizing shampoo
- rich hair conditioner
- wide, medium boar bristled hair brush (wooden handle is preferable)
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