Those with ethnic hair might struggle with not being able to use the products, try the styles and get the silky looks shown on television commercials about hair products. Regular hair products are mostly made for people with non-ethnic hair, leaving those with coarser, thicker hair with fewer options when it comes to hair care. Embracing your ethnic hair and finding products and methods to work with it, not against it, can help you tame your hair and be more satisfied with its texture, color and style.
Step 1
Avoid relaxing your hair more than every six weeks. Relaxing your hair uses chemicals that can damage the hair shaft, warns HairFinder.com, and should be avoided if possible. If you must have a straight, sleek look, use a no-lye straightener every six weeks at the most, and avoid using heated styling tools in between relaxing.
Step 2
Moisturize your hair at least once a week and avoid shampooing more than three times a week. Ethnic hair is much drier than regular hair, so it doesn't need to be washed daily like non-ethnic hair needs to be. A weekly deep conditioning treatment after shampoo is more than enough to keep your hair clean and soft, says ethnic hair website TreasuredLocks.com.
Step 3
Choose products specifically made for ethnic hair. Most shampoos and conditioners are made for people with normal to oily hair, while most ethnic hair is dry. Most drugstores have an ethnic hair product section that carries oils, moisturizing shampoos, hot oil treatments and tools like wide-tooth combs to keep your hair looking its best.
Step 4
Allow your hair to take on its natural texture and shape, if you can. Embracing your kinky curls or coarse waves can keep your hair healthier by allowing it to take on its natural form. Instead of fighting your ethnic hair, coax it into submission by adding a texturizer throughout and allowing to air dry. You may be pleasantly surprised with your hair's natural state.
Step 5
Choose low-maintenance hairstyles that don't require a lot of product and heat styling to create. A close-cropped pixie is a good choice for very curly hair, and all-over braids are ideal for hard-to-manage long hair. Ignore the long, glossy locks found in magazines, and instead embrace an easy-to-create hairstyle that makes your ethnic hair look its best.
Things You'll Need
- Oil
- Wide-tooth comb
- Hair elastics
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