An African American woman's hair is susceptible to breakage, split ends and limited growth. Relaxers and other chemical treatments only accentuate the hair problems of African American women. However, there are simple and inexpensive hair care methods that you can try.
Step 1
Shampoo less often. Daily washing will eliminate natural oils that keep the hair moist. Mild shampoos specifically designed for ethnic hair are ideal for cleansing hair every seven to 10 days.
Step 2
Tie hair up in sections using fabric strips or ouchless ponytail holders. Wrap your hair in a satin cap before bedtime. This minimizes tangles and breakage while helping hair retain moisture that a cotton cap would absorb.
Step 3
Comb hair with a wide-toothed comb. This prevents hair breakage and helps eliminate tangles and excessive hair pulling, which can lead to split ends and other hair damage.
Step 4
Apply a leave-in conditioner. After shampooing, use a leave-in conditioner to keep the hair moisturized throughout the day without the addition of unnecessary product buildup. Opt for leave-in conditioners that do not contain mineral oils.
Step 5
Apply a hot oil treatment. Monthly treatments will help keep hair soft and manageable. Heated castor oil is an ideal treatment that may also stimulate hair growth. After you apply the oil, wrap the hair in a plastic shower cap or plastic wrap to retain heat, which helps the oil absorb into the hair follicles faster.
Step 6
Trim split ends. Have your hair trimmed monthly to avoid drying and breakage. Monthly trimming will keep hair healthier by removing damaged hair and help retain your hair's natural oil.
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