Black Hair Care

Fragile Hair Needs Special Attention

Black hair may look and feel somewhat different from non-black hair, but the only difference is that the structure of black hair tends to be much curlier. With very curly hair, it is difficult for the head's natural oils to provide enough moisture to protect the hair from heat and environmental elements.

Products for black hair care are made especially and specifically for people who need extra help with fragile and/or textured hair. It's a misconception that black hair is stronger than other hair types. The reality is that it is delicate and can even be brittle, which means that it needs specially-designed products to help it remain or become more durable.

Only High-Quality Relaxers Should be Used on Black Hair

When a hair relaxer is used on black hair, the hair becomes much straighter. This is the desired result, right? The problem with using a relaxer is that it can irreversibly damage the hair if it is not put on correctly, and if the proper hair care products are not used to help the hair maintain moisture after a relaxer treatment.

Hair that has gone through a relaxer treatment is going to be weaker than hair that has not been through a treatment. When a blow dryer, curling iron, or straightening iron is used on weakened hair, it can damage the hair even further.

Black Hair Care Basics

Any hair type, but especially black hair, must be treated very delicately. When it’s treated roughly and/or heated appliances are used on a regular basis, the hair will become extremely brittle and breakable which will make it very difficult to grow long hair.

Following are some tips on how to keep black hair as healthy as possible:

• Wrap the head in some sort of cloth or scarf each night so that while sleeping, the hair cannot get twisted or tangled. If the hair is not twisted or tangled because of a restless night sleep, it will be much easier to brush or style in the morning – which means a less chance of damaging or breaking the hair with a brush or comb.

• Sleeping on a pillow that is covered in a satin case can help the hair remain split-end free. When a person sleeps on a cotton or polyester pillowcase, the hair is constantly rubbing on the fabric which can cause damage and breakage.

• Even if a shower is taken every single day, it’s best to not wash the hair more than once a week. When the hair gets washed, the natural oils in the hair can be drawn out, which can leave the hair very dry and brittle.

• Use black hair care products designed to add moisture to the hair. Conditioners and oil treatments are highly recommended because they will add moisture to the hair as well as protect it against environmental elements.

• It’s a good idea to find a non-clogging, leave-in conditioner and use it on the hair every single day. Hair does not have to be washed with shampoo prior to using a leave-in conditioner.