Help is finally available, here are some ten tips that will help you know how to manage your hair well.

Black Hair Growth and Care

So how healthy is your hair and is it shiny, soft and how fast is it growing? This article will help you understand your hair and know how to manage it well.  The fact is that our hair is different from Caucasian hair or many reasons.

Hair thickness

Aisha Tyler

The outer most part of the hair is called the cuticle and is made of up of 14 layers of the protein keratin whereas the Caucasian hair is made of just 7. This makes the whole difference of the cuticle to cortex ratio.  So when a Caucasian hair is the same diameter as a black hair, the black’s hair is two times as thick but the cortex is smaller. That then says that in equal diameter, black hair will tend to be weaker because it does not hold the same amount of sulfur bonds as white hair. The oriental hair is almost similar to black hair because it contains 14 cuticle layers as well

The shape

Black hair follicles tend to be curved as opposed the Caucasian hair that is actually straight. This makes the hair get twisted as it grows or get curved or sometimes leading to ingrown hair. It is this shape of black hair that is responsible for the dryness that is common in Black hair care. As natural oils are secreted they do not slide down the hair as it happens in Caucasian hair.

The structure

The structure of black hair growth is compacted into an elliptical shape rather than a perfect round and this causes the hair to grow in a wavy pattern. It becomes a little tricky combing or brushing this hair because it can damage it as it may pull the hair. It becomes necessary to comb gently using a wide toothed comb.

Chemical application

Most of the chemicals applied on black hair would tend t damage the hair more than the good they do. Over 80 percent of black women relax their hair and this leads to a lot of breakage and shedding of hair and can cause damage when the relaxers are not applied correctly.

Relaxers

When relaxers hit the scalp they can oxidize the oils from the hair which leads to dry and brittle hair. Proper conditioning becomes a necessity in order to maintain a good quality hair.

Alternative straightening

Many of us use hair hot irons as an alternative form of straightening which usually applies a lot of heat causing a lot of damage, breakages and dryness of hair.

So far for the damaging effects of what we can do so then what is our solution? The following tips will be very handy:

1. Tip No. 1 – Avoid chemicals.

Relaxers, texturizers and hairsprays are all capable of adversely affecting the African American hair. Simply other than distorting the curl, they will also dry them out and eventually break them off.  So what is the best solution? Select organic products that are not based on alcohol. They will both help style your hair and also keep it healthy.

2. Tip No. 2 – Moisturize your hair.

It is obvious that African American hair is dry and so it is imperative that moisture is added to it. This can easily be achieved through the use of crème or hair oil. Select a product that is full of vitamins and minerals that also enhance the health of your hair. You also need to remember to use hair oil in moderation so that your scalp can breathe as well.

3. Tip No. 3 – Wash your hair regularly.

Do not believe the popular lie that you need not wash your hair so often to let it grow. Your hair should be washed at least once every week and you can make up for the loss of moisture by investing in a good conditioner and just apply it liberally after shampooing.

4. Tip No. 4 – Invest in a good conditioner.

Hair conditioners are what your African American hair needs to make it manageable. So you need to invest in a good quality one.

5. Tip No. 5 – Flaunt a repertoire of silk scarves.

African Americans have traditionally used scarves to maintain some moisture and hair styling. How did they do it? You wrap one over your hair and go to bed and it will hold moisture and your hair in place until the next morning. If you tend to lose your scarf at night you can try a silk pillow.

6. No. 6 – Get in touch with your scissors.

You need to keep the ends of your hair clipped on a regular basis in order for it to grow. You therefore need to visit your stylist at least once a month for that hair cut or you can just let a friend do it for you.

7. Tip No. 7 – Wear natural hair styles.

You remember that old day when wearing an afro was symbol of empowerment? This hairstyle embraces the aspect of African American hair. This style will definitely allow you to keep your natural tresses beautiful. You can also consider other natural hairstyles such as twists, dreads and cornrows.

8. Tip No. 8 – Use limited amounts of heat.

You hair can only manage to take so many flat iron sessions before it breaks off. You only need to keep a very bare minimum of this kind of hair styling.  The less heat your hair styles require the better it is for you. They will help you have hair that is manageable and healthy.

9. Tip No. 9 – Watch your accessories.

Barrettes, hairclips and rubber bands can easily break off your hair therefore avoid them as much as possible. You can actually wear some beautiful style without all that extra stuff.

10. Tip No. 10 – Use henna dyes.

Some dyes are harsh on African American hair so try the ones that are made of henna as they are plant based and do very little damage if any.

With these 10 simple tips managing your hair will be less of a challenge.