African American hair is quite different from Caucasian hair in its structure. African hair has twice the cuticle (outer covering) of Caucasian hair and is coarser and thicker. Since most African hair is kinky or curly, the oils from the scalp do not easily reach the ends of the hair. Most African or black hair is dryer and more fragile than Caucasian hair even though it is coarser and thicker. In order to properly care for this type of hair, it is necessary to use especially formulated black hair products.
Not all African hair is the same and due to the fact that many black women have mixed heritage, there is even more diversity in hair types. You should examine your hair and determine what type of hair you actually have before choosing black hair products or hair products for dry hair. Oils that work well on very kinky coarse hair, may weigh down hair that is softer and merely curly. Some black women have nearly straight hair, which is dry and this also calls for different types of hair products for dry hair.
Many black women chose to “relax” their hair. Hair relaxers are a caustic solution that actually breaks down the chemical bonds of the hair, weakening the structure. Whether the solution contains lye or not, all chemical relaxers are caustic and it is necessary to use the best hair products for dry hair as after care. You hair will need special moisturizers and strengthening treatments to keep if from becoming too fragile and breaking. Black hair products are formulated to moisturize more than those made for Caucasian hair.
All natural or herbal relaxers will not completely straighten hair. They are gentler to hair and cause far less damage but if you want straight hair, you will need to use a chemical relaxer.
There are ways to prevent damaging your hair in addition to using hair products for dry hair. Wash your hair no more than once a week with a shampoo formulated for your hair type. Excessive washing dries out hair and makes it brittle even when you use hair products for dry hair. Tie you hair in sections or braid it before going to sleep. This will reduce tangles and breakage.
Wear a satin cap over your head while sleeping. This will prevent split ends and damage from rubbing your hair against a pillow. Daily scalp moisturizing with shea butter can help your scalp and hair.
Use a hot oil treatment or deep conditioning hair products for dry hair at least once every month and use a leave in conditioner after washing.
Avoid using heat when styling your hair. Heat will dry the hair and make it brittle. It is also best to avoid black hair products that contain alcohol, which is a drying agent.
Black hair products are formulated to care for the dryer more fragile hair of women of African descent. Depending on your type of hair, you may require more or less moisturizing for your hair. Too much moisture can weight hair down and not enough will cause hair to be brittle and break. Check out black hair products and decide which ones offer the best treatment for your hair. It is okay to experiment until you find the perfect range of hair products for dry hair for your hair type.
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