Unlike other types of hair, black women’s hair is more likely to tangle, dry, breakage and more. So their hair needs more care. These distressing hair problems often plague black women. But don’t worry, in today’s blog post, we will explain why is Black hair special and offer specific ways on black hair care.
What are the characteristics of black women's hair
As for Hair Types, Black women can have various hair types, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily/kinky. The texture of their hair can range from fine to coarse, and this diversity is influenced by genetics. For those Black women who have thick and coarse texture, their hair is more susceptible to breakage.
Another nature of Black women’s hair is that it really have a very slow rate of hair growth. That’s why Black women often have short natural hair. It is hard for them to own super long hairstyles only with natural hair, even without cutting.
Some challenges associated with black women's hair include tangling, breakage, shrinkage, and the potential for damage from heat styling or chemical treatments. This is because due to the nature of black women's hair, it has a hard time retaining moisture and tends to become dry, and dry hair is more prone to breakage. What’s more, Black women really are geniuses when it comes to styling their hair. So too much heat styling could cause hair dry, and do harm to hair health.
How do black women protect their natural hair
Protective hairstyles
This is the most common way black women protect their natural hair. As we all know, black women’s hair is short and tend to breakage. But how to grow and retain the length of their hair? “Protective hairstyles” are recognized as effective. These "protective hairstyles" such as braids, twists, afros, weaves, and wigs are typically worn for an extended period, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and they can promote hair growth and overall health.
Reduce heat straighteners
Although because of cultural or societal identity, or just your personal preference, many black women like to use hair irons or hot combs to straighten their hair. However, we recommend reduce using heat styling tools as less as possible. If you have to use hair irons or hot combs to straighten you natural hair. Remember apply a heat protectant and use the lowest heat settings necessary.
Minimize use chemical
Black women often style or manipulate their hair in the barbershop or at home. This means using chemicals relaxing and perming natural hair. Reducing the amount of manipulation your hair can help prevent damage. If you want healthy hair, i am sorry to say that giving up altering the texture of your hair and embrace the natural beauty of your hair.
Moisturising often
Why is your hair tend to breakage? Because of dry. Dry hair is more prone to breakage. For black women, our scalp's natural oils produces very little sebum, not enough to keep our natural hair moisturized. Therefore, we need apply extra oil on our natural hair. You can use natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter, or argan oil to seal in moisture.
Reduces hair friction
The Black’s hair tends to be more fragile. Fragile hair can easily break due to friction, so preventing friction is useful in protecting your hair. It is easy to create friction between your hair and the pillow and quilt when you sleep. Sleeping on satin or silk pillowcases can reduce friction and help retain moisture in the hair. Or you can wear silk caps to bed, this not only keep your hairstyle in place but avoid rubbing hair.
Washing and conditioning often
Using a sulfate-free shampoo washes your hair. Regular washing hair can help prevent build-up of hair care products. Use deep conditioners or hair masks to provide your hair with extra moisture and nutrients. This helps with overall hair health.
Stop exposing hair
You can wear a wig as your protective method. Braid your natural hair up, and let the wig or weave take the hit of environment, leaving your natural hair underneath.
Use UV ray hair spray
Ultraviolet light is a problem for both the skin and hair. It makes the hair shaft brittle and easily damaged. If you have to expose your natural hair in the sunlight, using UV ray hair spray is considered an ideal and effective means.
Regular Trims
Trimming split ends and damaged hair regularly can promote healthier hair growth.
Gentle Detangling
Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle your hair instead of fine-tooth combs or brushes. Detangle when your hair is wet and has a good amount of conditioner to reduce breakage.
Final Words
Remember that the above hair care tips works differently for different people, so it's essential to find what works best for your hair type and personal preferences.
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