The African hair care is essentially different from the hair care regime of the European hair types. One of the evident reasons for the same is that African hair is curly in nature so much so that the new hair follicles grow in a wavy or spiralled direction only. No wonder, such hair type requires the follow-up of a different hair products and treatments for its prolonged health.
African Hair- The structured hair
It is important to know that most of the hair types are made of the same kind of material, however, the difference lies in their unique structural pattern. In other words, the difference is felt in the way the hair shafts are assembled together to form a structural pattern of the hair. The African hair type is kinky and dry in comparison to the rest of the hair types. On the other hand, this hair pattern is comparatively thicker and coarse. Nevertheless, the African hair is more prone to hair thinning and breakage. In case the hair is washed frequently with the wrong cleansing shampoo, the natural oil of the scalp may get affected and cause premature hair breakage. It for the same reason, the African hair care requires special attention marked by the usage of special combs, brushes, shampoos and conditioners.
African Hair Care- The basic essentials
The hair care regime for the ethnic hair types most essentially require certain basic supplies, in the absence of which, the hair may become vulnerable to damages.
The African Moisturizing Shampoo
Remember to pick only those shampoos that are specially intended for nourishing African hair. This is one of the most essential basics of the African Hair care regime intended to combat damaged, colored or permed hair.
The Detangling Conditioner
Since entangling and knotting is a common problem among the ethnic hair kinds, the presence of a detangling conditioner is a must in the African hair care regime. Make sure to pick the conditioner which has been essentially labeled appropriate for African hair types.
The African Comb
The most essential in the basic African hair care regime must include the special comb, often known as the large toothed comb. As the name says, the comb is different from the regular comb as it is largely spaced in a way to form half handle and half comb. The comb is designed to avoid hair detangles and thus breakages.
The Rat Tailed comb
This is yet another important part of the African hair care regime. This special comb has closely located teeth at one end and narrow rods at the other end.
The Bristled Brush
This brush runs smoothly over the hair strands, detangles the knots without exerting much stress on the hair strands.
Hair grease or hair oil
The hair grease or the hair oil is also essential inclusions of African hair care as they work well for nourishing the hair as well as for taming the frizz.
Relaxing
Relaxing, is a term used for chemically straightening the hair. Special attention must be given to straight hair as they are more likely to get damaged. The chemically straight hair must be washed only once a week, lest the natural nourishment of the scalp is robbed away. However, remember to condition the hair with the leave on conditioner, applied from the roots to the tip of the hair. Excessive heating in form of blow drying must be avoided in the African hair care regime so as to prevent hair from thinning and entangling. The relaxer must be redone after every two months to keep the relaxed hair away from thinning and falling. One must never use henna on the relaxed hair and vice-versa to avoid unwanted damages.
Texturizing
The partial loosening of the curly hair strands is better known as texturizing. This African hair care method is much popular among ethnic people as it is way less harsh on hair in comparison to relaxing. In this method, a special product called oil gel or curl activator must be used starting from the tip to the roots, after every wash. This product essentially keeps the hair moist and free from frizz.
The Afro method
In this African hair care method the hair is essentially tied to form a cloud. A special comb, “pick”, comprising of handle and long, spaced teeth on the either sides, is used to detangle the clouded hair. To manage your hair the Afro way, one needs to tie them up to form braids every night.
Detangling the knots
Knotting and entangling of the hair strands is commonly observed in the ethnic hair types. There is no need to fret in case of a complex knot as one may detangle the same using a detangling spray. For the same, the knotted hair is divided into small portions of hair and sprayed with the dentangler. Then the special brush with spaced teeth is gently run over the hair to finally tame the frizz and make the hair manageable.
African hair care tips
- The key to a healthy African hair care regime is the healthy eating habit comprising of well balanced food, increased intake of protein and fiber rich fruits.
- To reduce the extreme dryness of the ethnic hair, it is important to massage the scalp with natural oil on a daily basis.
- Shampooing the ethnic hair on the daily basis may accelerate damages, especially hair thinning and breakage. Therefore, an ideal African hair care regime calls for cleansing of the hair only once a week.
- In case your profession causes frequent sweating in the hair, it is advisable to simply rinse the hair with water minus the shampoo.
- Make sure to use a moisturizer with low level of PH value.
- It is strictly advisable to use moisturizer and shampoo separately in your African hair care regime. Never use 2-in-one conditioner and shampoo.
- Always grease or oil your scalp after wash so as to make the hair more manageable.
The African hair care can indeed be a tough task for many, but, the above mentioned measures may help you make your hair more manageable.
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