A few tips on taking care of African American or Ethnic Hair
Taking care of African American/Black or Ethnic textured hair is not a little bit different from taking care of any type of hair. There is no difference in how long or much textured hair from non-textured hair can grow, but just in the difference in care. There are not that many products that cater to textured hair, but with the lack of products, that does not mean African American/Black or Ethnic textured hair cannot be healthy, thick, and long.
When taking care of textured hair, some extra measures need to be taken such as:
1) Avoiding products with alcohol in them. Alcohol causes hair to dry out and many times textured hair needs as much moister as it can get to help prevent dryness.
2) Always, Always, Always, condition after a shampoo with a deep conditioner. This ensure that the hair is getting its proper does of moisture it needs as textured hair tends to need more moisture then other hair types.
3) Keep away from products that contain mineral oil or petrolatum. These ingredients tend to be found in moisturizers that are geared towards African American or ethnic hair care products. These ingredients are harmful to the hair as it does not actually put moisture into the hair but blocks moisture from coming in causing hair to be weigh down and heavy by grease without actually allowing the hair to “breath” and gain moisture.
4) Keep away from ingredients such as polyethylene glycol (TEG), Propylene Glycol (PG), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate(SLS)/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Diethanolamine (DEA), Momoethnanolamine (MEA), Triethanolamine(TEA). These ingredients are known to form cancer causing nitrates, as well as strip hair of moisture as well as contain lead.
5) Do not tie hair to tight with elastic bands. Tying the hair to tight can cause serious breakage that can lead to uneven hair at the nape area.
6) Sleep with a satin scarf or pillow to avoid breakage while sleeping. As breakage is very prevalent in textured hair that is not kept moisturized, hair that is caught on to fabrics will also cause the hair to break.
7) Avoid hair coloring, rinses and dyes especially if your hair is relaxed and not in its natural state. The heavy chemicals found in these products causes hair to break easily as it cannot support both relaxers and coloring if not maintained properly.
8. If a wig, weave or lace front is applied to the hair, make sure hair is protected and easy application of putting on and removing hair pieces does not damage the hair as it can cause serious damage if removed or placed incorrectly. Seek a professional for this.
9) Most importantly, make sure your scalp is not irritated by anything.