Why Black Hair Is Different 

Most African Americans experience a unique combination of hair textures, among other factors. It's a fact that black hair is different than its Caucasian or Asian counterparts and requires different care. That's why it's essential to understand why it needs special attention and how to do so in order to keep it healthy. 

Black hair is composed primarily of an extremely tightly coiled, cone shaped protein strand called keratin. This structure makes it more prone to dryness, breakage and split ends, which is why regular moisture, trimming, and deep conditioning are all part of the routine that will keep your hair looking its best. 

Additionally, the tight curls of African American hair can make it difficult to absorb natural oils from the scalp or products you apply to your strands between wash days. Therefore, extra moisture should be added throughout the week - think hydrating cream or serum - in order to keep your curls thriving. 

Fortunately, with a little extra TLC specifically tailored for your black hair type, you can maintain happy healthy tresses! 

Understanding the Unique Structure of Black Hair 

Caring for African American hair requires understanding the unique structure of its strands. Unlike other hair types, black hair is naturally dry and brittle due to its curly shape and tendency to have fewer oil glands than other types of hair. To keep it healthy, you'll need to put in some extra TLC. 

This is especially true for relaxed or heat-styled styles. The chemicals used in relaxers or the heat from a blow dryer can leave black hair even drier and more prone to breakage. To reduce this risk, try to use products specifically designed for African American hair. Look for ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera that are known for helping to hydrate and moisturize the scalp and strands, making them more resilient to damage caused by relaxers and hot tools. 

Another helpful step is deep conditioning once or twice a week. This will help restore hydration levels, making your hair less prone to breakage. With regular deep conditioning treatments, your black hair should become softer and shinier over time! 

Caring for Your Scalp and Shaft... 

When it comes to caring for your textured hair, your scalp and shaft are the two most important elements to consider. Having healthy scalp and shafts will help your hair look and feel its best, so take some time to give them some love! 

Moisturizing Your Scalp 

African American hair tends to be drier than other types of hair due to its tightly packed coils, so it’s important to keep your scalp hydrated. Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner; look for ingredients like Rose-Hip Oil to elevate cell rejuvenation. 

You can also try applying natural oils like avocado oil and shea butter directly onto your scalp. These will help keep the scalp nourished and prevent clogged pores that can lead to breakage. 

Nourishing Your Hair Shafts 

Just like with the scalp, nourishing African American hair on a cellular level is key for a healthy head of hair. You can do this by using products specifically designed for robust textured locks. Natural oils like flaxseed oil are great choices when it comes to nourishing the shafts of African American hair. 

Applying these treatments once a week will not only prevent breakage but also make your coils more manageable! Additionally, be sure not to use hot tools too often; instead opt for rollers or braiding as styler options. 

How to Choose the Right Hair Products 

You want to keep your black hair healthy, so choosing the right products is essential. But with all the different options, it can be hard to know what works best for you. 

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right hair products: 

Check the ingredients 

When shopping for hair products, make sure you read the label and look for water-based ingredients like glycerin and castor oil. These will help lock in moisture and keep your black hair strong and healthy. Avoid harsh or drying ingredients like alcohol and sulfates, as they can damage your hair over time. 

Find a routine that works for you 

Everyone’s hair is unique, so try out a few different products until you find something that works best for your needs. If a product doesn’t work as well as you’d hoped, don’t be afraid to switch it out with something else that better suits your individual locks! 

Consider the environment 

It’s not just about what’s best for your own personal goals either—the environment matters too! Look for eco-friendly products made with natural ingredients when possible. This way, you can feel good about using beneficial natural ingredients on your scalp that won't harm the environment when discarded.