African-American Hair Care Products
Well, the absence of the hair care products suited to the textured, wavy, or tightly S-coiled hair textures, has led to an inability in discovering the true lusciousness of black or ethnic hair. However, do not be disheartened, with the right products and techniques, caring for your tresses can be real easy. Since black hair tends to be considerably drier and more brittle as compared to other hair types, knowing how to care for it using the right hair care products is a must. Along with this, if you have used chemicals in relaxers and other treatments for achieving that classy look with the heavy weaves, braid and hair extensions, then that is all the more reason for choosing good ethnic hair care products.
African-American Natural Hair Care Products
There are various products which are formulated to meet the special needs of African-American hair. Some of the best products are made of natural ingredients that can help increase hair growth, improve hair texture and provide a healthy scalp and balance moisture, all necessary for beautiful hair. Here, is a list of hair care products, that you should look for, to achieve great looking hair and incorporate the trendy black hairstyles.
Choosing Shampoos: The first step for achieving great looking tresses is, to find shampoos suited for African-American hair. They should ideally be able to gently cleanse your hair, without the use of harsh sulfates, that can strip your hair and lead to breakage and dryness. Check out the shampoos by KeraCare, Motions and Creme of Nature which help moisturize and restore dry, damaged hair. The good news is that these products are able to detangle hair, which is a boon for all those women with coarse, unmanageable hair.
Using a Conditioner: Curly, dry hair needs to be moisturized, moisturized and moisturized! So rather than using drying products like hair mousse and sprays, opt for moisturizers, leave in conditioners and styling lotions. You can select conditioners by brands such as Organic Roots Stimulator Replenshing Pack or Aphogee which have proteins that help strengthen your hair and protects it from damage from harsh chemicals.
Hair Oils for Ethnic Hair: Black hair needs to be oiled regularly to smooth and tame unmanageable dry hair. You can try using rosemary and coconut oils for moisturizing and promoting hair growth. Avoid the use of mineral oils or petroleum as these just provide an illusion of moisture and actually result in clogging up the hair shaft and preventing hair growth.
Using the Right Tools: A good hair care regime is not just about high grade salon products, but also about the tools that you use for styling. Curly African-American hair needs good quality brushes and combs. Make sure to include wide toothed combs or a natural bristle brush for detangling hair.
Things to Avoid
Chemicals like Isopropyl Alcohol and Polyethylene Glycol strip the hair of its natural moisture, leading to dry frizzy hair. An active ingredient in many ethnic hair care products is, Propylene Glycol which actually deteriorates the protein and cellular structure of African-American hair. One of the strict no-no ingredients in these products is the use of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate that actually causes skin and scalp irritation and strips the hair off moisture. Also avoid the cancer causing nitrates like Diethanolamine (DEA), Momoethnanolamine (MEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) in the hair care products.
So, say no to dry, damaged, curly hair and use the right mix of African-American hair care products to keep your braids moist, afros soft, the frizzies tamed and the dreadlocks and twists in place.
