Understanding Black Hair Types
Black hair types have quite a unique texture. At first glance it appears thick and strong but this is very deceptive. There are fewer hairs per square inch than any other type of hair so it rarely grows very thick. Also, the curved follicles give each hair a spring-like action which makes the curls appear short. The type and degree of curl is, in fact, the main difference between Caucasian and Black hair. Instead of growing and curling in a uniform manner the hair grows in various directions, thus making it fall in uneven frizzy waves. In addition, far from being strong, this type of hair is the weakest – fragile and dry, it rapidly loses moisture and needs daily moisturizing to keep it in condition.
In the past oils and grease were used to combat dryness and to protect the black hair which only really attracted dust. The weight and heaviness of these products also clogged the hair follicles and sometimes led to hair loss. Strong detergent shampoos were often used which led to further problems of dryness and flaking scalps.
Specialist manufacturers provide preparations that are lighter and more easily absorbed into the hair. If you have Black hair it is important to take extra special care. As a guide you should always use a mild shampoo and conditioner each time you wash. If your hair has been chemically treated you should use a hot oil treatment at least every two weeks. Each day use a light film of moisturizing spray.
Black hair is very dry and porous and will literally soak up any moisture in the atmosphere. When this happens the hair reverts back to its pre-styled state. Products called ‘reversion resistant’ sprays are designed to seal the hair shafts and prevent this from happening.
How to Style Black Hair
A popular way of dressing black hair is to straighten or ‘relax’ it. New products enable hairdressers to get the desired straighter hair with just a foundation of curl, to provide lift to the hair and enable the style to be dressed in a variety of ways. Black hair that is splitting from the roots to the ends, looks dry and brittle, and is hard to comb. We have also seen black hair that looks matted or even thin and greasy. For decades, creating a beautiful crown of glory has been seen as some kind of mystery. How can one unlock the secrets of long black hair? How can one experience ultra black hair growth? The list goes on and on. Growing black hair is not hard. Black hair can and does grow. Yet, certain styling techniques and products are needed to cause more fragile hair to grow. Reduce the use of chemicals and heat. While blow drying makes black hair easier to comb and style, try to limit it to once a month. Braiding your hair is great alternative to straightening your hair with a blow dryer. If you must blow dry, start at the ends and then go to the roots. Apply a nozzle to quicken the straightening process. Do not over process the hair with relaxers or texturizers. If your hair already has chemicals on it, such as a relaxer, do not apply more chemicals, such as hair dyes and rinses. As this type of hair is so fragile, I would strongly recommend professional application of relaxing hair products at a salon that specializes in this technique.
Colouring Black Hair
Colour can look stunning on Black hair and you can do this yourself using the wide variety of spray-on colours or glitter sprays which look superb on dark curls. If you want a colour rinse or lowlights, try coppery-gold shades – sheer magic! Bleaching is a very drastic process for black hair and needs perfect maintenance, so, once again it is best left to the hairdresser.
Black hair that is splitting from the roots to the ends, looks dry and brittle, and is hard to comb. We have also seen black hair that looks matted or even thin and greasy. For decades, creating a beautiful crown of glory has been seen as some kind of misnomer. How can one unlock the secrets of long black hair? How can one experience ultra black hair growth? The list goes on and on. Growing black hair is not hard, black hair can and does grow. Yet, certain styling techniques and products are needed to cause more fragile black hair to grow.
Maintaining Black Hair
Employ the Right Shampooing and Conditioning Techniques. Use the right products. Do not use shampoos with sulfates or silicones. Although some black women can experience hair growth no matter what product they use. A large majority of black women (and men) have drier hair that requires all the natural oils it can get. Shampoos that contain sulfates, any derivative, glycols, and silicones (any ingredient that ends in CONE), take moisture away from black hair. This facilitates hair breakage, brittleness, and dryness. It can also create scalp conditions for some people.
Shampooing your hair weekly will keep the hair follicles opened and stimulate blood circulation to the scalp plus facilitate growth, reduce hair build-up, scalp conditions, and germs. If you are using the right shampoo, you will avoid stripping your hair of the natural oils it needs to grow and thrive. To grow black hair, you must give it moisture. Without moisture, it cannot thrive. Watch how you comb your hair, brushes, even plastic ones and ones made from boar bristles, can rip the hair, cause stress, and cause breakage. Thus, brushes are a no-no for longer, black hair. Instead, buy a large tooth comb with no ridges between each individual comb. Comb your hair from the bottom up, especially after shampoos. This will avoid tangles. Section your hair to comb it out and always apply some form of moisture to your hair before combing it. You don’t need a heavy cream. In fact, you should avoid mineral oil or petroleum based greases or hair lotions. Moisturize your scalp with light hair oils and butters, not greases. Try olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil.
