Tips on Healthy Hair for Black Women

African American hair is versatile and can be worn in various styles, but it is also delicate and needs a lot of tender loving care. It can be kinky, wavy, curly or a mix of all three. But because of the coiled structure, it's difficult for the natural oils to permeate from the roots to the ends, which leads to dry hair and breakage. Does this Spark an idea?

Keep Hair Moisturized with Natural Products

Because the kinky structure of African American hair makes it hard for the natural oils to reach the ends of hair, it dries out and breaks off easily. Therefore, hair needs to be moisturized daily. It's important to use products that have natural ingredients in it. Using products full of harmful chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, isopropyl alcohol, urea, and mineral oil strips hair's natural oils and causes further damage. If you have a relaxer in your hair, this is very damaging as you're just adding more chemicals to what you already have in from the perm. Instead, choose products that have include healthier alternatives like jojoba oil, shea butter, tea tree oil and olive oil.

Shampoo and Conditioning

Washing hair once a week or every week and a half will suffice. Again, the key is to use a shampoo and conditioner containing more natural ingredients than synthetic ingredients. For stronger hair, deep condition your hair for 20 to 30 minutes at least twice a month. To deep condition properly, use steam. Steam not only adds moisture to hair, it opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the conditioner to penetrate and not just sit atop the shaft. You could either take a hot shower or use a table top hair steamer. Once you're finished, rinse your hair out with cold water to close the hair cuticle, so the nutrients can stay within.

Benefits of a Scalp Massage and Proper Nutrition

A little bit goes a long way. Just take five minutes a day to give yourself a scalp massage by rubbing your fingertips in a gentle, circular motion. Massaging stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which delivers nutrients and encourages hair growth. Having a healthy diet will improve the state of you hair. Be sure to drink plenty of water, eat an array of fruits and vegetables, fish, beans, nuts, eggs and get plenty of protein.

Other Tips

Try avoid putting too much heat onto your hair, since it dries it out. Instead of blow drying, try air drying your hair. Wear a satin scarf at night, to prevent split ends and breakage from the friction of the pillow. Following all these tips may seem overwhelming at first, but once you get into the routine, it'll be easy.