African American Hair Facts

Natural hair requires just as much attention as relaxed hair

Gentle hair relaxers and a roller set will keep your hair healthy

African American hair has a lower concentration of sulphur which can cause it to be bit dryer than other hair textures, but hair is hair.  Most damaged hair is due to over processing, overlapping hair relaxers and tension from hair weaves.

The facts:

1) Wash hair often.  A clean scalp is a healthy scalp and hair should be washed as often as necessary to ensure the hair follicle is not clogged.

2) Natural hair is not necessarily healthier than relaxed hair.  Both require extra care to keep hair healthy, such as protein treatments and sulfate free products.

3) Avoid products high in alcohol which leads to drier hair.  Opt for Sulfate free shampoo which do not contain alcohol.

4) Over use of mineral oil on scalp will clog the hair follicle and prohibit hair growth.  Have a gentle scalp massage with a limited amount of Argan oil will stimulate the scalp and leads to healthy hair growth.

Scalp massage with a silk or Argan Oil combined with protein treatments keep hair healthy

5) Mild hair relaxers are a better alternative to super strength hair relaxers.  A successful relaxer is achieved by not overlapping the relaxer and only retouching new hair growth.

6) After relaxing African American hair, it is better to roller set and dry under an overhead dryer than to stretch and pull the hair with a blow dryer  following with a hot iron.

7) It is better to use a gentle hair relaxer than a scorching hot comb.  Hot combs are dangerous and burns the hair cuticle causing immense damage.

8) Fusion hair extensions are a better alternative to a tight hair weave. Fusion hair extensions are applied strand by strand - away from the scalp. This tension free process allows the hair to grow and not snap.  A hair weave can look unnatural and blocks hair growth.

Fusion hair extensions are healthier than a hair weave

hair weaves cause tension which leads to hair loss

9) A professional should apply your hair relaxer.  It is necessary to work with the curl pattern and this is  impossible to see on your own.  A professional will expertly apply your relaxer to avoid overlapping  product which leads to breakage especially around the perimeter of the head.

10) Sensitive scalp? avoid caffeine and brushing prior to relaxing.

11) Brush hair with a natural fiber brush such as boar bristle to prevent overstretching hair especially after a chemical service.

Boar Bristle Brush promotes shine and is gentle on the hair

12) Use a semi-permanent color vs. permanent color on relaxed hair.  Over processed hair leads to major damage.

13) African American hair grows at the same rate as any other hair texture. 

All types of hair textures should be handled with care and it is important to seek  a well seasoned stylist that knows how to keep your hair healthy.