We all know the importance of having good hair which is loved by everyone. All of us want to have beautiful hair. However, only few are gifted with lovely hair. African- American/Black hair is coarse, brittle and dry in texture. They look dull and dead. Most of the Africans have curly hair. The color and texture of the hair depends on genetic traits, place to which you belong, weather conditions and a pigment called as eumelanin. People having dark black hair have more amount of this pigment. These kind of hair needs extra care. Maintaining them is a tough task. However, they can be made gorgeous and beautiful with the following tips:
1. Balanced lifestyle
First of all one must follow a balanced lifestyle that is you should eat healthy, take sufficient sleep and rest. A diet full of green vegetables and fruits is recommended for everyone to remain fit with good skin and nice hair. Also engage yourself in some physical activities like yoga or exercise. If you remain fit then it reflects on your skin and hair.
2. Remain hydrated
Remain hydrated which is very important to maintain the moisture in your skin and hair. It also helps in flushing out the toxic substance produced in our body.
3. Toothed comb
Use a thick toothed comb which reduces the breakage of hairs and helps in stopping any further damage of hair. Use of good hair brush is another good option for people having tangled , unmanageable and rough hair.
4. Head massage
Giving a good head massage with lukewarm oil improves the blood circulation in our head which helps in opening up the closed pores. It also increases the natural oil secretion which helps in reducing the dryness of hair. My all time favorite is olive oil head massage. You can also try out pomegranate seed oil, almond, coconut or lavender oil. Donât leave oil on your hair for longer duration. The dust and dirt will get stick to it and it will damage your hair. It is advisable that you apply oil at night and wash them in morning before you go out of home.
5. Steam
Steaming is also another good option for dull and brittle hairs. It is suggested that after a hot oil head massage give steam to your head. You can use a hot wet towel for it if you want to do it at home.
6. Keep your hair clean
Always keep your hair clean. If you stay in a humid place and problem of sweat bothers you then you can wash your hair with lukewarm water on routine basis. Washing dry hair with cold water can make them more brittle. Donât use shampoo for daily wash.
7. Shampoo regularly
Shampooing is though very important but it can make hair dry. So, opt for a mild hydrating shampoo and apply it twice a week. Always apply oil before shampooing to reduce the chances of dryness and as the black hair is generally brittle so over shampooing can damage them further. Donât go for 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. They donât provide sufficient softness to dry hair. And check in advance that the shampoo must be of low pH level.
8. Conditioning is essential
Conditioning plays a major role in keeping hairs untangled and soft. Apply moisturizing conditioner in generous amount and massage it for few minutes on scalp as well as along the length. Donât keep changing the direction of massage. Just follow one direction. It will avoid tangling. Let it on hair for sometime then wash it off with water.
9. Use serum
Comb towel dried hair and apply a protein serum on them. It protects your hair by forming a layer on it and provides nourishment to hairs. It also helps in decreasing frizziness. You can also go for hair dressing creams to lessen frizz. Be very selective about the brands. Go for the good brands shampoo, conditioner and serum. Donât use any hair product which has alcohol content in it.
10. Avoid going out in heat
Donât go out in heat and direct sun. UV rays can harm your hair. Use an umbrella or cover your hair when you go out in a sunny day.
11. Vitamin supplements
The visible hair on our scalp are dead and the roots of the hair actually need nutrition which can be provided internally as well as externally. For external care, head oil massage is suggested. You can take extra vitamin suppliments like Vitamin E,C, B7 and B12, which are considered good for hair.
12. Do not tie hair too tightly
Avoid tight tying your hair. Rather go for comfortable and loose hair styles with good quality hair bands. Use your finger to remove tangling of hair.
13. Do not use blowers
Donât use blowers or hair dryers which results in dryness of hair.
14. Soft cushion
Use a soft cushion or pillow with satin or silk cover on it while sleeping. Hair get tangled in cotton cloth easily.
15. Hair spa
Get hair spa treatment once in a month.
