8 c) Journey to Longer Healthy African American Hair

I've found many guide or help on the internet about black hair. This guide resume the essential

THE BASIC GUIDE TO GROWING AFRICAN AMERICAN HAIR

1) Have an experienced hair care professional or stylist trim your split ends. Trimming your ends helps to keep your hair growing healthy and will prevent unnecessary shedding. Trimming also helps to tame your hair for natural flowing hairstyles.

2) Wash hair as needed depending on your hair type and health. This could be every three days with products that do not contain alcohol or harsh sulfates and are pH balanced. Do not over-wash (once is usually enough), as over washing can cause a dry condition, which will ultimately lead to breakage. While washing, massage your scalp. This will reawaken sleeping follicles and promote thicker healthier hair.

3) DO NOT NEGLECT CONDITIONING YOUR HAIR. African American hair that is not conditioned often is dull, brittle, and damaged. To help grow and maintain longer, healthy hair use a deep moisturizing conditioner after every wash.

4) If your hair is in a dry state, use a daily moisturizer or leave-in conditioner. Experiment with different products to find what works best for you.

5) A light oil (olive, soybean) applied sparingly may be used on your hair after applying a water-based moisturizer in order to seal moisture into the hair shaft and give your hair a nice natural shine. These oils can also be used to relieve a dry scalp.

6) Avoid using blow-dryers as much as possible when drying hair as the excessive heat causes dryness, damage and breakage. Air drying hair is the best method. If the volume of your hair is increased with air drying you can do one of two things: first: apply moisturizer,then air-dry-- this will decrease the volume without causing damage; or second - apply moisturizer and use a dome or bonnet dryer on a cool or warm setting. Never use the highest setting!

7) To get your hair to grow long, you also need to comb it carefully. Be sure to use a wide-tooth comb with no seams and comb it gently from the ends first, as combing from the ends will detangle hair as you comb higher and higher. Never comb from the roots to the ends until your hair is completely untangled.

8) Avoid daily and/or excessive brushing of your hair, as black hair is fragile. Excessive brushing can strip the hair of its protective layers. If you trying to smooth your hairline, brush gently, use a soft boar bristle brush, and make sure your hair is completely dry and moisturized.

9) Make sure you also wrap your hair with a silk/satin head wrap or bonnet before you go to bed at night. Without this protection, your loose hair will move about as you sleep putting stress on your hair, drying it out, and causing split ends.

10) Treat your hair from within by taking a multivitamin. Use a hair vitamin that will increase your hair growth rate and lengthen your natural growth phase. Also drink at least eight cups of water and eat healthy foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and by exercising regularly to provide good circulation to the scalp.

11) Relaxing - Now this is where all of your washing and conditioning treatments can either pay off or be sabotaged by damage. First of all, do not relax your hair more than once a month. Be careful not to relax hair “bone straight.” This robs the hair of its natural elasticity and causes it to break easily. Assess your hair before attempting to relax it. It may only need to be washed, moisturized, and straightened with a heat tool. If you must relax it, choose a mild relaxer.

12) Applying the relaxer: It is best to have a professional apply the relaxer because they have a full view of your head and will be sure not to over process. A professional will also be sure to apply the relaxer to the new growth only.

13) Keep a journal of your success. This will help you determine what is working and what's not working on your journey to longer, healthier hair.


Journey to Longer Healthy African American Hair