Pure Pleasure Salon

As we all know, hair comes in many different textures, it can be fine, straight, curly, frizzy or kinky. This article is created to simplify some hair care techniques. African American hair lends itself to all types of styling opportunities. And, let's face it, we are very trendy when it comes to the ways we wear our hair. Here are a few tips for "caring" your do.

Always BE GENTLE with your hair, particularly if it has been chemically treated.
This includes coloring as well as relaxed hair or curly-permed hair. If you have had chemical treatments, then always treat your hair as though it is damaged, even if you don't have split ends.

Always use a wide toothed comb, even for styling
Make sure the teeth of the comb are very smooth. Jagged edges on the teeth will "catch" and pull your hair out.

Invest in a good, natural boar bristle brush.
Brushing the hair is to help distribute the natural oils from the scalp down the length of the hair. Use a softer brush and more patience when brushing your hair. Try using a brush made by Mason Pearman, however, Goody makes a decent, natural boar bristle brush as well.

Tie your hair up at night.
This prevents your hair from "catching" on the pillow case and breaking off. This also keeps the natural hair oils in your hair and not in the pillowcase. Tying your hair up doesn't have to be grounds for divorce.

Buy some pretty, satin scarves to tie your hair up in. Never use cotton scarves. They will draw the moisture from your hair.

Or, invest in some satin pillowcases. They don't have to be expensive ones, just a satiny type of material that will allow the hair to "glide" while you sleep.

Check all of your rollers, pins, clips and other styling aids for smooth edges.
Just like with the comb, rough edges will "catch" on the hair and pull your hair out, 2 to 3 strands at a time.

Avoid elastic bands that are not covered with a smooth, satiny type of material. All of those others (terrycloth covered, material covered, and rubber) catch in the hair and will pull it out.

Avoid rollers with "teeth". These sharp edges will pull your hair out. Velcro rollers are a "no-no" for the same reason. Use the smooth, magnetic rollers, but never sleep in them. Your hair will thank you.

Use less heat on your hair, especially if it is chemically treated or damaged.
Styling heat is probably the biggest enemy of African American hair. Reduce the use of heated appliances as much as possible. If you must "bump your ends" then allow your hair to air dry instead of blow-drying it. Instead of heated appliances, try using wet sets once a week, then, wrap your hair at night. This will prolong your style and reduce the amount of heat used on the hair.

Shampooing and Conditioning

Use shampoos that have a low pH, somewhere between a 4 or a 5. Acidic shampoos temporarily close the cuticle of the hair. Or, use neutralizing shampoos, the "post relaxer" type. These have a low pH because they are used to neutralize the alkaline effects of a relaxer.

Use conditioners to untangle and temporarily smooth the hair cuticle. Don't leave a conditioner on longer than is suggested by the manufacturer's instruction. You don't get"more benefit" from leaving it on longer but you may break off more hair. Leave on one to three minutes. These are better for natural hair. Deep conditioners are better for chemically treated hair. These usually stay on for 20-30 minutes. Use a heating cap, set on low or medium heat.

While shampooing and conditioning, try not to tangle the hair excessively, I have always found that washing my hair in sections helps to keep the tangles and the frustrations down.

Be Patient. Clear all tangles and snarls with the fingers first, then, starting from the bottom, using your wide toothed comb, complete the untangling process. Using an oil lotion at this stage, while the hair is still damp will help keep the hair moisturized and help ease out the tangles.

Rinse your hair twice as long as it took to wash it. Shampoo residue will dry your hair and break it off. Focus conditioning on the ends. They are the oldest part of the hair, and more prone to damage.

Stay away from Balsam in conditioner. It leaves a clear film on the hair that is excessively drying to African American hair.

Some Final Notes

African American hair is extremely versatile and this article does not by any means go over every aspect of African American hair care. However, here are some final tips to keep in mind.
Find a good stylist, someone you can trust. Finding a good stylist is an article in itself, so, here are some quick tips:

Ask about their most recent training: a good stylist invests in continuing education

If they downgrade your last stylist, leave the premises: This shows poor professionalism. You will pay for this later with bad sets and late appointments.

Check the products they are using, a good hairstylist will invest in good quality products to use on your hair.