Have Beautiful Relaxed African American Hair

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Read this article if you want long, thick, healthy Relaxed African American hair. You can achieve it easily following the instructions.

Steps

Strength - These steps will show you how to have stronger hair

  1. Don't use the strongest relaxer every time you get your hair relaxed. The super strength and industrial strength relaxers are traditionally used on African American hair because it is so resistant to straightening. Nothing wrong with that. Just don't use it every time. Alternate between the mild and strong relaxers (of the same brand) so your hair gets some rest between uses of the strong stuff. If you relax every 6 to 12 weeks, ask your beautician to use the super strength on every 3rd or 4th visit. Your hair will have grown out enough to avoid overlapping the super strength relaxer and the milder one will allow your hair to remain relaxed yet still strong. Also apply basing cream to the ends of your hair. This will prevent the ends from over processing due to relaxer runoff.
  2. Condition your ends. By tradition many African Americans use conditioner often. As a result they have healthy thick hair. Condition is a good friend. Conditioner strengthens hair. Condition the length and ends of your hair daily or at minimum every other day. Do not put water on your scalp daily either, just the ends. Simply wet your ends about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} from your scalp to the ends of your hair. Apply the conditioner according to the instructions. Your hair will love you for it. Conditioning your ends will keep them thick full and rich and they will not break easily.
  3. Apply Moisturizer. After conditioning your ends, you will need to moisturize them. Find an excellent moisturizer (Ultra Black Hair is one of the best) and apply it to the ends while your hair is still wet. Again, do not apply moisturizer to your hair full strength. Place a small amount in a container or the palm of your hands and add water to dilute it. Be sure the water and moisturizer are well blended then apply to the ends of your hair only (from about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} below your scalp to the ends of your hair. Dry hair is brittle: keep it moisturized for flexibility and less breakage.
  4. Avoid using a blow dryer. Blow dryers are called blow fryers by The Long Hair Community for good reason. The intense heat of these machines is very damaging to African American hair types. Never blow dry your hair. Simply allow your hair to air dry. Heat damaged hair is extremely weak and breaks easily. To have strong hair, you must avoid using a blow dryer.

Increase Hair Length

  1. Cut it out. If you want to gain any length on your hair, don't cut it. (well trim it 1/8th inch to even out the ends but that's all)
  2. Avoid the Curling Iron. A curling iron is one of the most damaging instruments used on African American hair types. When a curling iron is used on your hair, the barrel cover clamps down on your hair causing a weak point. With repeated use the hair shafts eventually break along these areas made weak by the curling iron. If you want longer hair, it is imperative that you stop using a curling iron to style your hair. Curling irons make hair, weak, dry and very thin. Instead try using curlers or keeping your ends evenly trimmed and simply wearing your hair down.

Thickness - These steps will help you to have thicker hair

  1. Use a very wide toothed comb to avoid ripping or tearing your hair out at the roots. Comb your hair very gently and avoid combing it frequently. Start combing at the ends and untangle those first and work your way up towards the scalp; never place your comb at the scalp and pull it through tangled hair, this will rip out your hair and cause it to be very thin.
  2. Drink lots of water. Drink plenty of water every day to keep your hair moisture rich from the inside. Your hair will bounce and move more easily and will not break easily or often. If you notice your hair bouncing and moving less its important to drink more water.
  3. Care for your hair at night. Nighttime can be damaging to your hair if you sleep on any type of fabric. Traditionally it has been said to sleep on a satin scarf or pillowcase. This is the only material which will prevent your hair from drying out at night.
  4. Use Oil. Never use greases on relaxed hair. Tradition has always taught African American women to smother their hair with all types of grease in the name of beauty. The use of hair greases has lead to irreparable damage, breakage and blockage of pores. It is impossible to sustain healthy hair and scalp if you use hair greases. Your scalp naturally produces its own oils which should be enough to keep your hair healthy. If you prefer greases, just keep an eye on your hair. If your hair becomes dry, greasy, stiff or brittle it is most likely related to the use of hair greases. Although natural oils are good for the hair such as olive, coconut, jojoba and etc. They give the hair good shine and helps to rebuild damaged hair as a natural conditioner.

Tips

  • If your hair is dry or very rough don't scratch your scalp, pat it instead.
  • Not all shampoos, conditioners, products and advice work for every hair type. Keep trying products and techniques until you find the ones that work best for you.
  • Be wary of cotton scarves, they can suck the moisture out of your hair, same as cotton pillow cases. Lean towards satin and silk.
  • Try going natural for a bit then relax your hair again.
  • Educate yourself. Read the book Six inches Longer by Cathy Howse, and other wonderful books on hair care.
  • Ultra Black Hair products and KeraCare products are excellent

Warnings

  • If a product, technique, or beautician make your hair dry or damaged, stop using it or seeing them immediately.

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