Afro-textured hair is a term used to refer to the natural texture of Black African hair that has not been altered by hot combs, flat irons, or chemicals (through perming, relaxing, or straightening).
Black hair varies in many textures from fine , silky, and curly to wavy and coarse. Black women have many choices in how they wear their hair . Some choose to have their hair relaxed while others choose to wear wigs or their hair in its natural form. Black hair should grow naturally at least 4 to 6 inches a year if its treated and managed regularly. Below are tips to grow healthy natural African-American hair .
Natural hair should be washed and condition regularly. Black hair should be shampooed and conditioned at least once or twice a week. Even if your hair is braided, you should still shampoo and condition it. This will keep the hair soft, healthy and growing instead of drying out or breaking off at the ends.
Trim Split Ends. Trim your ends every 3 months and follow with a deep conditioner. Do not trim more than half an inch. You are trying to grow your hair. After your hair becomes healthier you will experience less split ends and you will not need to trim as often.
Moisturize Daily. Moisturizing Black hair daily is a necessity for eliminating breakage.
Avoid Heated Hair Appliances. Style your hair without using hot combs, curling irons, or blow dryers. Excessive heat weakens Black hair causing it to break.
Use a Silk Scarf. When sleeping, wear a silk scarf or night cap, or sleep on a silk pillow case. Silk is soft and gentle and won’t snag coarse textured African-American hair.
Dont Overprocess. If your hair is relaxed or permed you should wait 8 to 10 weeks between touch-ups. Manage your new hair growth between touch-ups by shampooing and conditioning your hair,setting it on curlers, and letting it dry naturally. Then apply a conditioning moisturizer before styling.
