Proper hair care is an important issue for women of all races and nationalities. African American hair has unique issues and challenges. Caring for the hair of African American girls can require taking extra precautions in order not to cause permanent damage to their hair and scalps.
Toni Love (http://www.tonilove.com/), international platform stylist and educator, had the following advice:
As far as little African-American girls, they should not receive relaxers until AFTER they have started their menstrual cycles. Their hair has NOT completed the three cycles of growth, Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. Everyone's hair goes through these cycles and disrupting them causes permanent damage to the hair shaft. - http://www.hairlosslibrary.com/hair_growth_cycle.html
If a relaxer is applied to a little girls' hair, the chemical SHOULD NOT touch the scalp or be applied close to the scalp. It can be applied to the ends, therefore, not disrupting the growth cycle. Also, a relaxer can be "combed-through" the hair with a big tooth comb to loosen the tight curls. The chemical SHOULD NOT stay on long enough to straighten the hair, but, just enough to loosen the curls.
Then the hair should be shampooed, conditioned, and styled as desired.....And, it's always good to keep little girls hair moist. So, adding a leave-in conditioner to the ends and a light oil on the scalp, such as E.F. Young's Amazing Grow, will give great results!!!
M&M Products Company, makers of GroHealthy-Sofn'free n'pretty, has numerous products in their hair care line specifically for African American girls. Various oils, creams, and leave in conditioners are available to address common hair care issues. The company even has a place on their website for submitting hair care questions (http://mmproducts.com/faq-main-grohealthy.php#how). All expert advice is addressed by Will Williams, the Director of Education and New Product Development. Will is a 30-year veteran of the beauty and grooming industry and a Master Barber and Certified Master Cosmetologist. Will Williams also offers his "ABC's of Going Back to School Hair Care" which includes an email address where he can be contacted - http://mmproducts.com/article-abc-hair.php. The following list contains basic hair care tips from the hair care experts at M&M Products Company.
Care Tips
- Shampoo and condition hair once a week.
- Always rinse hair well with warm, not hot, water.
- Comb conditioners and creams through hair with a large-tooth comb.
- Dry hair by blotting hair with towel. Do not rub.
- Part hair in small sections for easier untangling.
- Always use a hard rubber, large-tooth comb for untangling.
- Finish combing with a comb that has large and small teeth.
- Trim ends often to prevent and control split ends.
- Oil scalp twice a week to keep it soft and pliable.
- Use a brush with natural bristles only.
- Sleep in a silk scarf and/or on a satin pillow cover to minimize breakage and drying.
First Line Brands (http://www.firstlinemfg.com/) has an excellent line of combs, brushes, and hair accessories. Evolve combs come in a variety of styles and sizes. The wide tooth combs are perfect for curly or kinky hair textures. They loosen tangles and decrease the amount of tugging and pulling. Evolve boar bristle brushes with natural wood handles are also great hair care products. The Evolve textile line includes headbands, scarves, wrap caps, and even satin pillowcases. Satin pillowcases offer an alternative to wearing a sleep cap. The satin pillow cases are non-abrasive and will not strip hair of natural moisture like some cotton pillow cases will.
Dr. Shirley Madhere (http://www.drshirleymadhere.com/) is a plastic surgeon practicing in New York City. Her practice is based on a holistic approach; therefore she is often consulted for advice regarding a wide range of issues. She treats patients with hair problems within her surgical practice. Her management protocol involves: 1) topical application of medications (Rogaine, herbals, etc.), 2) DIY self hair care using massage techniques and treatments with a specific mixture of essential oils, 3) oral supplementation with particular vitamins (biotin, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids), 4) avoidance of certain styling methods, 5) dietary modification to promote general wellness and efficient physiologic function, 6) stress management, and 7) mesotherapy, a series of painless micro-injections of a combination of vitamins and minerals to nourish the scalp and stimulate the hair follicle. These remedies and practices are of particular benefit to women with textured, chemically-treated, natural, or fragile hair.
There will be more hair care tips and product recommendations soon. Be sure to subscribe to the Lakeland Parenting Examiner page at NO COST to receive notification of future articles. Simply click the word "subscribe" next to my photo and enter an email address. Send comments and questions regarding articles to: 1Mom@simplynecessary.com. Twitter users can follow @TangelaWCraft.
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