Natural Hair

• The most popular natural hairstyles for African Americans is the Afro, dreadlocks and braiding. If you have chemically processed hair, it is important to consult with your stylist before attempting to go natural. Your stylist may be able to treat your hair with a soft processing treatment as well as shampooing and conditioning in order to keep it from breaking as you grow it out naturally.
  
  Wwhen transitioning into natural you hair, you might want to use a wig or synthetic hair braids to hide growth. Once your hair is the length you wish to have it, you can achieve the Afro look by trimming the hair evenly all around. Then, use a hair pick to comb out and add volume to hair.
  
  There are various methods of keeping dreads, ranging from braiding to twisting to chemicals. Once locs are in place it is important to be pay attention to maintenance, as this hairstyle requires special care, like dry shampooing.
  
  

Processed and Synthetic Hair

• Many African Americans choose to chemically process their hair because extremely curly hair can be difficult to manage. Once wave patterns have been chemically processed out of the hair, a world of styling options become available to you. Remember, after hair has been processed it is much more likely to break. Carefully shampoo, dry and tie back hair. Limit the frequency with which you tie back hair, and when you do use soft or covered rubber bands. Another option for hairstyle versatility is the use of wigs. Wigs range from inexpensive synthetic materials to high-priced natural materials, like real human hair. Women who regularly wear wigs tend to keep hair extremely short for comfort. Similar to wigs, synthetic hair can be braided or weaved into hair.
  
  

Daily Hair Care

• When shampooing it is important to use a low pH product, as African hair is vulnerable to acidity. It is not necessary to shampoo hair more than once a week. Before washing, comb hair out using a wide-toothed comb. Massage hair with warm water and apply shampoo in a downward motion, taking care to keep hair from tangling. Be very gentle with hair when wet, as this is the most fragile time for hair. Unlike other types of hair, black hair tends to be very dry, so it is important to use a deep conditioner that can replace moisture lost during shampooing. Towel and air drying is best for African hair. When using hair dryers monitor hair closely and adjust drying temperature and time to avoid over drying hair. Heat styling easily leads black hair to become brittle and break off. Use products, like leave-in conditioners, creams and balms that add moisture to hair and avoid strong gels, mousses and sprays. Keeping hair covered and wrapped with a hair net can maintain style and moisture during sleep and while showering.