Washing

• Wash the hair of your African American child once a week in warm weather and once every other week in cold weather. Over washing black hair can dry it out and cause breakage. The reason to wash hair more in the summer is because sweat will attract excess dirt and grime to the hair. Use a moisturizing shampoo to wash the hair. If you feel hair is dirty between washings just 'wash it' with clear water and apply a conditioner.
  
  

Combing

• Combing curly or kinky hair can be painful. To painlessly comb an African American child's hair begin by using a moisturizing oil on the hair to moisten it. Then comb the hair with a wide toothed comb. To comb the hair, first separate it into sections, then beginning at the end start combing and slowly work your way through the entire length of the hair. Do this for all of the sections. Hold the hair between your fingers at the base of the scalp to lessen any pulling on the scalp and minimizing pain.
  
  

Styling

• After the hair is combed out you need to style it. You will want to use rubber bands and ponytail holders to keep the hair neat and in place and to prevent tangling. Be sure to use covered bands without metal clips which can rip out hair. Section the hair with your fingers and then use the tip of a rat tail comb to make parts carefully. Pull the hair into ponytail sections or cornrow the hair. Do not pull the hair too tight as this can lead to hair breakage around the front of the scalp and back of the neck. Remember to remove bands at night and to prevent friction which can break the hair.