| A growing number of African American women are | | | | remain strong and less susceptible to breakage. |
| choosing to wear their hair natural. They are giving up | | | | Dampen your strands before you apply grooming hair |
| relaxers and perms because of the potentially | | | | care products. This will help the ingredients from |
| damaging effect of the chemicals contained in these | | | | these products make their way to your shaft. It will |
| products. There is a widely accepted myth that black | | | | also prevent the products from weighing your hair |
| women can't grow their hair long unless they are | | | | down. |
| using some form of straightener. The truth is that | | | | Go Easy on the Combing |
| natural black hair can also grow long if it is properly | | | | Always use a wide tooth comb, especially when your |
| taken care of. | | | | hair is wet. This will reduce the amount of breakage |
| Carefully Select Your Products | | | | from the comb. Never use a brush on wet hair. Braid |
| Look for treatments that are designed specifically for | | | | or twist your head before you go to bed each night. |
| the texture of your strands. Determine whether your | | | | This will make it easier to comb in the morning. |
| hear is fine, or coarse. Certain conditioners and other | | | | Reducing the friction lessens breakage. |
| treatments can help make tight curls easier to | | | | Avoid Using Alcohol Based Products |
| manage and comb through. Try using conditioners | | | | Alcohol is harsh on the ends and can cause them to |
| that contain coconut oil. They can help strengthen | | | | split. Look on the ingredients label. Products that have |
| the strands and give the strands a healthy glow. For | | | | alcohol listed among the first five ingredients can |
| an even better effect just leave the conditioner in | | | | cause damage. So always know what the gels, |
| your hair and don't rinse it out. You will be amazed by | | | | mousse, and sprays you use contain. Use hot oil |
| the results. This may eliminate the need to use oil | | | | treatments to undo the damage caused by using |
| sheens which can weigh down African American hair. | | | | harsh products. Olive oil is great for treating damaged |
| Water Your Hair Daily | | | | strands. |
| Natural black hair needs water regularly in order to | | | | |
