Avoid “The Naomi Campbell”: Hair Care For Black Hair

Ladies Ladies if you’ve lost your hair because of a tight weave, bad perm or tight braids. Quit it!  You must avoid “The Naomi Campbell”, hair loss is no joke! Who remembers when Naomi made headlines with her shocking balding scalp and signs of serious hair breakage. We have to practice better hair care for black hair. That means limiting the use of bad hair weaves and extensions, and making sure that we are seeking out certified weavologists who practice healthy hair care .

On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with working with what you’ve got. The media has sensationalized beauty with being enhanced and some of us have forgotten what our real hair looks like!  Hair is now a big part of self-image, but let’s remember natural is also beautiful.  When i log on to sites like BlackGirlLongHair and CurlyNikki  I am captivated. I know napturales are not for everyone, but there are so many versatile ways to stay trending; actually a short do is quite the to do lately, and wigs are also a healthy option.

Read on for best practices in hair care for women of color…

Stressed hair line on Alexander Burke (R) and thinning hair on Serena Williams (L)

Hair Care for Black Hair

Start With Proper Nutrition

Just like any part of the body, the hair needs certain nutrients in certain amounts to be healthy. Look for products with essential oils like vitamins E and A, flax seed and borage oils. Be sure your hair vitamin also includes significant amounts of B6, B12, Niacin, Biotin, pantothenic acid and folic acid – the elements found in healthy hair.

Recommended – Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails, Tablets,  $11

Be Sure Your Hair Is Properly Moisturized

Dry hair is unhealthy and can lead to problems like split ends and serious breakage. It is very important to keep black hair moisturized. Let your hair breathe in between weaves, avoid keeping weaving/braiding for more than 3-4 weeks. The effects can be disastrous. Massage your scalp with hair serums that promote hair growth. Look for products that contain jojoba oil or carrot oil.

Recommended- Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine, $22                                                                                                                                                                    Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong Treatment, $5                                                                                                                                                                               Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil, $12

Keep Your Scalp Clean

Having a clean scalp is essential to healthy hair growth. Look for products that say alcohol free, NO SULFATE, contains emu or argan oil  (which acts as a super moisturizer that infuses dry, brittle hair with vibrant shine), Shou Wu extract and silk protein.  If you are unable to find a shampoo that does not strip the hair of all of its necessary oils, one trick is to wash the hair with conditioner and skip the shampoo altogether (Co-Wash). This allows cleansing of the scalp without drying out the hair so much.  Co-washing has became a popular way of repairing the damage done to over washed, dried out hair. 

Recommended- normal hair wash co-wash every week, for overly dry hair (shampoo and deep condition) every 2 weeks.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals & Weaving

Unfortunately, chemical treatments like relaxers, curly perms, and coloring can cause damage to the hair. If you must weave, limiting the time that you wear the weave is better for your hair. It allows you to go less time without weekly hair treatment and care. This prevents damage to your hair and excessive split ends from your hair over drying with a weave or through heat. Opting for wigs or half wigs is usually safer. They come off easily, and you get to moisturize and wash.

Also, when it comes to taking care of color treated hair you must step away from the flat/curling iron. You should give yourself at least two weeks before straightening newly dyed hair. Also try air drying hair so you can reduce the amount of heat used each time you do your hair, and moisturize your hair as much as possible.

Here are some Celebs who having been spotted without the weave for a while, give your hair a break…

 
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Have you experienced hair-loss because of Braids/Weaves? Please share your story or a product that worked for you in the comment section below!