Q&A for How to Take Care of Black Girls' Hair

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  • Question
    What can you do to natural hair that shrinks when water touches it?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    You can experiment with different techniques to stretch your hair such as blow drying it, braiding out, or using hair ties down the entire length of your hair. There are even hair stretching creams available that you can try.
  • Question
    How often should I do a protein treatment?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Hair is made up of protein and doesn’t need too much protein added too often or it’ll become weak. You can do a protein treatment about 2-3 times a year, once every 6 months, or once every 4 months.
  • Question
    My hair is dry and is always breaking off. What can I do to stop that?
    Erin Nurse
    Community Answer
    Oils, oil, oils. Use satin pillows and satin scarves. Basically, try every step you just read above above, and you should see some improvement.
  • Question
    How can younger black girls care for their hair?
    Community Answer
    Wash only once a week. Apply a small amount of oil each day and brush to style. If not managed regularly, keep your hair braided.
  • Question
    How long will it take for me to grow my hair to my butt when it's now about breast-level?
    aDeja Nelson
    Community Answer
    That depends on how fast your hair grows, if it breaks off easily, and how well you take of it. If taken care of well (including normal trims, and regular washing and moisturizing it), it may take a couple of years. (Hair usually grows at 1/4 inch per month.)
  • Question
    What deep conditioning agents are recommended for natural black hair to be used at home?
    Community Answer
    Olive, castor, coconut, or sunflower oil are good oils to use for deep conditioning, all which can be mixed with shea butter for excellent nourishment of the hair and scalp. Mix about 3 tbs of any of the above oils with 1 tbs shea butter, gently warm in microwave or on the stovetop, and apply all over hair and scalp. Put a shower cap or plastic bag over hair and leave for an hour. Then, shampoo and condition as usual.
  • Question
    How can I make my black hair grow fast?
    Community Answer
    You need to take good care of your hair and ensure that it is hydrated to reduce breakage. If your hair breaks, it won't appear to grow. Coconut oil makes an excellent moisturizer for hair. Check out How to Grow Black Girls Hair for more tips and ideas.
  • Question
    How can I deal with dandruff in a child's hair?
    Community Answer
    Wash the child's hair more frequently with a mild shampoo and conditioner. You can also do an oil treatment on the scalp before washing.
  • Question
    I have tried all the steps but my hair is not growing. Are there any other techniques I can try?
    Community Answer
    Try heating up some coconut oil in the microwave for about 10 seconds, and then applying it to your hair. Wait 15-20 minutes before washing it out it. Do this every few days for a couple weeks.
  • Question
    How do I keep permed hair from being stiff and sticking up?
    Community Answer
    Use coconut hair oil before going to sleep. The next day, wash it with shampoo and conditioner. After taking a shower, just use a tiny amount of the oil on wet hair.
  • Question
    How many times a week or month should hair be moisturized?
    Community Answer
    Once a week is fine, you can use leave-in conditioner but cover your hair for 15 minutes before continuing, as it helps to deepen the effects of the conditioner.
  • Question
    How often should I braid my hair and for how long should I keep it braided?
    Community Answer
    This is up to you. You can braid your hair as often as you see necessary, just make sure to avoid braiding it too tightly. Also, how long depends on what your hair likes best, but make sure that you don't use it as an excuse to avoid moisturizing or washing at least once a week.
  • Question
    My hair is dry and itches if I don't wash it daily. Am I making it worse?
    Community Answer
    It is actually healthier to not wash your hair every day. Wash it about every other day. (Wash your body every day). Don't take really hot showers, don't condition your hair from the roots, start where you would put it in a ponytail.
  • Question
    Why is my hair always itching, even after I wash it properly?
    aDeja Nelson
    Community Answer
    You must mean you scalp. It could be irritated or dry. Try not washing it as much and moisturize more often.
  • Question
    How do I take care of my hair when swimming regularly?
    Erin Nurse
    Community Answer
    No perms. If water is chlorinated, try and wash hair often and use a hair cap when swimming. Keep hair hydrated with oils so it won't be dry and brittle.
  • Question
    How can I prevent hair loss?
    Community Answer
    Try not to wear hairstyles that are too tight and detangle more with your fingers.
  • Question
    Is hair jam bad for my hair?
    Community Answer
    No, it is not. It may leave residue in your hair though, so be sure to wash your hair after using it.
  • Question
    My hair is really tangled and hard to brush. Is there a way that I can comb it without pain?
    Community Answer
    Hold on tight to the top of where the knot is and, if you hold on tight enough, you will not feel anything. Also, try putting on detangler products and using good conditioner. The easiest time to brush your hair is when you get out of the shower and it is still wet/damp. If you are experiencing knots in the morning, then try putting your hair in a bun or braiding it.
  • Question
    What can I do to make my child's hair grow and prevent frizz at the ends?
    Erin Nurse
    Community Answer
    Apply coconut oil, but not too much. Keep on practicing the steps above and you should see some improvement.
  • Question
    Where can I find out where to purchase shampoo for my hair type?
    Community Answer
    Ordering online is always an option, but you can also go to your local beauty shop and ask for "black hair-care products." Also, look for hair care products that are made for curly and thick hair.
  • Question
    What advice do you have for people who are going back to natural hair?
    Community Answer
    Be patient. Unless you're doing the big chop, it's going to take time before your hair becomes completely natural. Your hair will break, especially along the line where the relaxed and natural hair meet. Read the article How to Go from Relaxed Hair to Natural for more help.
  • Question
    Can I use grease on my scalp and oil on my ends if my hair is relaxed?
    Community Answer
    You can use oil on your scalp and ends. I would avoid using grease since it's so thick and not as natural and organic as an oil. It could possibly clog your scalp or cause alopecia.
  • Question
    What are the different types of protective styles used for natural hair? What is the most popular?
    Community Answer
    You could try styling your hair in buns, braids, Bantu knots, wigs, weave and ponytails. All of these hairstyles will help keep your hair from breakage and dryness. Just make sure they are off of your shoulders.
  • Question
    What can you do if your hair breaks off and you have to keep putting grease in your hair?
    aDeja Nelson
    Community Answer
    Don't use grease; it breaks your hair off even more. Use moisturizers that have water as the first ingredient. Try to keep your hair in protective styles.
  • Question
    Should I use a blow brush or a wide tooth comb to blow dry my hair?
    Community Answer
    A blow brush is better. Or a paddle brush. That combs out the hair thoroughly without it snapping off.
  • Question
    How can I take care of curly hair?
    Community Answer
    Make sure to always have it moisturized, and never leave it out when you go to sleep. That can make it really dry and hard to comb out.
  • Question
    Can I use hot water to wash my hair?
    Community Answer
    No, use cool or warm water. The hot water will weaken and destroy natural hair oils.
  • Question
    How can I wash my hair if I wear extensions?
    Community Answer
    Put your hair down, rinse with cold water, and shampoo - don't condition. If you condition, your hair with will become sticky and it will start to break off.
  • Question
    My daughter's scalp is so dry and flaky. We have done oils, sulfate-free shampoos, limiting shampoo days, today she even received a scalp treatment and her head is already itchy again. What can we do?
    Adele Zadi
    Community Answer
    Your daughter may have a case of dandruff. All you have to do is talk to your doctor and try to find dandruff treating shampoos.
  • Question
    How do I maintain healthy hair if I wear wigs taped down for a week at a time?
    Community Answer
    You can your wash hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner with a wig on top of it. Simply pin the wig upwards, then run water through your hair that's underneath while lightly massaging in conditioner and shampoo.
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