Most African American women are born with thick, dry, and curly hair. While this type of hair is beautiful in its way, it can be difficult to manage. If you are looking for ways to make your African American hair softer and silky, there are a few things you can do.
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15 ways to make African American hair softer and silky
There are many ways to make African American hair softer and silky. Some of these methods are natural, while others require the use of products. You can try various methods or combinations of methods until you find what works best for your hair.
Use a mild shampoo and conditioner.
Many African American women use products that are too harsh on their hair. This can strip the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Instead, opt for a mild shampoo and conditioner that will cleanse your hair without stripping it of its natural moisture.
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Do not heat styling too often
Ok, I know it is not practical to avoid heat styling altogether because we all want to have those perfect curls or that sleek and straight look, but it is essential to limit the amount of heat that you use on your hair. Too much heat can damage your hair, making it dry and brittle. If you must use heat, be sure to use a heat protectant before styling. Besides that, don’t forget to give your hair a break from heat styling every now and then, ideally, you should wait at least 1-2 weeks between heat styling sessions. Also, be sure to use the right flat iron for Afro hair. Besides that, use reputable flat irons from GHD brand, BaByliss brand or CHI brand can help minimize the heat damage.
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Let your hair air dry whenever possible.
A blow dryer is faster and in the modern world, we are all about efficiency and time-saving, but air drying is actually better for your hair. It is a gentler way to dry your hair, and it will help to preserve your hair’s natural moisture. If you are not in a hurry, let your hair air dry whenever possible. And if you really have to use a blow dryer, be sure to use the lowest heat setting.
Use a wide-tooth comb.
Maybe you don’t know, but narrow-toothed combs can actually damage your hair. When using the narrow ones, you may notice that sometimes your hair gets stuck in the teeth, and then you have to rip it out. OUCH! This can cause breakage and damage your hair. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to avoid damaging your hair. In my opinion, using a wide-tooth comb makes my hair somehow wild and more beautiful. I literally can style my hair with my fingers after combing it with a wide-tooth comb. Maybe it’s just me but you must try it to see by yourself.
Use a leave-in conditioner.
A leave-in conditioner is an essential part of any hair care routine. Unlike regular conditioners, which are rinse-off products, leave-in conditioners are designed to be left in the hair. This allows them to provide continuous moisture and protection throughout the day. Leave-in conditioners are typically lighter in weight than regular conditioners, making them ideal for fine or dry hair, especially Afro hair. They can also be used as a styling product, providing a light hold and helping to tame frizz. For best results, apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair and style as usual.
Deep condition regularly.
A deep condition is essential for keeping your hair healthy and hydrated, which is what Afro hair needs. This type of treatment helps to replenish lost moisture and nourish the scalp. It can also improve the overall texture of your hair, making it softer and smoother. Deep conditioning is especially beneficial for those with dry or damaged hair. However, even if your hair is healthy, a deep condition can still be beneficial. It can help to prevent future damage and keep your hair looking its best. There are a variety of deep conditioning products on the market, so you can find one that best suits your needs.
Use natural oils.
Many people are surprised to learn that natural oils can be good for their hair. For centuries, people in cultures all over the world have used natural oils to condition and protect their hair. And today, there is a growing movement of people who are rediscovering the benefits of using natural oils on their hair. There are many different types of natural oils that can be used on hair, including coconut oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil. Each oil has its own unique set of benefits, but all of them can help to make hair softer, shinier, and more manageable. In addition, natural oils can help to repair damage from heat styling and coloring. If you’re looking for a healthy way to improve the condition of your African American hair, consider using natural oils. You might be surprised at the difference they can make.
Avoid tight hairstyles.
Ok, styling hair is an art and it is just wrong to ask you not to style your hair. But you know, some hairstyles can actually damage your hair. For example, tight ponytails and buns can pull on the hair and lead to breakage. And cornrows or braids that are too tight can also cause damage. So, to avoid damaging your hair, be careful with tight hairstyles. If you do choose to wear a tight style, make sure to give your hair a break from time to time. However, as a hairdresser, I can tell that there are many many other hairstyles that don’t damage your hair but make it look great.
Be gentle when brushing your hair.
Just like combing, brushing your hair can also cause damage if you’re not careful. When brushing, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and start at the bottom of your hair, gradually working your way up. Avoid yanking or pulling on your hair, as this can cause breakage. And if you have tangles, be sure to use a wide-toothed comb to work them out before brushing.
Protect your hair at night.
Just in case you don’t know, sleeping with your hair down can actually cause damage. When your hair rubs against the pillow, it can become tangled and matted. This can lead to breakage and damage. To protect your hair, avoid sleeping with it down. Instead, opt for a loose braid or bun. You can also use a satin pillowcase, which will help to reduce friction and protect your hair. Or a headscarf is also a good option.
Avoid using chemicals.
Chemical treatments are often used to achieve a certain look for the hair. However, these chemicals can be damaging to the hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. In addition, they can also strip the hair of its natural oils, causing the scalp to become irritated. For these reasons, it is best to avoid using chemicals on the hair whenever possible. There are a variety of ways to style hair without resorting to chemical treatments. For instance, there are many organic and natural hair products available that can help to achieve a variety of looks. In addition, there are also a number of hairstyles that can be achieved without the use of chemicals. By avoiding chemicals, you can help to keep your hair healthy and avoid potential damage.
Don’t over-wash your hair.
Washing your hair is fine, but over-washing can actually strip the hair of its natural oils. This can cause the hair to become dry, brittle, and damaged. In addition, over-washing can also lead to a dry, itchy scalp. So, only wash your hair when it is necessary. And if you do wash it, be sure to use a mild shampoo and conditioner. In fact, it is hard to answer how often should you wash Afro hair since it really depends on your hair type, length, and lifestyle. For example, if you live in a humid climate, you might need to wash your hair more often. On the other hand, if you have dry hair, you might only need to wash it once a week. It really varies from person to person. Thus, use common sense and experiment a little bit to find the washing schedule that works best for you and your hair type.
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Drink plenty of water.
As a hairstylist, I’m often asked about the best way to keep hair healthy and hydrated. And while there are a number of different products on the market that claim to do just that, I always tell my clients that the simplest solution is often the best: drink plenty of water. Our bodies are mostly water, so it’s no surprise that when we’re dehydrated, our hair is one of the first places it shows. Dull, lifeless hair is a telltale sign that you need to up your water intake.
Keratin treatment
A keratin treatment is a popular way to smooth and straighten frizzy, unruly hair. The treatment involves applying a keratin-based solution to the hair and then using heat to seal it in. This can give the hair a sleek, shiny appearance that can last for several weeks. Keratin treatments can be applied at home or at a salon, and many people find them to be an effective alternative to traditional straightening methods such as chemical relaxers. In addition, keratin treatments can help to restore damaged hair and make it more manageable. If you want to make your African American hair softer and silky, consider getting a keratin treatment.
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Use a hair steamer
A hair steamer is a type of hair treatment that uses steam to hydrate and condition the hair. This type of treatment is often used to add shine and softness to the hair, as well as to help straighten it. Steaming also helps to open the cuticles of the hair, allowing products to penetrate more deeply. In addition, steam can help to rejuvenate tired, lifeless hair by providing much-needed moisture. Hair steamers are available in both professional and home models, and they can be used on all types of hair. Consider using a hair steamer at home if you want to make your African American hair softer.
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Final thoughts
You may find that some of these tips work better for you than others. And that’s okay! The most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you and your hair type. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to African American hair care. So, take the time to find the products, styles, and treatments that work best for you. With a little trial and error, you’ll be on your way to healthier, happier hair in no time. Now you know ways to make African American hair softer and silky, just give it a try!
I hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you!
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