It's no secret that ethnic hair seems completely different from the hair of other ethnicities. As Chris Rock's documentary, Good Hair, highlighted for the world, black women spend enormous amounts of time and money to maintain their hair. But why?? In most cases, the answer is not vanity. Ethnic hair requires special products and techniques for these 3 reasons:
Reason 1: Kinks, coils, and curls
Doctors and cosmetic scientists have studied ethnic hair in depth over the past decade. They have found that natural hair of "African descent" is special because it is uniquely kinky and fragile. It's not "nappy", it's extremely curly and coily. Any type of curly hair experiences dryness because natural oil from the scalp can't travel down the hair shaft to keep it moisturized. There are just too many "bumps in the road". The kinks on each strand make ethnic hair drier than other hair types.
Reason 2: Curly and coily hair is fragile.
Hair is made up of keratin (the same type of protein found in your skin). Naturally curly hair with no chemical treatments and no heat-related damage is relatively strong, but still weaker than straight hair. The kinks in each curl make the hair porous and prone to damage. Once you start washing, drying, combing, relaxing, coloring, and heating curly hair, it starts to get very weak, very quickly. Hair that is weak eventually splits or breaks off instead of reaching its longest length. The damage accumulates with every process and because ethnic hair is dry and fragile by nature, it starts breaking as quickly as it grows. An inch gained at the root plus an inch lost at the end, perpetually keeps damaged hair the same length.
Reason 3: "Extremely Curly" to "Perfectly Straight" is not easy.
It's been a long time since the Cosby women were on primetime showcasing the beauty of natural hair. Since the mid '90s, straight hairstyles have dominated African American culture and entertainment. Unfortunately, many black women achieve that "perfectly straight" look by using relaxers and extreme heat (over 350°F). That combination would lead to damage for any hair type, but it is especially tough on black hair. Feel free to embrace whatever style makes you feel beautiful. Just remember that your hair requires high-quality products and gentle care at all times.
Thanks for a very informative article. Love the site!!!!!
Thanks Olivia!
LOVE THE SITE!!!
I have medium-long hair and i have always been into keeping it healthy. I'm all natural and have very thick, curly hair. I notice as my hair grows, one side tends to grow longer than the other. Why is that?? The only product that keeps it tamed and curly is the protein black jel that comes in a black jar. probably no good, but it works well and it's cheap.
Thank you for your time in reading this.
Hi Aisha!
Thanks so much for the compliment. (:
I've heard many women say that their hair grows longer on one side. There's no one reason that can explain it for everyone. The hair may be finer on that side and therefore more breakage prone. Or maybe, you pull your hair to one side a lot, which can cause it more strain/mechanical damage than the other side. It's hard to say. Try changing your part and being more gentle all around. I hope that helps.
Great information! I feel like I am better able to take care of my hair knowing that it is not a lack of sebum but an inability for the sebum to get to the end of the hair shaft.
Great info! Thanks! ;o)
Thank you Nicole. You're so on point. The side that's shorter is the side that's finer and curler than the other. The loner side i have to scrunch up in my hands several times to actually get it to coil. I guess i just need to take it easy on the fine side.
Thanks again.
p.s.
this site is a blessing to all women of color.
Thanks for the information, just started my natural hair journey over a year ago, and I love reading articles on natural hair to learn better techinques.
You're welcome, Cheryl! Thanks for your comment.
Great article.but are you saying we shouldn't wash our hair as often?I wash my hair every week.Is that bad?
No, I think once a week is great! Make sure to read, "Are you washing your hair enough?" in this section.
Thank you, Aisha, I only hope so.
Good Afternoon,
This site is amazing. I'm on here almost more than I am on FB.
My hair ID is a 5 and I'm looking into purchasing a new flat iron and blow dryer. Is there a difference in between the Sedu Revolution Tourmaline 1", Sedu Tourmaline Ceramic 1" and the Sedu pro ionic? I was going to purchase on Ebay and I saw there were other options. Not sure what kind of blow dryer to use. Was looking into the Twin Turbon3200
Thank you.
On here almost more than FB?! Thank you, Aisha! That might be the biggest compliment in the world. (:
I believe the Sedu Pro Ionic and the Sedu Tourmaline Ceramic are the same. The Sedu Revolution has curved plates, so you can make loose curls as you straighten your hair.
Ahhhh I see. I actually prefer curved plates. From what I hear, it minimizes hair breakage at the ends.
Thanks again!!
Love this article!! Thank you!!