African American hair is denoted by tight curls or coils. It is also known for its versatility, rich texture, and intrinsic beauty. An array of styles can be created, from tight coils to loose waves, allowing for infinite creativity and self-expression. However, using the right products is necessary for better maintenance of Afro hair. It can make all the difference in achieving well-defined and manageable curls.
For many Afro-Americans, caring for their curls is not always simple. You feel like you need help finding the right products. But rest assured, there are many African American hair products designed specifically for curly hair. By choosing the best products for your hair type and incorporating them into your routine, you can look forward to enjoying more stunning and effortless curls.
Let’s delve more into African American hair products for curly hair, the ingredients to look for, and where to buy them. First, let us discuss the common hair problems that Afro-Americans often experience.
What Are Some Common Afro Hair Problems?
Breakage, dandruff, hair loss, and itchy scalp are some of the widespread hair problems that Afro-Americans experience. Let us learn deeply about each of these problems and understand why they happen:
Breakage
Afro hair usually grows about 6 inches a year. However, it is likely to break off as fast as it grows, so it is known for being short and fragile.
Since Afro hair has a curly structure, sebum produced by the scalp fails to reach the ends of the hair. This causes dryness and makes the hair more prone to snapping off.
The most common causes of breakage are dryness and friction from rough handling, cotton pillowcases and wooly hats and scarves. Using heating tools like blow dryers or curling irons also makes Afro hair fragile and causes breakage. Moreover, chemicals also contribute to weak, and brittle hair. We can even call them the biggest culprits for afro hair damage.
Dandruff
Applying products made of harsh chemicals are likely to cause dandruff. The other reasons can include an overgrowth of microbial fungus, causing severe dandruff unless treated and controlled. Dandruff can also happen due to the accumulation of the sebum that your scalp naturally produces.
Not washing or cleansing your hair regularly may also bring problems, leading to the buildup of skin flakes, sebum, and product remnants. This can make your scalp more prone to dandruff.
Hair Loss
Wearing hairstyles like tight braids or using extensions, or using chemicals such as relaxers, can be common reasons for hair loss. However, these are all preventable with the right knowledge and care.
Even the tools you use can have a significant impact. For instance, rough bristle brushes or combs with dozens of tiny teeth can pull out your hair and damage the hair that’s left behind. It’s important to be mindful of how you handle your hair and to choose the right products and tools that will help you maintain the health and beauty of your curls.
Itchy Scalp
Scalp itchiness often occurs due to the sensitivity of hair products. This is particularly true for shampoos having SLS (sodium laryl sulphate) and parfum. Afro-Americans must avoid such products and go for only plant-based alternatives.
Other causes of itchiness can include irregular hair washing and the use of heavy oils, like castor oil, directly on the scalp. All of these may lead to pores blocking and cause product accumulation or an overproduction of sebum.
Top Ingredients For Healthy Afro Hair
Afro-Americans may come across various products that treat and nourish their hair. Here are some of the ingredients that they must look at whenever they are shopping for a new shampoo, conditioner, or oil:
Honey
Honey is a vital ingredient that can help bring moisture back to dried-out hair. This ingredient has healing properties that help smooth down rough cuticles. If the cuticles of the hair are lifted, the hair will not soak up nutrients.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is another ingredient that is found in lots of hair products for African American curly hair. It can provide strength to Afro hair and prevent dandruff. Besides, it has nourishing vitamins such as B, C, and E.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a natural oil that acts as a blockade to avert moisture loss. Also, it can help in ensuring that your hair remains hydrated for a long time.
Shea Butter
Shea butter has Vitamin A and E and essential fatty acids that can help in moisture retention in dry and textured hair.
Why Afro-Americans Should Avoid Silicon-Based Products?
If you are thinking of trying new hair products for African American curly hair, you must be wary of certain things. Don’t just get carried away with anything that you find alluring. First, read the product’s label and understand whether it will work or not.
You must avoid African American curly hair products brands that contain silicones. Silicone-based products may leave your Afro hair in distress.
Just to make your hair feel less dry, you might want to over-condition your hair by leaving a silicone conditioner for longer. Doing so, may cause hygral fatigue, which can result in more fragile hair. This can cause serious problems like breakage.
So, go for a silicone-free conditioner like Beauty Pam Men Hair Conditioner/Moisturizer. Your Afro hair can be friends with the most effective and natural product. No more bothering about silicone buildup.
To identify silicone-based hair products, check their label for the following:
- Dimethicone copolymer
- Dimethiconol
- Dimethicone
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Phenyl trimethicone
- Amodimethicone
- Dimethicone Copolyol
- Cyclomethicone
How to Maintain Afro Hair?
Afro hair needs frequent moisture boosts to maintain flexibility and avoid breakage and moisture loss.
Adding moisture to your hair will give you more clearly defined curls. In addition, with the added moisture, you can have more flexible and frizz-free hair. Let us dive into the best ways to maintain Afro hair:
Proper Detangling
Hair is in its weakest state when wet. So, we must treat them as a delicate fabric. It can be a good idea to use a microfibre towel for drying hair. This would result in zero damage to your cuticle.
Cover your hair in a towel for a while, and gently squeeze the hair using the towel to absorb extra water. Your hair must be damp but not dripping wet. At this stage, you can detangle your hair, but exercise caution that you don’t pull at the roots.
Deep Condition
Proper conditioning of the natural black hair is a must. It is advisable to use a top-grade quality hair mask for deep conditioning. Apply it once a week.
Go for the formula that combines pro-vitamin B5 with glycerin for a well-balanced moisture boost. Pro-vitamin B5 can penetrate the hair cuticle and infuse moisture into the core of your hair. Glycerin can seal the cuticle and prevent moisture loss by smoothing the hair.
Avoid Heat
Heat worsens dryness in natural hair. It is advisable to let your hair air dry. This might be a little time-consuming, but it would be less damaging for the hair and will help to promote good condition. Wash your hair using warm water to maintain condition. Gently squeeze as much excess water out of your hair using a microfibre towel. This would help quicken the drying time.
Take Break
Environmental factors can also be contributors in drying your hair. The mighty sun, wind, pollution, and excess heating can all affect your curls. If you want to give your hair a break from styling, you can go for a scarf to save time and safeguard your hair from the elements.
Hydrate Well
Afro hair is more likely to dry as its natural oils have a harder time going down the twists and turns of the hair shaft. So, it is crucial to hydrate your hair every day. Afro hair also becomes frizzy too quickly, particularly in dry conditions. Frequent hydration helps to smooth the hair cuticle and lessen frizz. As a result, this gives the curls a more lustrous and manageable appearance.
We recommend Beauty Pam Men Hair Conditioner/Moisturizer. For good-looking hair every day, this product is the go-to choice for Afro-Americans.
This hair conditioner is made of a combination of glycerin, biotin, nettle liquid, vitamin b5, marshmallow liquid, and antioxidants.
For hair loss, Beauty Pam Men Hair Conditioner/Moisturizer is the perfect solution. Its intense moisture formulation suits every hair type.
Wear a Silk or Satin Bonnet
Wearing a silk or satin bonnet can also make a great difference in Afro hair. It lessens friction when you move your head, preventing split ends. Not only this, these bonnets also benefit by retaining the curl definition of your hair and stopping breakage and tangles. So, choose the best silk or satin bonnet to feel confident that your hair looks its best as you wake up.
Beauty Pam Ankara Satin Bonnets, designed with quality fabrics, are among the best sleep bonnets you can prefer. These bonnets, offering exceptional comfort, seal moisture, and raise brilliant shine, are a delight to wear. The softness and gentleness of these bonnets are other features to cheer about. Wear them at night and keep away the concern of hair drying and breaking.
What Type of Hair Products Should Afro-Americans Use?
For Afro hair, there is a huge variety of African American curly hair products for natural hair available. Here are a few of them that they can choose for them:
Sulfate-free Shampoos
Afro-Americans must go for shampoos that are free from sulfate. Using such shampoo can be beneficial as it avoids stripping the natural oils. Apart from that, hydrating shampoos help in keeping up the moisture balance without drying your hair.
Oils
Jojoba oil can help balance your scalp moisture and give shine. Another good option is olive oil which can offer deep conditioning and softness to your hair.
If you are on the lookout for a versatile hair oil for Afro-American curly hair, we recommend the all-natural Sneaky Growth Oil. This oil, made from a blend of natural ingredients, promotes hair growth and scalp stimulation. It suits every hair type and is ideal for dry or itchy scalps. For the best result, spray some hydrating mist on your hair and apply some oil to your scalp.
Moisturizers
We cannot keep moisturizers out of the game when we talk about the best curly hair products for African American.
Products such as shea butter or coconut oil can be wonderful alternatives to moisturize and soften hair. Leave-in conditioners also help keep hair moisturized all day long.
We recommend the Shoublak Conditioner as the perfect choice for Afro hair. This conditioner is made with the infusion of hibiscus. It can help seal moisture within your curls and fight damage. Simply apply a small amount of the product, let it sit, and rinse after 2 to 3 minutes. Use it daily to get better results.
Hair Masks
Hair masks are intense nourishing treatments that can help hydrate, strengthen, and repair damaged or dry hair. From waves to coils, hair masks deeply moisturize and keep your curls defined and fine-looking.
When shopping for hair masks, look for ingredients like avocado, honey, and hydrolyzed silk. These are excellent for restoring softness and elasticity. Look for hair masks that contain collagen, keratin, or wheat protein to strengthen hair.
Scalp Treatments
Scalp treatments are intended to elevate both the look and health of the scalp. Tea tree oil and peppermint oil are some of the common types of scalp treatments. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it helps with dandruff and itchy scalp. Dilute with a carrier oil before applying to the scalp.
Peppermint oil stimulates circulation and promotes a healthy scalp environment. Moreover, it helps in lessening itchiness and dandruff.
To Sum Up
Finding the best African American curly hair products is the key to achieving more defined and healthy curls. If you are shopping for the same, look for hydrating shampoos and conditioners, as well as serums, hair masks, and styling gels. Choose products that contain nourishing ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, etc. When you have the best curly hair products African American to include in your regime, you can ensure more vibrant and moisturized hair.
Where can you go to buy the best curly hair products for African Americans? Beauty Pam offers top-notch quality products for Afro Hair, ranging from conditioners to styling gels and hair growth oil. Our top sellers are the Green Tea Hair Cleaner And Conditioner Set, Detangle Hair Brush, and Ankara Satin Bonnets. So, what are you waiting for? Place your order today and give your Afro hair the care it deserves. Check out our huge selection for any special discount offer.