It is important that women understand how to care for their hair. This is especially true for women of African descent, who spend a considerable amount of money on their hair. After many years of managing women with hair loss, here are my ten hair commandments for women of African descent:
- "Good" hair means healthy hair, regardless of length or texture.
- Healthy hair takes time and patience, and is grounded on being well-informed about your hair care needs.
- Get to know and understand your hair type. Understand that "afro-textured hair" is not monolithic; so what works for one individual may not necessarily work for your hair type.
- Treat your hair with the respect it deserves. We take so much time deciding on what we do to our skin, yet treat our hair as an ‘after thought’! You must understand the damage caused to your hair by excessive use of chemicals, heat and hair styles that cause excessive pull and traction on the hair. Thus, minimize the use of all chemicals and heat on your hair. if you braid your hair and have pain-this is a bad sign! Pain is not good! Avoid this! I advice patients with hair loss to stretch their relaxers out, instead of every 8 weeks, try leaving your hair longer e.g. 10+ weeks.
- Maintain a healthy diet, exercise and drink adequate amount of water.
- Wash your hair on a regular basis, 1-2 weeks.
- Use good products to wash your hair. Shampoos which are sodium lauryl sulfate free can help moisturize the hair. Use good conditioners for your hair. More on ingredients to look out for another time!
- In case of hair loss seek early advice from a medical practitioner (preferably a Dermatologist) who is adequately trained and knowledgeable about the unique hair problems of "afro-textured" hair.
- Do your own research and take charge of your hair. Avoid listening to myths perpetuated by people about "afro-textured" hair e.g. brushing to stimulate hair growth..please avoid this practice!
- This is a repeat of the first commandment-"Good" hair means healthy hair, regardless of length or texture.
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