Taking care of your Afro Caribbean hair

There are many who will look at the thick, curly afro Caribbean sported by many and wish their thin, straggly locks were like that. For those having to deal with this type of hair on a daily basis however know of it's complications, which can get easier with trial and error of course. For every girl who has the luscious locks of Kelly Rowland or Beyonce, there are hundreds struggling on a daily basis to control that gorgeous yet grumpy mass of voluminous curls. One of the most common problems with afro Caribbean hair is breakage and here are some tips to prevent this.

The main cause of breakage in afro Caribbean hair is the fact it is so dry. When it is in its natural state, the intense curl makes it difficult for the natural oils produced in the scalp to travel along the hairs. Many think that the solution of this is to straighten it, but the process of using straighteners to achieve this look actually breaks the bonds in the hair that produces the curls. So the hair is straight but the intense heat used to achieve this makes the hair even drier; a no win situation.

The easiest way to alleviate the breakage associated with afro Caribbean hair is to raise the levels of moisture within the scalp itself. A deep conditioning treatment that uses heat is the best way to achieve this as the warmth causes the actual follicle to open up and allow it to receive moisture.  This is as deep as the moisturising can go as it is penetrating beneath the scalp to nourish the root and in turn the shaft.

Do not use any kind of grease to try and moisturise your hair and stay clear of pomades. These are totally ineffective as they need water to work and hair contains no natural moisture. This is why the main ingredients of intensive conditioning treatments is water. Grease and pomades may give you a great temporary shine but ultimately your hair will end up drier than ever, so avoid them at all costs. You want a moisturising conditioner as well not a protein one as its the moisture you need to increase it doesn't need protein.

There are several brands of hair products made specifically for those with afro Caribbean locks but do your research and check the ingredients. Right at the top it should say water, but you will be surprised how many you will see that have their first ingredients listed as petroleum jelly or mineral oils. Put those back and move along, alternatively ask your hairdresser for advice if you are having problems tracking down a good, water based conditioner.

You should give your hair an intensive conditioning treatment once a week and give your hair a break from the hairdryers, straighteners and styling products which can all undo the good work you have done with your conditioner. Protective Hairstyles are usually heat-free hairstyles concealed at the ends. There has been much confusion about what truly constitutes a protective style and by default, a protective style will encourage hair growth and length retention whether your ends are exposed or tucked within your hairstyle.

Protective Hairstyles Afro Hair

Use noscrunchie.com to find yourself a hairdresser or for advice on what hairstyles to opt for in order to prevent hair breakage. If you know of a fabulous afro hair salon, add it on their website and leave a review. They will be hosting Good Afro Salon Awards 2014 next month and who knows, your favourite salon may win!