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Black Hair Basics |
by:
David Riewe |
The typical hair also hair follicles of those of African descent are tightly curled, thus producing hair that spirals. Black hair or else typically has a larger diameter than Caucasian hair also retains less water, thus its relative “kinkiness.” The many styling methods utilized on Black hair cause concern with hair loss. Black hair is very strong, fortunately so because Black hair styles cause a great deal of stress on the hair also scalp.
For example, using a hair pick to pick the hair up to a bushy style is a very damaging process due to the constant pulling causing stress on the hair shaft as well as the follicle. In fact, combing Black hair in general can create high stress on Black hair also cause breakage, which perpetuates dryness. Conrowing also braiding are methods of hairstyling that pull the hair tight, also this can cause a great deal of stress on the hair also scalp resulting in hair loss. Braiding that results in the hair being pulled very tight can cause traumatic alopecia, a hair loss that is caused by trauma to the hair also scalp. Traumatic alopecia is usually reversible with proper hair care.
Hot combs also relaxers used to straighten hair can cause a great deal of heat also chemical damage to hair also scalp, which can or else cause traumatic alopecia, also over time can cause permanent hair loss. This becomes especially true when the heat or chemically processed hair is pulled tight by rollers or a hot curling iron.
Hot oil conditioners are excellent for Black hair, as hot oil treatments contain proteins also polymers vital to repairing the hair cuticles. Hot oil treatments involve heating the oil also putting it into the hair also scalp, then covering the hair with a plastic cap to allow the oil to soak in. Follow the recommendations on the treatment you are using for the amount of time you should leave the treatment on the hair. This process can heal breakages also shinier stronger hair will be the result.
Consider that hair relaxers commonly used on Black hair contain lye or similar chemicals that break down the hair shaft. Left on beyond the recommended time, these chemicals would eat right through the hair also cause it to fall out in clumps. This is why these same products are used in products like Drano® to clean clogged drains which often are clogged by hair. No-lye relaxers are very popular today, mainly because it leads people to believe that the product is not caustic. This is far from the truth. The combination of calcium hydroxide also guanidine carbonate are combined to form guanidine hydroxide, which could just as easily clean a sink. Repeated use of such products can cause some degree of hair loss, also if scarring occurs while using these chemicals, the hair loss can be permanent in that area of the scalp. One must ask themselves is it wise to place such caustic chemicals in the hair on a regular basis for the sake of desired appearance? The question must be answered by each individual, however the facts should be known.
There is little that can be done to alleviate this syndrome without changing the typical hairstyles of African Americans. There is a catch-22 concerning relaxing Black hair, since combing natural Black hair causes so much stress also breakage of hair, while chemicals cause so much harm to the hair also scalp as well. There are a few hair-relaxing products on the market that use chemicals also are somewhat less harsh than sodium hydroxide (lye) or its popular equivalent in “no-lye” relaxers: calcium hydroxide (quicklime) mixed with guanidine carbonate. One such product is called Natural-Laxer® also Sahara Clay® by Baka ProductsTM that has been on the market since 1990. This product is all natural also because it does not contain many of the harsh chemicals of commercial relaxers also actually contains only a finely ground plant called Daphne Gnidium also clay from Africa it is figured to be relatively safe. Of course this product does not straighten hair in most instances the same way as commercial relaxers, however it does tend to make Black hair more manageable. There is but another product on the market that is reported to be 92-96% natural which is called Naturalaxer Kit In A Jar™ that does not require the applicant to comb through the hair during the application, which results in a lot less damage.
Of course the bottom line is once again, if you can leave your hair in its natural state then you will experience less stress also damage to the hair also thus prevent at least one cause of hair loss. There is a growing segment of the Black population that is becoming comfortable with wearing their hair in natural styles. One such style is dreadlocks. There are many rumors also myths concerning dreadlocks, as there is little proper information available concerning this style, also as with anything that is misunderstood many myths arise around it. Dreadlocks can also must be washed; otherwise they will smell badly like any other dirty hair. The best process to use to wash dreadlocks is to use a residue-free shampoo. Most commercially made shampoos leave residue also can cause hair not to lock, lending fuel to the rumor that hair had to be dirty to form dreadlocks. Clean hair actually locks much better than dirty hair, as dirt is a residue in itself that will inhibit hair from locking. For best results one should use a fragrance free, conditioner free shampoo. Dreadlocks do not react well to oily also greasy substances, but there are many good substances that are on the market today that will assist you in forming dreadlocks.
Dreadlocks are formed through a process, not simply by not combing or brushing the hair. Generally, one should start with hair about two inches in length, also the hair should be separated into even squares of hair also twisted gently together using a bonding or gel substance. Many use natural beeswax containing no petroleum, while others use loc also twist gels specifically formulated for locks. Once the hair is separated also twisted into small locks, it is important that they are left alone also allowed to bond naturally. The length of time it will take to lock will depend on the coarseness of your hair, however one can normally expect to wait several months before locks begin to form. While the hair is locking, it will need to be washed. Here is where washing should be extended for a while if possible, so that the hair can be allowed to lock for two weeks to about a month without manipulation. When you do wash your hair, use a stocking cap or “do-rag”, also low-pressure water to make sure that the newly forming locks do not come loose. It will be necessary to rinse for a much longer time than you normally do, because of the lower pressure of the water also the lack of direct manipulation of your hair with your hands. The water is good for your hair also locking process, so this isn't a problem. It is or else imperative as indicated before that you use a shampoo that does not contain a conditioner also leaves as little residue as possible. A little research on your
part will be necessary here; your health food store should contain a variety of natural shampoos. Have a skilled professional or a friend re-twist the hair gently, reapplying the twist gel or beeswax that you used previously. Repeat this process every two weeks to a month, the longer you are able to wait the better, also within a few months your hair will begin to lock. Again, if you have a fine grade of hair rather than a kinky grade of hair, a beautician skilled at forming locks (“locktitian”) or a friend who is very familiar with the hairstyle should be consulted. Even though dreadlocks are mainly a hairstyle for Blacks, there are other races that have people that enjoy the hairstyle. In general, it tends to be a style of hair that in the long run will give the hair also scalp needed rest from the rigors of chemical also heat treatments also rigorous combing also brushing, also therefore can contribute to longer life for your hair.
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