How to Take Care of Black Girls' Hair

Co-authored by Kemi Hill

Last Updated: June 20, 2024 Approved

Black hair is beautiful, whether it is natural, relaxed, or braided. The key to healthy, beautiful hair is moisture and gentle treatment. Without these, black hair can become dry and brittle. Caring for black hair takes a little bit of extra effort, but the soft, silky, and healthy results are worth it.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Keeping Black Hair Healthy

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1
Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to prevent frizz, breakage, and dryness. This way, your hair can stay healthy and won't break or tear. Cotton pillowcases tend to snag hair and create tiny rips and tears. They also tend to suck the moisture out of your hair, which can make it even more frizzy and brittle.
- Satin or silk pillowcases are also great for skin, as they don't draw out moisture the way cotton pillowcases do.^{[1]
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- Wash the silk pillowcases once a week. You can do it by hand or using a washing machine. Check the label before washing them.
- If you can't get a satin or silk pillowcase, consider tying your hair up at night with a satin or silk scarf instead.
You can use a moisturizing serum, or you can use a natural oil, such as coconut oil, castor oil, or olive oil. This will help prevent your hair from getting dry, snagging on things, and breaking. It will also help prevent split or damaged ends.

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3
Apply some oil to natural hair every day and straightened/relaxed hair twice a week. Look for products that contain natural oils, such as almond, Argan, coconut, and jojoba. You can also just use natural oils straight from the bottle instead. Skip products with petrolatum, lanolin, and mineral oils. They will only dry your hair out and stop moisture from penetrating the shaft.
- A little bit of oil goes a long way. Start with a small amount, about the size of a dime, and add more as necessary.
- After washing your hair, apply a moisturizing leave-in conditioner, then add the oil of your choice. This seal in moisture and ensure that your hair stays healthy.
Protein will make your hair less prone to breakage and over-moisturizing. Your hair will be a lot shinier too. Be careful not to overuse protein in your hair otherwise it will start to snap off. You can use a store-bought treatment or try your hand at making a DIY hair mask at home.
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Use a hot oil treatment twice a month to add moisture and elasticity to your hair.^{[2]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Heat ½ to 1 cup (120 to 240 milliliters) of oil in a double-boiler or a jar in a pot of hot water. Part your hair into several sections, then use an applicator bottle to apply the oil. Massage the oil into your hair and scalp, then cover your hair with a shower cap for 30 minutes. Once the time is up, wash your hair as usual with shampoo.^{[3]
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- If you don't want to warm up the oil in advance, you can apply it then sit under a hooded hair dryer for 30 minutes while wearing a shower cap.
- Don't use a microwave to heat the oil, or it will lose its nutrients.
- If you don't have a shower cap, you can wrap a damp, warm towel around your hair instead.
- You can use any of the following oils: Argan, avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba, olive, sesame, and sweet almond.
Even healthy hair is prone to getting split ends, so be sure to check your hair for them regularly. The longer you leave them unchecked, the further the damage will creep up the hair shaft. Don't reply on "split end mending" serums, at they are only temporary fixes; they are not permanent and will not mend your split ends.

Part 2

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Washing Black Hair

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1
Wash your hair once every 1 to 2 weeks. The more often you wash your hair, the more you strip it of its moisture. This results in dry, brittle hair. You should wash your hair every 7 to 10 days, but you can get away with washing it once every 14 days.^{[4]
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Research source} This will help prevent dryness and product buildup.
- If you can't find a shampoo and conditioner meant for ethnic hair, try to use a moisturizing shampoo meant for dry hair. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.^{[5]
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- If you must wash your hair more often, dilute your shampoo with 50% water and 50% shampoo.
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Consider washing your hair with just conditioner every 3 to 5 days. This is also known as "co-washing." It will help moisturize your hair, and keep it manageable. Co-washing is especially great for natural curls, as it keeps the hair less frizzy, more defined, and better moisturized. You can help further seal the moisture in with a natural oil of your choosing.
- Step things up a bit by using a deep conditioning mask once a week to twice a month.
- Focus the conditioner on the ends of your hair; avoid applying it to your scalp. Applying conditioner to your scalp will cause your hair to appear greasy. It will also weigh down your strands.
Oils like grape seed oil, are more easily absorbed by hair than products like lanolin, which will only clog and weigh hair down. Lightweight oils will moisturize your hair and make it shiny, but they won't weigh it down.^{[6]
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Don't use products that contain silicones and sulfates. Silicones are great for making hair nice and smooth, but they can only be removed with sulfates, a harsh cleaning agent that leads to dry hair. If you don't remove the silicones from your hair properly, your hair will get too much build-up, and end up looking dull, greasy, and lanky.
- Fortunately, there are lots of ways to make your hair nice and silky without using silicones, including nourishing masks and coconut oil. These products are easily washed out of your hair, without any dryness or brittleness.
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Consider using products with "organic" ingredients over products with "natural" ingredients. Organic products are strictly regulated from farming to harvesting. This means that ingredients such as avocado, coconut, and shea were grown without the use of toxic chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides that are harmful to humans and animals. These toxic chemicals can potentially harm your hair.
- The term "natural" is used very loosely by corporations. An orange soda can be natural because it has an orange flavoring that once shared a compound of a fruit. High fructose corn syrup is considered "natural" just like "petrolatum."

Part 3

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Styling Black Hair

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1
Comb carefully using a wide tooth comb. Always start from the ends of your hair first; never comb straight down from the roots. Avoid using brushes, as they will only make your hair frizzy. Lastly, avoid combing your hair every day; detangle it when necessary with your fingers. Excessive combing will break your hair off.
- Make sure your hair is slightly damp before you detangle. Hair is very vulnerable when wet, so if you just washed it, let it dry a little first.
2
Consider using a comb attachment when blow-drying your hair. Let your hair air-dry a little first, then gently blow dry your hair using a comb attachment. This will reduce the amount of pulling and tugging, which can lead to breakage. Comb attachments can also help speed up the drying process for tightly coiled natural hair.
- Comb attachments help stretch and straighten natural curls, so they're great if you plan on using a flat iron after drying.
- Instead of air drying, you can also sit under a dryer.
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Avoid heat styling when possible, and use a lower temperature and a heat protectant spray when you do.^{[7]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Add the spray to your hair while it is still wet; this will help make it more effective. When styling your hair, hold the curling iron or flat iron slightly open while passing it over your hair. This way, you will avoid tugging and pulling your hair, which can lead to breakage Try to limit heat styling to two times a month maximum.
- Try to use the lowest temperature possible and avoid going too hot. Heat protectant sprays can only do so much.
- Opt for ceramic flat irons over metal ones. They will be gentler on your hair.^{[8]
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  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
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- Heat protectants come in many forms, other than sprays, including: shampoo, conditioners, creams, and serums.
Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

Use heat protectants and other nourishing products. "Make sure that you’re protecting the hair and not creating more damage with extreme heat."
4
Avoid using high-stress hairstyles for long periods of time. Tight ponytails and tight braids can look chic, but they also put a lot of stress on your hair and scalp. Overtime, they can create crimps and breakage in hair. They can also stress the hair follicles, and cause thinning along the hairline.^{[9]
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- Braids, cornrows, and weaves should not hurt. If they start to hurt, they are too tight, and are damaging your hair.^{[10]
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  Trustworthy Source
  
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  
  Go to source}
- Avoid using rubber bands when styling your hair, as they can cause tears and breakage. Instead, use a ponytail holder without a metal clip.
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Choose sewn-in weaves over glued-in weaves. They are much better at protecting your natural hair against heat styling and outdoor elements. Glued-in weaves can rip out your natural hair upon removal, thus damaging it.
- If you do choose a glued-in weave, you can protect your natural hair by placing a stocking cap over it, then gluing the weave onto the stocking cap.
- If you are using a weave, visit your stylist every 2 to 3 weeks to ensure that it stays tight. A loose weave can tug on your hair and damage it.
- Change your weave every 1½ and 3 months.
- Let your hair rest for a few weeks after two consecutive weaves.
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Use caution when relaxing your hair, and only do it once every 2 to 3 months. Try to get your hair relaxed professionally. If you do it at home, read the instructions carefully to prevent any damage. You should only apply relaxer to new growth, and never to hair that has already been relaxed.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} If you apply relaxer to previously relaxed hair, you will over-process it and damage it. Also, never leave the relaxer on the hair too long; this will cause serious damage and possible hair loss.
- When relaxing your hair, add some natural oil, like olive oil, to previously relaxed hair. This way, you won't accidentally over-process it. You can also use a conditioner or a pre-relaxer treatment to protect previously relaxed strands if you'd prefer to not use oil.
- Some stylists will recommend a touch-up every 6 weeks; that unnecessary, and actually very bad for your hair. You should get a touch-up every 2 to 3 months.
- Look at the ingredients: if it has too many long chemical names, try to stay away from it.
7
Let your hair go natural every once in a while for a few weeks. This is especially important if you are using high-stress hairstyles, such as weaves, cornrows, and braids. While fashionable, these styles put a lot of strain on your hair. Let your hair go natural for a week or two in between styles so that it can relax.
- If you must do something with your hair, consider wrapping a scarf or headband around it, or adding in a cute hair clip.

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What can you do to natural hair that shrinks when water touches it?

Ashley Adams
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Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

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You can experiment with different techniques to stretch your hair such as blow drying it, braiding out, or using hair ties down the entire length of your hair. There are even hair stretching creams available that you can try.

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How often should I do a protein treatment?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Hair is made up of protein and doesn’t need too much protein added too often or it’ll become weak. You can do a protein treatment about 2-3 times a year, once every 6 months, or once every 4 months.

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My hair is dry and is always breaking off. What can I do to stop that?

Erin Nurse

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Oils, oil, oils. Use satin pillows and satin scarves. Basically, try every step you just read above above, and you should see some improvement.

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Tips

If your hair doesn't appear to grow, it may be breaking because it is too dry and brittle. Try moisturizing it more often.

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Deep condition your hair while washing it. Doing this will add moisture to the roots and tips.

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Try to use low maintenance styles like twist-outs and braids, so that you won't feel the urge to play with, or try detangling your hair. Avoid heating tools as they can cause heat damage.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Wooden brushes are better than plastic ones for distributing your hair's natural oils evenly. Plastic brushes can let oils build up in some spots and not get spread around. Too much washing strips the oils totally, which can damage hair. Stick to gentle wooden brushes that absorb just enough.
Be patient and stick to a consistent hair care routine. There's no instant miracle fix — getting truly healthy hair takes real dedication. But it's so worth it for the amazing confidence boost you'll feel. Your hair will thank you!
Find the right shampoo for your unique hair type, whether it's dry, oily, curly, etc. Harsh detergents just strip your hair's moisture away, while nourishing formulas cleanse gently. Read the ingredients lists and avoid sulfates.
Start brushing from the very bottom of your hair, then slowly work upwards. Going top-down just tangles it up and can cause breakage. Be super gentle, taking small sections at a time. This will help reduce knots and split ends.
When you're sleeping, let your hair flow free — no tight ponytails or buns. Giving your hair a break from tension and friction helps prevent breakage overnight. Constantly wearing your hair in ponytails can put stress on it.
Eat nutritious foods with lots of protein, vitamins and minerals. Stay hydrated, too! Your hair needs proper nourishment, just like any other part of your body. So fuel it with the good stuff and drink plenty of water.

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Warnings

Affordable shampoos and conditioners don't always work very well, and often contain ingredients that will leave hair brittle and dry. It is best to use a good, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

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Too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. Avoid using oil treatments more than twice a month, or your hair will get oily.

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Be wary of hair care products marketed towards black hair or natural hair products. These are hoping on a fad and are misleading about their products. Buy 100% shea butter, coconut oil and castor oil or even olive oil from food stores, these ingredients are especially good for your hair. If you can eat it, it is good enough to put on your hair.

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