If you're reading this article, 9 times out of 10, you are a white parent who has entered the world of Black hair care. Congratulations—we're here to help!
Black hair care can be challenging if you don't have the right information. The book The Black Hair Care Revolution is an easy read and provides all the essential knowledge you need to maintain and manage Black hair.
Here are some helpful answers to common Black hair care questions for white parents.
What are the best tools for detangling?
- Firm, wide-tooth plastic combs or seamless wide-tooth wooden combs.
- Brushes with firm plastic bristles arranged to detangle hair.
How to detangle hair?
- Section the hair into four parts. Detangle one section at a time. You may want to further divide each of the four sections if necessary.
- Start detangling from the ends, gradually working your way up the length of the hair until you reach the scalp.
- Detangling moisturized or wet hair is easier. (Caution: Do not spray hair with water, as this can dry out the hair over time. Instead, use a leave-in conditioner like Yelani’s Leave-In Conditioner.)
How often should I wash my child's hair?
Black hair doesn't need to be washed every day. We recommend washing black hair once a week or twice a month, depending on how dirty it gets. Use a plant based shampoo like Moisture Blast Conditioning Shampoo. Plant based shampoos are gentle and don't damage the hair.
What type of protective hairstyles are recommended?
Braids and twists are great protective styles for natural hair. If the style requires additional hair, make sure to use hypoallergenic hair bundles. If the hair is not labeled as hypoallergenic, soak the hair in a basin of water with about two capfuls of vinegar. You will notice a film forming on the surface of the water. Pour that water off and allow the hair bundles to air dry.
