There is much debate about what to place and not place on African American or Ethnic Hair. Black hair or ethnic hair has been coined as a “special" type of hair-- in such a desperate situation that it needs extra love and care. Unfortunately, this is a well intentioned, but misguided perception.
Black or African American hair is different in texture than Caucasian or Non Ethnic Hair; yet, many individuals, all over the world, whether Black, brown, or white, have drier, curlier textured hair. The reason Black or African American hair care seems such a daunting task is because the hair care industry caters to Caucasian or non-curly textured hair. The ingredients in most shampoos specifically have been geared toward a specific clientele. Unfortunately, Black Hair Care shampoos for African American or Ethnic hair, which were spin offs of these products, mimicked these shampoo components, using cheap detergents, foaming agents, and feel good silicones and chemicals without giving African American, Ethnic and curly textured hair the actual ingredients it needs to be healthy. Different hair textures need different things. Black hair care only seems so impossible because no production company has truly researched and been willing to spend the additional dollars to give Black Hair what it needs. However, there are a few companies out there that make great shampoos for Black hair. Here’s a Guide on “What to Look for When Buying a Shampoo for African American, Black, or Biracial Hair."
Step # 1 Assess the characteristics of your African American or Ethnic hair. You should look for a mild, moisturizing shampoo with a balanced pH value. The pH balance refers to the alkalinity or acidity of a particular product. A pH of 5 is near the Ph normal hair. A balanced pH value will help maintain the hair’s natural acidity level while giving shine and manageability to African American or Ethnic Hair. However, African American or Ethnic individuals often need shampoos with a slightly higher pH, so less acidity reaches the scalp and robs it of moisture.
Step #2: Make Quality Hair Care Product Purchasing Decisions. You get what you pay for, so try buying hair care shampoos, conditioners, and lotions that are natural. If not natural, look for shampoos that contain no sulfates, silicones, or glycols, because these are cheap foaming agents, hair coaters, and thickeners that strip Black hair and Ethnic hair of its natural oils.
Step #3: Bring Your Magnify Glass and Look at the Ingredient Labels. Look for shampoos that contain the following ingredients: Aloe Vera (light hair moisturizer for all hair types), Rosemary (hair growth stimulant, pH balancer, removes build up), Jojoba (moisturizing oil closest to normal skin), Amla ( natural oil that acts as a hair conditioner), Lemon (acts as a clarifier, adds shine, and improves manageability). Beauty 4 Ashes GodHead and Ojon shampoos work particularly well on African American hair as well as wavy and curly haired individuals. GodHead in particular works well, because it is loaded with essential and natural oils that add shine and bounce, while loosening and separating curly textured hairs. You can find their products online at wwwdiscoverb4acom.
Step #4: Buy a Shampoo that You are Comfortable Washing with at least Once Time per Week. If you use the correct product, you won’t have to have fear about washing your hair more often. Water is actually great for African American and Ethnic Hair. So, don’t dread shampooing that hair. With a great product, such as Beauty 4 Ashes Silky Smooth Shampoo or Ojon, your hair will actually grow more with more frequent washing.
