Healthy Afro hair is beautiful. However, Afro hair tends to be fragile, porous, dry and prone to damage, partly because the coiled structure of African-American hair prevents oil from spreading evenly through the hair. The problems become more pronounced if the hair is heat-styled or overprocessed. Curing rough, dry hair requires a regimen that adds oil to the hair, while minimizing damage and preserving the hair's natural oils.
Treat rough, dry hair to a hot oil treatment once every week, using a product with natural oils such as shea butter or olive oil. Apply the hot oil to the hair, then cover the hair with a plastic cap. Sit under a warm dryer for 15 to 20 minutes, or wrap your head with a warm towel. Wash your hair thoroughly to remove the oil.
Massage a light, leave-in conditioning oil into your hair every day. Use a natural oil such as jojoba, shea butter, royal jelly or coconut oil. Avoid products containing mineral oil or petroleum jelly, which clog the pores and dry the hair.
Wash your hair once a week, using a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo. Afro hair is naturally dry, and shampooing more often strips its oils and dries the hair further. Also, too-frequent shampooing prevents natural oils to coat the entire hair shaft. Avoid shampoos containing sulfates, which also tend to dry the hair.
Condition your hair each time you shampoo, using a moisturizing, protein-based conditioner containing amino acids, panthenol or hydrolyzed proteins. Massage the conditioner through the hair. Be sure to coat the ends, which are most prone to damage.
Rinse your hair with water following exercise, as rinsing adds moisture and prevents buildup of salt and sweat.
Comb your hair with a large-tooth comb, because small teeth can break the hair. If your hairstyle requires a part, use a rat-tail comb. Brush your hair with a natural bristle brush, which is gentler and less damaging to hair.
Protect your hair by wearing a scarf or cap at night, or sleep on a satin pillowcase. Otherwise, rubbing when you move during the night may cause broken hair and split ends.
Trim your hair regularly to remove dry, split ends. Many stylists recommend a trim every six to eight weeks, but close-cropped hair may need a trim as often as every four weeks.