Wouldn’t it be nice to have a list of tips for caring for nappy hair all in one place? Yeah? I thought so, so here it is. In few instances, these topics are also covered in more detail in related articles so watch for associated links within the tip. Click on a links below for more information. Check this list often for updates.
No Mineral Oil or Petroleum-based products
Switch to a Non-sulfate Shampoo
Cutting andTrimming:
The Case for Using a Pair of Good Quality Hair Scissors
9 responses so far ↓
karolyn // January 9, 2008 at 10:29 pm |
thankyou so much for the hair tips im going to try them and hopefuly they work my hair is already medium length i just want it longer and it doesnt seem like its growing as fast as it usually does so im going to try these tips !!!!!!!! thankyou
nappyme // January 9, 2008 at 10:48 pm |
Karolyn you’re so welcome and good luck!
Oneya // February 15, 2008 at 9:34 pm |
Do you do protein treatments? Is that even necessary I read about all the time when.
nappyme // February 16, 2008 at 8:58 pm |
Oneya hi! When I was a permie I used protein treatments whenever I felt like my hair needed to be fortified to either stop breakage or to strengthen my hair in general. If you feel the need to strengthen your hair you can use shampoos and conditioners that contain protein. You can also use coconut oil which has the ability to penetrate your hair shaft and bind to the protein in your cortex and strengthen you hair. That you could do on a regular basis and experience no adverse affects.
Good luck!
2brownchix // July 18, 2008 at 10:45 am |
I love your site. I am 42. I wish your site was around when I was a little girl. I remember getting my hair pressed and not be allowed to play outside because I might sweat it out. Grease was all we knew to use to take care of our hair. I have 3 daughters. I mistakenly put a texturizer in my 5 year olds head to help me manage her hair. I saw coming her hair as a chore instead of a head full of texture. I will put anything in her hair again. I tried the banding technique on my 4 year while I washed it. I was able to comb down to the roots without one whine coming out of her mouth. My girls will stay natural. Luckily I grew up around the way and learned how to cornrow when I was about 11 or 12. I currently have a relaxer. After reading about how all the beautiful sisters are going natural I am toying with it. I have to be honest though. My relaxer makes life easier. I am married with three other heads to do and I also work full time.
nappyme // July 19, 2008 at 6:06 pm |
Hi 2bronchix,
I commend you on your decision to keep your daughters natural. I’m glad you’re thinking about going natural as well and hopefully you’ll go ahead and take the plunge. I have to tell ya that as your girls get older and come under pressure, whether subtle or covert, you’re going to have a hard time justifying why they have to stay natural while you continue to put harmful chemicals in your hair.
Just know that many, many woman live very active, busy lives, some with children and others without, but they’ve figured out a way to accommodate their natural hair, and I think you can too.
As you continue to investigate your options you may consider joining some hair communities and investigate how other women incorporate taking care of their beautiful natural tresses into their lifestyle.
If you do that, I’m certain you’ll get it all figured out. In the meantime, good luck with your girls and again thank goodness you’re commited to helping them embrace their natural selves. You take care and God bless.
~Nappyme
Meredith // November 20, 2008 at 9:23 am |
I dont know if you do the whole thing where you categorize the hair type by a number but I have been told I have 4a or 4b hair but I have no idea what to use to mositurize it. Im in college so I have been using something inexpensive but with poor results. Its called hawaiian silky and it causes a lot of build up in my hair and makes it filmy do you have any suggestion of products that I could try?
nappyme // November 20, 2008 at 12:49 pm |
Hi Meredith and welcome to NPP101. Learning what you hair likes and doesn’t like is a matter of trial and error for most nappy headed folks. Since everyone’s hair is different, I’m not one to recommend specific products unless I know they have a similar texture to my own.
But some comon sense things to consider when picking a moisturizer is to stay away from products that have petroleum and mineral oil, opting instead for water-based products that contain all natural ingredients. You may also discover that your hair doesn’t respond well to oils, or if you’re like me, you may have a personal preference of not liking oils. If you do, stay with products that contain lighter oils like jojoba, coconut or olive oil. Check out Motowngirl.com for more information on oils.
Another thing to remember is that we head into winter, cooler air prevails and so you may have a harder time keeping your hair moisturized. This may be the time to opt for heavier products like creams and butters that can keep your hair soft and supple. Many nappies with 4a and 4b hair opt for this route.
If you want specific recommendations, I suggest you join a hairboard and do a search and/or ask about products that work well on 4a/4b hair. On my hairboard, you might find some information in Moisturizing forum http://s3.excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=8079 or in the Commercial Products forum http://s3.excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=7242 or in the Homemade Products forum http://s3.excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=7240
I hope this helps. You’ll need to be proactive and do the research and just be willing to experiment until you find the things that work best for you.
Good luck and God bless,
~Nappyme
ceomomm // December 15, 2008 at 5:22 am |
Greetings, Thanks soooo much for this wonderful site!! I stumbled while looking up information on the product Vogorol. This is my second time putting this in my daughter’s hair who is 8yrs old, hair is extreme tight curls that needs loosening, but her texture is nice. It needs detangling so I tried it it has thinned ends now that I am reading this I realized I need to stop using her ends have thinned some, but I thought it will get better, also her thickness is there still nice I don’t leave it in for long, but her length is not there now or before so I guess Im saying I am trying to get length&loosen curls, pls help what can I use to help now that I just put this product back in I don’t straighten the hair I just get it braided and it stays braided for 3wks then I get it braided again no extensions in the braids just her natural hair with beads. Thanks!