Hair Care Tips for an African American College Student?

Alrighty-

So I will be off to college in the fall- and the only thing that I haven't figured out at this point is what to do with my hair. Although I may be able to go off campus, the chances of this are very slim. Does anyone have any tips? I usually like to wear my hair down a lot- but I am not sure how to keep it straight. I am personally afraid to self-relax, but any shared experiences with this would be awesome. Thanks!

Hair Care Tips for an African American College Student?

Oh Boy!!! My hair was a disaster until October ( the humidity killed it since i do have a relaxer) I think you should start off by wearing your hair down only every other day and the other days wear protective hair styles. Here are some tips that a college students could use ( however I still trying to figure out how I will do hot oil treatments, protein treatments). I do not recommend that you self relax. If you have a relaxers it is all about retaining moisture

1. The shampoo, unfortunately many black women are using shampoos with alcohol, petroleum jelly, and excessive amounts sulfates. step away from them. Use Aveda's shampoo.. specifically the name is Brilliant...go to the website. I use it, i love it, it moisturizes my hair and the products are natural. i have also heard and seen that KeraCare's shampoo is great for relaxed hair. alvon.com

Just wash once a week or once every two weeks.

2. Okay, step two condition it and then it is time to comb it out, Do not use a brush on you hair when it is wet..it will hate you for it then break off in revenge. Put your your sections use a big tooth comb, to untangle it

3. Do a hot oil treatment atleast once a month with extra virgin olive oil...repeat..EXTRA VIRGIN olive oil..not the regular stuff. unfortunately i have yet to take this step however my hair is doing great. Protein treatment are also good for you( do some research to find out about the technique) and deep conditioning.

4. Okay on the daily basis you need to pay close attention to your hair...i recommend conditioning your scalp(3-4 times a week) and your ends(everyday) so that they will not get dry and unhealthy Petroleum jellly and mineral oil are weapons of mass destruction ( in other words do not use grease) it does so much harm to your hair it cannot be all explained here. So you ask what do I use...well natural carrier oils grapeseed oil ( use it for hair it deflects heat so it is good for flat iron users like us)jojoba oil(i use this for my scalp), extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, emu oil, coconut oil...all these natural oils and more love you..i promise. Also put a two of essetial oil such as basil, peppermint, myrrh, rosemary, tea trea oil in 3 tablespoons of carrier oil .

5. Next,,if you want your hair straight but still be natural it is time to get a freakin good flat iron.,i have the Chi..it does the job but I recommend getting the Sedu because of the good reviews. make sure to protect your hair..i have so thermal protector from Aveda. When flat ironing your hair do not let the iron stay on your hair for too long, just 1-2 quick swipes.

I strongly advise against flat iron use for those with relaxers.

6. If you have a relaxer ( i have heard and seen that Affirm ww.avlon.com is the best relaxer) don't continue to relaxe all your hair everytime you go to the salon..just the new growth and try to stretch relaxers as long as possible. It is best for relaxers hair to do roller sets under a hooded dryer,with the lowest temperature possible.

7. You do not need to trim your hair everytime you go to the salon maybe every 3 to 6 months.

8. Wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf to prevent damage before you go to bed.

9. Eat healthy, drink lots of water, a diet with lean protein can help..this is easy for me since i love meat.

10 take multivitamins, and fish oil pills you can get from GNC.

Follow these steps and life will be good..when you get your hair done and they do something wrong ( like try to put a petroleum based product in your hair or brush it while wet or trim your ends too much) do not be afraid to speak up because in the end it is your hair.

Hair Care Tips for an African American College Student?

Go of campus been there done that if not all your hair will fall out if you try to do it yourself

Hair Care Tips for an African American College Student?

rollersets...use setting lotion and roll your hair to create different hairstyles. you also can get braids (low maintance)