Shampooing afro textured hair 1

The subject of shampooing natural afro hair is a touchy one. There is the No-poo (no shampoo)  camp and the co- wash (conditioner wash) camp and then there is the ACV and baking soda camp. I’m being simplistic I’m sure I’ve left out some camp or other. Then there is the vast majority that buy whatever is on offer or go along with whatever the salon or stylist uses.

Shampooing hair is essential to hair and scalp health so getting it right will make a huge difference to how your hair looks, feels and grows.  There are loads of shampoos available but the vast majority are not ideal for afro textured hair. This is because they tend to contain ingredients that strip our hair of its natural oils.

So the best way to get the most out of shampooing is to use products that are not laden with sulfates. Remember though that if your particular hair does not mind what you use to wash it then don’t fix what is not broken. Afro hair covers a wide range if textures that respond differently to products and no one can claim to have the best shampoo for black hair. Learn to understand your hair and indeed the hair of the kids in your life. You may want to use these simple questions…..

1) How does my hair feel with this shampoo applied

2) How does it look and feel after rinsing

Hair should not feel brittle or rough nor should it feel squeaky clean as that probably means it’s washed away your natural oils.

Before applying shampoo spray hair lightly in order to finger comb/ detangle it as you don’t want your hair getting knotted. I find parting it into sections helps especially with my young clients. Dampen hair and pour shampoo into your palms,rub together and then apply to hair. Massage the scalp and hair gently! Vigorous scrubbing leads to pulling, breakage and possible scalp irritation. Not good memories if you’re washing a child’s hair. Rinse hair thoroughly to get rid of all traces of shampoo. Apply conditioner and then do a thorough detangle of the hair whilst it has conditioner in it…..if you haven’t why not check out the Detangling Afro hair post. Let me know what your thought are. Do you use shampoo? If so what sort. Do you check the ingredients on your shampoos? How do you currently wash your hair or the hair of the kids in your life and finally if you take them to a stylist do you discuss what shampoo they will be using on your child’s hair?