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While versatile and gorgeous, African-American hair tends to be extremely dry. Conquer brittle, damage-prone tresses and give a little love to your mane by adding extra moisture for healthy scalp and healthy hair. A regular deep-conditioning treatment using a product recommended by a pro can give your hair the hydration it needs.
Sofn'free Deep Conditioning Treatment
When it comes to maintaining healthy hair for African-American women, celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood turns to Sofn'free GroHealthy's Really Deep Conditioning Treatment. Leatherwood says she loves the cake batter-like smell of the treatment, which also contains menthol to stimulate the scalp. "Deep conditioning with this treatment that is fortified with cold-press olive oil and rich in Omega-3s helps to strengthen and soothe the hair," she said.
Encourage Moisturizing Revitalizing Conditioner by Mikal
Cosmetic chemist and hair and body product expert Michael Clay believes the best deep conditioners for African-American hair take into account the cellular structure of the hair type. "Being a flat cell (opposed to round like other hair types) it must be surrounded by moisture since it doesn't make its own moisture like the round-celled hair type," explains Clay. "When you condition, heat is usually involved. The purpose of this heat is to increase the diameter of the hair shaft, therefore the nutrients (mostly proteins) can be deposited into the shaft. Think of it like going to the gas station and filling your tank up." Clay recommends Encourage Moisturizing Revitalizing Conditioner by Mikal because it uses your own body heat to activate and not only conditions the hair, but the scalp as well.
Awapuhi Treatment Oil
Stylist Mattie Michelle, owner and head stylist at Michelle Patrick Salon in Dallas, recommends deep conditioning the hair at least twice per week. “Sleep in a treatment oil once a week to keep natural curl hydrated and healthy,” Michelle advises. “Awapuhi Treatment Oil is the perfect oil for sleeping in, or using as the perfect protection for heat styling.”
Satin Soft Conditioner
Naomi Campbell, Iman and Whitney Houston are among the elite who turn to celebrity hairstylist Ellin Lavar to tame their famous tresses. For dry, coarse, difficult-to-manage hair types, Lavar recommends Satin Soft Conditioner. “It’s a conditioning rinse infused with cupuacu seed butter and pequi oil that seals in the hair cuticle and gives the hair a smooth silky feel,” she says.
