Washing African-American Hair

[Starburst]

I'm not AA but my hair was always thick and coarse and now without product it gets very dry due to overdying and heat/sun damage. when I was a kid I would sometimes try to use olive oil or cooking oil, but if it got too hot out it would get a weird smell so I didn't do that often.

I mostly use baby oil to smooth out my hair and to make it look healthier/shinier (just have to make sure not to use too much at the roots or it will look greasy). In the past I have also used hair lotion (which was in the AA hair care section, also has a nice smell to it). Some other people I have known who had damaged or otherwise fragile hair have told me that coconut oil is really good for sensitive hair and for repairing dry/damaged hair, so I'm thinking of using that now.

[Unregistered]

If you are really concerned about grooming her hair. You are going to have to wet it, and but a crap load of conditioner on it (any brand will do). That is the only way you will be able to comb her hair. I'm AA and I have tightly coiled hair. It may take awhile to comb through but start at the ends of her hair and work your way up. Only use a wide tooth comb. When you rinse her hair, don't rinse out all of the conditioner. Leave a little that way it will be easier to style her hair. I hope that helps. ETA also style it while it's still wet.

[momofsix]

Also, if you're trying to do a "touch up" getting it wet with water will hinder more than help. Use the oil/lotion/conditioner...but water will make it all frizz back up again ever worse.