Black Hair Care

Written By Kristin Gonzalez

As we care for children with all different types of hair, we want to be sure to care for it well. Black hair care is important to understand so that they get the proper care and keep from drying out. Below is a good starting point for caring for black hair, and feel free to reach out to your Case Manager or Clinician if you need further guidance!

For starters:

To begin your black hair care, it is recommended to have the following items on hand:

  • Sulfate-free shampoo

  • Hydrating conditioner

  • Styling creme or gel

  • Wet Brush

  • Satin bonnet or pillowcase

For washing:

  • It is best to wash one to two times per week - do not wash daily as that will lead to drying the hair out, making it more tangled and frizzy.

  • Use a sulfate-free shampoo directly on the scalp to cleanse the hair and scalp to remove product build-up.

For conditioning & detangling:

  • Separate the hair into sections, into fourths for easy detangling

  • Only apply conditioner to the strands and tips, do not apply to the root/scalp

  • Use a wet brush to detangle each section, starting from the ends, working your way up. This prevents ripping off the hair when starting from the root to end.

  • Use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to dry the hair after washing and dry by damping the hair from the bottom up. Using a bath towel can lead to frizziness.

  • Apply a hydrating leave-in conditioner and top with a creme or gel to lock-in the moisture on the hair

For styling:

  • Braided sections like pigtails or ponytails will make mornings easier

  • Refresh the hair with a spray bottle of water to rehydrate

  • Use a satin bonnet or satin pillowcase for sleeping to prevent friction. Cotton pillowcases can lead to frizziness and hair breaking off

Recommended Products:

The following brands are recommended for use. These can all be found at Wal-Mart, Target, Ulta, Amazon, or the brand website.

Below is a helpful video on Wash Day Tips! Although this is an adult, the same rules apply!

This article has been compiled by a Sanctuary Clinician, Shaye Skinner.

Kristin Gonzalez
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