The Best Hair Care Routine for Black Men
Afro hair is unique and requires a specific hair care routine to maintain its health and appearance. Men with afro hair textures often struggle to find the right products and techniques to care for their hair, but with the right approach, achieving healthy and stylish afro hair is possible.
What is your hair type?
Afro hair can be classified into four types: Type 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4Z. Each type has its own unique characteristics and requires different care. Type 4A hair is typically soft and has a defined curl pattern, while Type 4B hair is more kinky and has a less defined curl pattern. Type 4C hair is the most tightly coiled and has a similar texture to cotton. Type 4Z hair is a combination of any of the other types and may have a mix of textures.
The first step in a hair care routine for men with afro hair is to understand your hair type.
Curly and afro hair needs regular washing
Once you have determined your hair type, the next step is to establish a regular cleansing routine. We recommend washing your hair twice a week, more depending on your lifestyle. It is important to use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils. The Aaron Wallace Hydrating Hair & Beard Shampoo is the ideal for this. It's worth remembering that with natural shampoos you may get less lather as they do not contain SLS or sulphates, which is exactly what you want.
Use a conditioner after washing
Men often overlook the importance of conditioning their hair after it has been washed, which is a mistake. Conditioners are used to help reduce fizz, detangle and most importantly, prevent damage. Look for a natural conditioner like the Aaron Wallace Deeply Nourishing Hair & Beard Conditioner and make sure to focus on the ends of your hair, which are more prone to dryness.
An extra tip is to deep condition your hair once a week is also an essential step in maintaining healthy afro hair. A deep conditioner is a hair treatment that is left on for a longer period of time than a regular conditioner. It helps to nourish and strengthen the hair, leaving it feeling softer and more manageable.
Moisturising daily is an absolute must
Moisturising your hair on a daily basis is crucial to preventing dryness which will lead to damage and breakages. Look for products that contain natural oils such as coconut oil, castor oil, and avocado oil. These oils will help to keep your hair hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle. Which is exactly why we have chosen to include these super oils in our Softening Hair & Beard Moisturiser.
Avoid heat styling on curly or afro hair
Heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers can damage your hair and cause it to become dry and brittle. Some of the damage caused can be irreversible so you have to take special care if you do choose to use heat. Start by preparing the hair before hand with heat-protecting products and then use the lowest heat setting where possible, to minimise damage.
Overall, maintaining healthy and stylish curly or afro hair requires a tailored hair care routine that includes understanding your hair type, establishing a regular cleansing routine, deep conditioning, moisturising and avoiding heat styling where possible.
