Our Pros Reveal Do’s & Don’ts For Black Hair Care

FACTS & FICTION: A BLACK HAIR-CARE GUIDE

Our pros’ favorite products for natural hair

Keeping natural, textured hair in glorious condition takes some TLC…and some no-holds-barred advice from our pros in the know. With the help of some favorite Joico Guest Artists, we’ve got a myth-busting guide to caring for Black hair; full of tips, smart suggestions, and seriously style-minded expertise.

FACT: Relaxing Black hair is less popular now

“I’ve seen a major shift when it comes to African-American women and their hair, in the sense that we have become so much more comfortable with the hair we were born with. African-American women are stepping back from relaxers and straighteners more and more, and not only embracing the natural texture of their hair, but creating beautiful staples in our industry.” – Mecca Jones

FICTION: A hairdresser should specialize exclusively in textured hair

“I don’t think one needs to specifically specialize in it, but I do think the education system needs to change and teach more about working with all hair types. There should not be segregation in our education when dealing with hair. Just like any other professional would not get only a portion of their skillset.” – Kelly McGowan

FACT: It’s okay to wear weaves and wigs if you want healthy black hair

“I believe that while the shift of embracing natural hair has occurred, the culture of weaving is still going strong because of what’s portrayed in media. Most celebrities will preach about hair care, natural hair, etc…but the majority of the time, they rock a wig to protect their hair. I have to remind my clients that while it’s ok to wear these weaving and wig styles, you must prioritize the health of the hair.” – Leticia McKay

FICTION: Textured hair is always thick

“One of the biggest misconceptions about kinky/textured hair is that because it appears fuller, it’s thicker than other hair types. In fact, just the opposite is true: Kinky hair is actually more delicate than most hair types because of its raised cuticle.” – Mecca Jones

FACT: Wrapping hair up at night is important

“Because of the fragility of textured hair, I always educate my clients on properly wrapping their hair up at night; as well as teach them how to use the right products at home to keep their hair strong and moisturized.” – Mecca Jones

FICTION: You need to use a product specifically for textured hair

“Every head of curly/textured hair is different and has to be treated as such — there’s no one size fits all. I find that I have to adjust my shampoo/conditioner systems, my hot tools, and styling products, depending on what a specific head of hair needs. For example, one person may have coarse, dry hair that needs extreme moisture, while the next person may have fine dry hair that needs light moisture. I can’t use the same products on both.” – Leticia McKay

FACT: Black hair is more fragile than other hair types

“One of the biggest challenges when working with textured hair is the fragility of this hair type. I always have to be overly cautious of not applying too much heat, and also being mindful of the strength of chemicals I apply in relation to the strength of the hair.” – Mecca Jones

FICTION: You have to use stronger formulas to tame textured hair

“It’s very easy to damage curly hair, and some assume you have to use stronger formulas, when in actuality…it’s just the opposite.” – Kelly McGowan

FACT: Textured hair regimens may change from time to time

“I believe that hair-care plans differ across every hair texture, as well as individual. Within textured hair (as well as other hair types,) I always let the hair speak to me and tell me what it needs: There will be times when the hair is dry, and will need moisture; and other times where the hair is damaged and will need repair. Be open and listen to what your hair needs.” – Mecca Jones

FICTION: Color will damage textured hair

“I often hear people say, “Color damages the hair” – that’s totally untrue. Healthy hair comes from a proper hair-care regimen, and colorists who take proper precautions when using chemicals on the hair.” – Leticia McKay