How to Keep Your Hair From Thinning

African-American hair has a unique look and texture but it is also fragile and is prone to damage. Thinning hair is a problem for about 50-percent of African-American women and men, but some simple tips can minimize hair problems so your hair stays healthy and beautiful.

First, don’t wash your hair too often. Once a week or every other week is enough and this will help prevent build-up of hair care products, which can dry out the hair. When shampooing, concentrate on cleaning the scalp, rather than the entire length of the hair since washing only your hair can create dull, flyaway hair.

Secondly, use a conditioner every time you wash to keep your hair from thinning.

It is especially important to coat the ends of the hair, because the ends are the oldest and most fragile part of the hair. However, using a conditioner on the scalp or the length of the hair can make the strands look limp. Also, once a month use a hot oil treatment to add moisture and elasticity to your hair. Another good tip is to take care when using relaxers and always go to a professional hair stylist to ensure that the relaxer is applied safely.

Touch-ups should only be done every two to three months and only to newly grown hair. Never apply relaxer to hair that has already been relaxed. Remember to use ceramic combs or irons to press the hair, but no more than once a week and to avoid heat damage, use the lowest possible temperature. A higher temperature is only necessary for thicker, coarser hair. Make certain braids, cornrows or weaves are not wound too tight.

If it hurts while your hair is being styled, ask the stylist to stop and redo it because pain means hair damage.

Lastly, see a professional stylist or barber for hair cuts and to catch any problems early for the best treatment. When you incorporate these tips into your hair care regimen, you will help ensure a lifetime of strong, lovely and healthy hair.