THE DOs AND DONTs OF AFRICAN HAIR.

DOs 

1. use natural oils such as jojoba, avocado, coconut, extra virgin oil, grape-seed oil and Shea butter. our hair type needs natural oils to thrive and they work best.
2. wash hair with shampoo at least once a month, some people say at least once a week at the end of the day i say do what ever works for you because you alone know how well your hair responds. but its always best to avoid shampoos that have sulphate in them cause they strip our hair of its natural oil and this causes dryness,after wash always use a conditioner.
3. always do a protein treatment/ deep condition with heat at least once month better still every 2 weeks.this enables the cuticles to open up and thereby allowing the moisture to break into the hair shaft.
4.  use a wide tooth comb, this helps combing hair easier and this limits breakage, but you should always  use your fingers to detangle the knots on hair which forms after taking down braids or weaves. this really plays a strong part in retaining length.
5. Avoid holding hair in tight pony tails its very bad for your edges it causes thinning of the edges and take down ponytail holders before bedtime
6. avoid using too much heat on your hair, flat irons , blow drying or hot tongs
7. oil the scalp and massage  to allow blood flow this stimulates growth.
8. use satin/silk head cover at night and avoid cotton pillow cases because the strip our hair of moisture/
9. drink plenty water, exercise and eat healthy to promote growth and healthy hair  

DONTs

1. wash your hair everyday, this make your hair texture brittle and dry, hence prone to breakage.
2. never use grease or petroleum based products, they clog the pores in the scalp thereby inhibiting hair growth. 
3. use rubber bands to secure ponytails use elastics or bands covered. rubber bands can cause massive breakage and split ends. elastics and covered bands are more gentle to fragile hair strands 
4. braid hair too tightly, or braid tight cornrows this causes hair line to recede: means balding or thinning of the edges.
5. comb hair from root to end, instead grip the hair root and comb out this will prevent unnecessary hair loss.
6. excessively place hair under heat. heat dries out hair leaving it brittle and dry which equals to damaged hair.
7. use heavy gel with alcohol, hair spray or mousse, they weigh the hair down, break the hair and most importantly clog the scalp pores.