Taking care of afro hair requires more than just a basic routine. Black men often face unique hair care challenges, from maintaining moisture to preventing breakage. Whether you're rocking waves, curls, or a buzz cut, having the right tools and products in your arsenal is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining healthy, stylish hair—starting with durags, hairbrushes, naturally derived curl creams, and understanding your specific hair type.
Before diving into the specific products and tools, it’s important to understand your hair type. Black men’s hair typically falls into the 3 or 4 range of the hair type chart:
Type 3 hair: This hair type includes loose curls (3A), defined curls (3B), and tight curls (3C). Type 3 hair tends to have a visible curl pattern, and while it can retain moisture better than type 4 hair, it still needs regular hydration and gentle handling to avoid frizz and breakage.
Type 4 hair: Known for its tight coils, type 4 hair ranges from soft, densely packed coils (4A), to more defined, corkscrew-shaped curls (4B), to the tightest coils (4C) which often don’t form a visible curl pattern. Type 4 hair is the most fragile and prone to dryness, requiring extra moisture and protective styling to maintain its health.
Identifying your hair type helps in selecting the right products and techniques for your hair style and routine.
Durags aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re a vital tool for maintaining the health and style of your hair. Originally popularised for creating and maintaining waves, braids & locs, durags are now a staple for protecting any afro-textured hairstyle. They help lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and keep your hair laid down, whether you’re growing waves or just trying to protect your curls while you sleep.
When choosing a durag, opt for one made of silky or velvet material. These fabrics are gentle on your hair, minimising friction and preventing breakage. Wear your durag overnight or when lounging at home to keep your hairstyle intact and your hair moisturised.
Not all hairbrushes are created equal, especially when it comes to black men’s hair. Using the right brush can make all the difference in maintaining the health of your hair and scalp.
For type 3 hair, a wide-tooth comb or palm brush is ideal for gently detangling without causing breakage. For type 4 hair, a boar bristle brush works well for short hair and waves, while a soft-bristle brush helps smooth the hair and distribute natural oils evenly.
For those with longer type 4 hair, a wide-toothed comb or a hard bristle brush is best to manage the coils without causing breakage. Remember to always brush or comb your hair when it’s damp or after applying a moisturising styling cream to minimise damage.
Why Proper Hair Care for Afro/textured Hair Matters.
Textured requires specific care to keep it looking its best. Unlike other hair types, it’s prone to dryness because the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft. This can lead to breakage, frizz, and a lack of definition in your curls. A well-rounded hair care routine that includes moisturising, protecting, and styling is key to overcoming these challenges.
What is Your Hair Type?
Before diving into the specific products and tools, it’s important to understand your hair type. Black men’s hair typically falls into the 3 or 4 range of the hair type chart:Type 3 hair: This hair type includes loose curls (3A), defined curls (3B), and tight curls (3C). Type 3 hair tends to have a visible curl pattern, and while it can retain moisture better than type 4 hair, it still needs regular hydration and gentle handling to avoid frizz and breakage.
Type 4 hair: Known for its tight coils, type 4 hair ranges from soft, densely packed coils (4A), to more defined, corkscrew-shaped curls (4B), to the tightest coils (4C) which often don’t form a visible curl pattern. Type 4 hair is the most fragile and prone to dryness, requiring extra moisture and protective styling to maintain its health.
Identifying your hair type helps in selecting the right products and techniques for your hair style and routine.
What Products Do You Need?
Durags
Durags aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re a vital tool for maintaining the health and style of your hair. Originally popularised for creating and maintaining waves, braids & locs, durags are now a staple for protecting any afro-textured hairstyle. They help lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and keep your hair laid down, whether you’re growing waves or just trying to protect your curls while you sleep.When choosing a durag, opt for one made of silky or velvet material. These fabrics are gentle on your hair, minimising friction and preventing breakage. Wear your durag overnight or when lounging at home to keep your hairstyle intact and your hair moisturised.
Hairbrushes
Not all hairbrushes are created equal, especially when it comes to black men’s hair. Using the right brush can make all the difference in maintaining the health of your hair and scalp. For type 3 hair, a wide-tooth comb or palm brush is ideal for gently detangling without causing breakage. For type 4 hair, a boar bristle brush works well for short hair and waves, while a soft-bristle brush helps smooth the hair and distribute natural oils evenly.
For those with longer type 4 hair, a wide-toothed comb or a hard bristle brush is best to manage the coils without causing breakage. Remember to always brush or comb your hair when it’s damp or after applying a moisturising styling cream to minimise damage.
Curl Creams
Naturally derived curl creams are a must-have for anyone with textured hair. These products are formulated with ingredients like shea butter, castor oil and coconut oil which provide intense moisture, reduce frizz, and help define your curls. The SHYNE curl defining cream is the ideal for this. Formulated to be free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens, which can strip your hair of its natural oils.
To use the curl cream, apply it to damp hair, making sure to distribute it evenly from root to tip. This will help lock in moisture and give your curls a healthy, defined look. For best results, pair your curl cream with a durag to seal in the moisture.
To conclude, taking care of afro hair doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and products, you can easily maintain healthy, stylish hair. Incorporating essentials like durags, hairbrushes, and naturally derived curl creams into your routine will help you achieve the best results. Understanding your hair type and tailoring your routine accordingly ensures that your hair gets the specific care it needs.
Whether you’re new to the world of hair care or looking to refine your routine, following these tips will set you on the path to hair that looks and feels great every day.