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Angela Bassett has Kinky Hair

FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH KINKY HAIR . . .

Angela Bassett and Oprah both have kinky hair type. This hair type is the most fragile of all the hair types. The reason for this is that kinky hair has fewer cuticle layers than other hair types. The cuticle layer is the only protection your hair has from the elements of heat and manhandling. So, your cuticle layer gives less natural protection than other hair types and you need to be careful as to how much damage you inflict on your hair.

“kinky hair is the most fragile of all the hair types.”

The cuticle layer of the hair also works to hold moisture in the hair. Once the hair shaft is damaged it cannot be repaired. Products that claim to repair the hair, don’t. They can only temporarily camouflage the damage until it is cut off.

Generally, your hair is very wiry, kinky or tightly coiled. Your hair may appear coarse however, it generally is soft. In its natural state, your hair will not look shiny.

There are two types of curl patterns to kinky hair types.

• “S” Pattern ~~ When stretched this kinky hair type has a tightly coiled “S” pattern to it and when healthy it will be soft.

• “Z” Pattern ~~ has a “Z” pattern to it as it bends sharply. This kinky hair type will tend to be more wiry and dry.

Chemical relaxers are often used to help control kinky hair, but avoid overdoing it. It only needs to be relaxed enough to make it a little more manageable; the rest can be done with hair styling. Leave the relaxing to a professional or you could risk extensive damage to your hair.

More than likely you only need to shampoo once or twice weekly. Like curly hair however, your hair may benefit from rinsing with water on day’s you don’t shampoo. Look for shampoos and other products with ingredients such as, shea butter, glycerin, sulfur or carotene. Products containing protein may help in strengthening your delicate kinky hair type.

Kinky hair naturally tends to be dry and brittle so look for shampoo’s and conditioners that are formulated to add moisture to the hair. Use a daily conditioner every time you wet down your hair. Conditioning kinky hair won’t repair past damage, but it will help to strengthen the hair and prevent further damage. A deep conditioning treatment regularly would also greatly benefit your kinky hair type. Once or twice a month, a deep conditioning would be helpful in protecting your hair and keeping it in good shape.

You might also want to check out my article on Hair Relaxers

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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