by Amelia Danielle

Created on: January 30, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

We're best known these days for having the nicest weaves, cutest braids, or the neatest dreadlocks. These days you take a second look then doubt it's true when you see a black girl with naturally long hair. And you most definitely categorize it as a weave before anything else. Well you don't have to be mixed, and you don't have to buy premium Indian hair at $40 a pack to enjoy the truly magnificent, beautiful and unique coifs that women of color have been blessed with.

You could say we're set up for hair-failure. From pressing combs to Just For Me perms, most of our mothers took the easy way out when it came to our hair. And while I was fortunate to be born with very strong and fast growing hair, I still had the stigma of what to do with my hair. To perm of not to perm. To pull back or leave lose? Well I've compiled some tips that can help you grow and obtain your hair to it's fullest potential as a woman of color:

1) Don't keep your hair up longer than 7 days (this means pony tail, up-doo, half up or anything else that puts stress on the front or nape of your hairline.

2) Wash your hair at least every 4-5 days, and grease your scalp regularly. (a healthy scalp will produce VERY strong hair)

3) If you use more than one heat product on your hair (blow dryer, flat iron, hot comb..etc) Use a shampoo, conditioner, and pre-styling cream that is specifically for heat treated hair.

4)If the above is true, also use a hot oil treatment on your hair at least once a month.

5) Don't relax your hair until a full 6 weeks of growth. Too many chemicals can change the chemistry of your hair and actually make it HARDER to deal with.

6) Try to avoid bleaching products like dyes and highlighters. This strips the hair and makes it easier to break off.

7) Apply a nightly treatment (like TC's nightly repair spray), wrap or braid loosly and cover with a clean silk or satin scarf.

8) When combing your hair start at the bottom and work your way to the root to de-tangle.

9) Only have your hair cut and trimmed by a professional. It may SOUND risky, but be specific on what you want, and go to someone reliable. They have the correct tools to clip your ends the right way and promote less split ends.

10) Don't be afraid to rock what you got! The more weaves, braids and tracks you put into your hair, the more damage you cause. Why not take care of your hair the right way so you can be the one turning heads. Rule 10 is simple.. Don't keep weaves, ponytails or anything to that nature in your hair for more than 1-3 months. Professionals may tell you it gives your hair a break, but that is exactly what is does. BREAKS your hair.

Take it from a sista with thick glorious hair, take care of your hair daily. It is a blessing and a true virtue to appriciate what you were born with. Love your roots, nappy as they can get. For our heads are thick with beauty.

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