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Caring for ethnic hair is not the same thing as caring for "curly" hair, which is any hair type that naturally holds curls.

The major ethnic hair type is black hair, and it requires lots of moisture. Always look for shampoos that are hydrating and conditioners that have proteins or other moisturizers. When combined with a daily moisturizer, the right shampoo and condition can help ethnic hair types retain natural moisture and not dry out so easily.

Before using any products, it is important to scrutinize the ingredients to make sure there are not too many alcohol-based elements and that there are natural oils. Stay away from contents like isoprophyl alcohol, propylene glycol, petroleum, sulfates, chemical preservatives and dyes. These are all bad news for black hair, and over time, strips it of moisture and natural oils.

Most hair sprays, gels and mousses tend to have many of these ingredients and really dry black hair out, leaving it even more fragile than it already is.

Her are more tips for taking care of ethnic hair:

1) For general combing, use wide-tooth combs or picks when combing the hair. Fine-tooth combs usually snag and pull out black hair, as do wiry brushes or those that don't have natural bristles.

2) Massage the hair daily, either with the fingertips or with a gentle brush. This stimulates blood circulation and promotes oil production in the sebaceous glands - which always promotes health hair growth.

3) Tie the hair up with a satin or nylon scarf at night and avoid direct hair contact with cotton pillows. Though they are great for the skin, they tend to break the hair that comes from simple shifting during sleep.

4) Wash the hair at least once a week and use a leave-in conditioner, but don't overdo it. Too much washing can strip black hair of its natural oils and works against the sebaceous gland's secretion of oil from the scalp. Black hair already encounters a hurdle since it has a thicker cuticle than other hair types. Frequent washing makes it even harder for oil to reach the hair shaft. Note: This does not mean that you should go for long periods without wash the hair. Dirt and oil build-ups are equally as bad for black hair.

5) Use a moisturizer during daily styling and comb the hair in sections to avoid tangling. Try gathering the hair in a bunch and combing from middle of the shaft to the ends and slowly working your way up towards the scalp for thicker hair. This is especially good practice for tender heads.

6) Never use rubber bands, even for ponytails. Instead, use covered elastic ponytail holders that are about $2 in any major drug or department store.

7) Always twist or braid hair to the ends. Not doing so creates tangling, frizzing and split ends. This also guarantees and more difficult session for the next styling.

Learn more about this author, Cherryl Floyd-Miller.
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