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Black hair is, essentially, tight, curly or wavy hair that, due to the outer layers (cuticles) being naturally frayed out and not lying down flat against the hair, causes the hair to have a duller, more lack lustre appearance than European (Caucasian) hair.
This is simply because black hair will absorb light instead of reflecting it. There are around seven to eleven cuticle layers on Afro hair making very resistant to chemical processing techniques.
The next layer of a hair is called the cortex. This is flat and weak in Afro hair therefore having little resistance to chemicals. This is why Afro hair is so easily and so often damaged by chemical abuse. Strong chemicals are needed to penetrate the cuticle layers, which are then too strong for the cortex.
African Caribbean hair lacks the ability to absorb moisture and so needs the regular application of conditioners.
Due to the necessary abundant use of hair products to black hair, a good shampooing technique is essential. One should endeavour to cleanse the scalp and hair of all debris and product build up whilst attempting not to strip the hair of natural oils and moisture. It is also most important to use the correct products in the right way at the right times. (See our hair health section).