Caring for Mixed Race Hair

Mixed race hair is incredibly beautiful. Although you may not think so on the days when the comb gets stuck in it or you’re unable to control the frizzing.
Finding the right products can often be a struggle, products for straight hair aren’t moisturising enough and product aimed at afro hair can leave your hair overly greasy. Learning what ingredients to avoid (take a look at our curly hair guide) along with certain techniques will improved the condition and appearance of your hair and turn even the driest hair types into softer, smoother fabulous looking curls.
Parents of mixed race children can sometimes find it a nightmare when trying to deal with their child’s hair. Particularly the case when the child’s hair differs hugely from the mother’s hair type. Following these top tips for all mixed race hair types and you’ll be on your way to better conditioned, more manageable hair.

· Always use a gentle shampoo. Every curly girl should avoid sulphates in their shampoo as this detergent can be too harsh on curly hair leading to dryness and frizzies. A good conditioner is essential to keep hair hydrated and healthy looking.
· Avoid using brushes as this often leads to frizz. Use a wide tooth comb instead.
· Never comb your hair when it is dry! Only comb hair when wet and saturated with conditioner. This will allow your curls to clump together giving better curl definition
· Ideally allow your hair to dry naturally. If that’s not possible use a diffuser on a cool setting until hair is about 90% dry. Whilst hair is drying don’t touch it! Playing with hair at this stage will separate the curls and lead to frizzy hair.
· Keep heat styling to a minimum. Mixed race hair is more fragile and thus more susceptible to damage. Too much heat can damage the hair so use a thermal protector and use the coolest setting if your appliance allows.
· At night, tie hair up in a loose scrunchie or wrap with a silk scarf. A satin pillowcase will reduce frizzing at night.

What a cutie! The great curl defintion achieved by one of my customers on her son's hair using Curl Harmony Leave In Conditioner. Absolutely zero frizz - fantastic!

Shampoo

Everyone uses shampoo, but how many of us realise what we are putting on our hair and bodies? Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is found in 90% of conventional shampoos as well as in a number of personal care products, including toothpastes, shower gels and bubble baths. SLS is a harsh detergent that works by removing oils from the hair and skin. Its cleaning power is utilised industrially and it is commonly used as an engine degreasers, floor cleaners and in car washes. I haven't used shampoo since realising it's harsh nature on delicate curly hair.
As well as not being curl friendly there are a number of health concerns associated with the use of SLS in commercial personal care products. It is a suspected carcinogen with links to kidney and liver damage. It is also known to cause eye irritation, which can lead to cataracts and SLS is often used in clinical and laboratory testing to deliberately provoke skin irritation.
My advice is always read the label and when you consider that the skin (including the scalp) can absorbs up to 60% of the products we use, natural products seems a good idea.

The Curly Girl Routine

The curly girl routine (or CG routine) was devised by Lorraine Massey in her book "Curly Girl: The Handbook". She talks about her experience of using conventional shampoo and how it caused her naturally curly hair to become frizzy. She discovered the benefits of going shampoo free and hasn't used shampoo for years.
Although it may seem like an odd concept at first, there are enough surfactants in conditioner to clean the hair properly. And no, your hair won't smell at all! In fact you hair and scalp will thank you for it.
One factor to bear in mind if you want to try this routine is that you must avoid silicones in your styling products. Many silicones are insoluble in water and can only be removed with harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulphate. This can lead to product build up, which can leave your hair looking greasy. Curl Harmony Cleansing Conditioner contains no silicones and only gentle surfactants and is highly recommended if you suffer from dry or frizzy hair.