Why ‘Ethnic’ Hair is Different
- Ethnic Beauty with Great Hair
All hair has the same natural chemical composition in terms of the protein “keratin”, which is omnipresent. In ethnic hair, however, the number and distribution of lipids present in the hair shaft differs. Ethnic hair grows less densely, and slower than other phenotypes as well.
Additionally, it grows in a coil rather than straight. This can lead a person to believe that their hair is not growing, when in actuality, that is not the case. Water, combined with the tendency to coil, can often result in “shrinkage”, which will tighten the curl of the hair, thereby making it appear shorter.
For these reasons, women of color tend to use texturizers or relaxers to make their hair appear longer. These hair care products make the hair straight or less curly. Conditioner is also useful. Natural oils have been used as a conditioner for centuries. Ethnic hair can benefit most from conditioning because of it’s curliness and texture. Oils such as batana, tea tree, carrier, coconut and jojoba are still used to this day and prove very effective. These oils act as a conditioner, as they smooth the hair shaft, and help dry hair become softer and more pliable. They also keep the hair from absorbing water, which as described above, can lead to shorter looking hair.
