How to make my afro-hair softer and smooth?

I know folks who have used fabric softener instead of conditioner. Don’t know what products they used afterward.

@MissA , I don’t think that’s a really good idea since fabric softener is made for fabric and not our hair…

I straighten my husbands hair with perm solution. I don’t know if it is safe to use on black hair? I have very fine hair and I use it? Anyway, it is usually sold on a different shelf than where all the relaxers are for African Americans, but it is near that section. I think I bought Olgivie brand. The one for straightening is a cream solutuion. You will need someone to help you. You comb your hair straight with the product, then let it sit for 15 minutes, so it perms straight. For my husband it does not get arrow straight like when a professional does it, but it is much more relaxed. In the humid weather he practically has a fro if he doesn’t gel it down, its curly kind of like Greg Brady. As a side note, perm solution to curl hair won’t work by the way, because it is a liquid like water.

But again, I am not black and not very familar with what works for black hair, so take my answer with that in mind.

I just noticed you aren’t using conditioner when you wash your hair, I think you should. Buy one that is hydrating or made to smooth hair. I suggest Pantene.

@JLeslie , I’ll look it up :)

Make sure you use a rich conditioner, but one that won’t weigh your hair down. Do not not condition your hair. It’s just bad for it. A great line of products is Garnier Fructis’ Triple Nutrition. The shampoo is strong, but it’s not harsh and won’t completely dry out your hair. The conditioner is rich, but not too thick, which is definitely what you need. The “3 Minute Undo” is a deep conditioner that will help keep your hair healthy. It’s really important to not use harsh products on your hair. The reason for this is that people with coarser, thicker hair need moisture. Without that moisture our hair will turn into a ridiculous afro which we won’t be able to tame. Having that moisture helps to weigh it down a bit, but not too much, while keeping it healthy.

Try and get your hands on some Chi Silk Infusion. I’m pretty sure you can order it online if you can find it in stores. It’s around $12 a bottle not sure what currency you use where you are, but it’s worth the money. A whole bottle usually takes me 6+ months to go through. I have extremely thick/curly and sometimes coarse hair.. I use a small amount and run it through my hair, and then blow dry/straighten/etc. It keeps my hair from frizzing out and going insane. I’ve also noticed after watching a lot of YouTube videos on straightening coarse/thick hair that a lot of women of color use it as well, so definitely consider and try it out.

As for other things you can do to help tame and maintain your hair:
– Hot oil treatments even only once a week will definitely help
– See if you can get your hands on some cholesterol. Doesn’t have to be this exact brand, any brand will do really. Apply it in the shower and let it sit for five or so minutes and thoroughly rinse. It’ll help keep your hair strong, healthy, plus it’s a deep conditioner which will help keep it under control.
– Try and get your hands on a silk pillow case. It’s gentler on the hair, so it’ll break less. It also doesn’t suck all the natural oils out of your hair like a basic pillow case would.
– The best thing for your hair is also to not wash it too much or two little. I’ve found (for me) that washing it every other day, or on the third day, is best. Usually I can get by with washing it one day, skipping a day, and washing it again the next day. Try not to go too long without washing it because your hair will be gross and could start to smell.
– Try to stay in a routine and don’t use too many products.
– Also try not to touch your hair all the time. All of the greases from your hands get on to your hair, which makes it oilier faster!

That’s all I can think of for now. Let me know if you have any questions.

thanks about the information, I’ll do my research online.