FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER R1000

ANATOMY OF AFRICAN HAIR

African hair is characterized by its tightly coiled structure, often forming spirals or coils. This unique structure contributes to its fragility and susceptibility to breakage. Understanding the anatomy of African hair is crucial for effective care and styling.

 

Unique Characteristics

African hair differs from other hair types in several ways. It tends to be drier due to its spiral shape, which makes it challenging to retain moisture. Additionally, African hair has a natural tendency towards shrinkage, where the hair appears shorter than its actual length when dry. This hair type is also more prone to damage from heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors.

Type 1A-1C — Straight hair  |  Type 2A-2C — Wavy hair  |  Type 3A-3C — Curly hair  |  Type 4A-4C — Coiled hair

Hair Growth Cycle

The hair growth cycle for African hair follows the same phases as other hair types: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase). However, due to its coiled structure, African hair may appear to grow slower than straight hair types. Understanding the hair growth cycle is essential for addressing concerns such as hair loss and promoting healthy growth.

Common Hair Concerns

Dryness

African/coily hair tends to be naturally drier than other hair types due to its structure. The tight curls make it difficult for natural oils from the scalp to travel down the hair shaft, leading to dryness. This can result in brittleness, breakage, and a lack of natural luster. 

Breakage

Coily hair is more prone to breakage due to its fragile nature. The twists and turns in the hair shaft can easily snag and break, especially when not handled gently. Improper detangling techniques, harsh styling practices, and lack of moisture make it worse.

Shrinkage

Coily hair often appears shorter than it actually is because of its tendency to shrink when it dries. This can be frustrating for individuals who desire to showcase their hair's true length or volume.

 

Difficulty in Styling

Styling coily hair can be time-consuming and challenging. The dense texture and tight curls require specific techniques and products to achieve desired styles such as twists, braids, or defined curls.

Scalp Sensitivity

The scalp can be sensitive and prone to issues like dryness, itchiness, or dandruff. This may be exacerbated by the use of certain hair products containing harsh chemicals or fragrances. 

Product Selection

Finding suitable hair care products can be daunting. Many mainstream products are not formulated to meet the specific needs of coily hair, leading to issues such as product buildup, dryness, or lack of curl definition. 

Heat Damage

Coily hair is sensitive to heat styling tools like flat irons or curling irons, which can lead to heat damage and alter the hair's natural curl pattern permanently. 

Texture Variability

Coily hair often has varying textures within the same head of hair. This can make it challenging to achieve uniform styles and requires different approaches for caring and styling different sections.

Share This Article

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Receive the latest news first.

Receive the latest news

Get 10% off your first order!

And be the first to hear about our new product drops!