Many people mixed with the Caucasian and African American race tend to have thick, kinky, bushy hair that can be difficult to manage. Growing up as a mixed race child was tough, especially when I was teased daily at school for sporting bushy afros or unattractive hair styles that wasn’t up to my peers’ satisfaction. Sorry mother, but you did not know what you were doing to my hair sometimes.
Majority of mixed race people have more characteristics of African American hair versus Caucasian hair, so it needs to be maintained accordingly. However, mixed race hair does not generally require the amount of attention or all of the products that some African American hair needs.
When I became mature enough to do my own hair, I experimented with numerous hair styling devices and hair products. Trust me I had many hair disasters and now reflecting back, I can admit that hairstyles I thought was “Hot” or “The bomb” was indeed a hot mess. Those experiences taught me to distinguish what works and what doesn’t. Now as an adult, I have mastered the skill of how to manage my thick, bushy, dry mixed race hair.
It wasn’t until I was in my twenties when styling my sister’s and other birachel people’s hair inspired me to find what products work with different grades of mixed raced hair. Just like there are different grades of white hair and black hair, it is just the same in mixed raced hair.
Following my tips for mixed race hair will allow you to discover methods and products that will do miracles that you never believed were possible for you or your child’s hair. Another benefit is once you learn these tips, styling your hair will be a lot less time consuming.
Selecting the right flat iron is key to getting the desired results. Some flat irons will leave an unpleasant burning smell on your hair or make your hair still look thick and greasy even though you used a minimal amount of oil. Ceramic irons have proven positive results for my hair and other mixed race people’s hair I have styled. I vowed to never use a regular metal flat iron again.
I suggest that Sedu, Solia and Conair flat irons. I believed those are the best brands to buy.
Use a Relaxer
You may have been told many times just like I have been told “Girl your half white, you don’t need no relaxer!” You may need one to thin your hair and make it manageable. Getting my first relaxer was a God sin and I had no regrets of not listening to the many people who said not to.
I prefer using Optimum relaxers or Olive oil No-Lye relaxers. It is recommended if you have never had a relaxer before, that you go to a professional hair dresser. If you want to continue doing your own hair then you should investigate what type of relaxer you should be using on your hair. There are different relaxers for different textures so you need to determine what strength and type of relaxer do you need.
I absolutely love using my flat blow dryer when I am pressed for time. This type of blower does not poof your air out like the traditional blow dryer. It instantly straightens as it dries your hair after washing. I suggest buying the flat blower dryer made by Vidal Sassoon you can find it at Meijer’s, Wal-Mart and Target. This blower dryer is very reasonably priced between $19.99 and $25.99.
Wrapping your hair is a task that requires lots of time and practice when first trying to learn how to do it. Learning to wrap your air in a circlular motion till it lays flat with no lumps, kinks and separations is a tough skill to master. Your hair needs to be wet and you need a good setting lotion or hair mousse.
It was a common practice of my peers and I to slap a ton of “Ampro” gel on our heads to wrap our hair. I discovered that you do not even need hair gel if you have a good setting lotion or hair mousse. Using hair gel makes your hair dry and leaves a flaky residue.
Mixed race hair is naturally dry and needs oiled lightly. I do not recommend hair grease because it has a tendency to weigh the hair down and leave a heavy feeling on your head. Grease also does not do well when you are using a flat iron or a blow dryer; it leaves a nasty residue on your styling device and in your hair.
Hair dress cream or hair oil is my suggestion because it is light on your head and does not give you a greasy tacky look. “Optimum”has several different hair dress creams that I have used which works very well. Oils I prefer are “Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil” and “African Royale Hot Six Oil.
Whether you are of mixed race or a Caucasian parent of a mixed race child, you may end up trying dozens of products or devices in an effort to get your hair under control or into a desired style. Some products or styling devices will cause damage the texture of your hair, so it is imperative that you know what to use.
There are several websites that will inform you about chemicals in hair products, the difference in relaxers and give you tips on how to do your hair. Thirsty Roots at www.thirstyroots.com is a website about hair that feature celebrities and have numerous informative hair articles, guides and tips for you to read. You can also go to www.buzzle.com and www.emocare.com to find out more on mixed race or African American hair care.
