Do you have difficult to manage Afro-Caribbean hair? Join the club. Brilliant hair does not come easy if you have hair that it curlier, thicker, knotty, or even down right abhorrent at times because of its rich texture. As a young woman, I, too, battled and struggled with my thick and coarse coif. Blessed with one parent that was Lebanonese, Indian and Egyptian and one that was Kenyan, I had my share of difficult to manage hair. However, through trials and many errors, I have discovered techniques and products that actually accentuate the beauty of my hair.

Technique # 1: Train Your Hair to Fall the Way You Want It To Go

I never quite understood this term until I met fabulous Dominican hair stylists while attending college in the States. Afro Hair, although sometimes not pliable, has the unique ability to be fragile and yet very strong. It can be shaped and formed in many ways and can actually be pampered so that it becomes easier to manage. Some great ways to develop flatter and softer hair that has defined curls or kinks is by twisting the hair into sections daily, using a round brush when blow dry the hair, wrapping the hair in a beehive pattern after straightening it, and rolling the hair habitually. I have employed all of these patterns and have had much success, and these tricks can often be combined. For example, if you wash your hair, when drying it, use a ceramic, high velocity hair dryer to blow dry the hair. You can find one of these at drugstore.com. When blowing dry the hair, attach either a wide toothed pick or comb to the nozzle of the blow dryer or use a round brush my hand to smooth the roots. Then, wrap the hair around the head, as if trying to create a beehive. Cover the hair with a scarf and go about your day. After 3-4 hours, when you let your hair down, it will be softer and straighter than ever. If you want more bounce, roll the hair for 30 minutes after unwrapping it.

Technique #2: Use All Natural Products

I do not know what it is, but kinky, coarse or extra curly hair responds best to natural products. While I had tried all the sculpting puddings and shaping gels to define my very thick curls, nothing has worked like natural treatments, natural butters, natural conditioners, and hot oil treatments. I especially love Beauty 4 Ashes products. While in the States, my Dominican stylist swore by Beauty 4 Ashes' products. I had never heard of them, but when I entered her salon, it would be filled with the scent of coconut milk, almond butter, lime juice, mulberries, orange, strawberry oil, and so many rich fresh scents. I was shocked to see that this scent was emanating from a shampoo bottle. Although the shampoos rarely were bubbly, my hair was left so soft, so sweet smelling, and my curls were tamed! Plus, the products were 100% all natural. I use to purchase them religiously from discoverb4a.com. There were no chemicals whatsoever and they contained so many herbs and great butters. Needless to say, I was instantly addicted, and finally Beauty 4 Ashes is in the UK and their products are available at mybeauty4ashescom. I was collecting all their products while in the States, now my cupboard is filled with their stuff while in London. I highly recommend the La Java Buttermilk Shampoo, Triple Honey Honeydew Conditioner, Curl Boost Cream, Super Gro Oil, and La Java Mocha Latte Moisture Milk. They are must haves for Afro Caribbean hair. The UK website is mybeauty4ashes.com and even available in Canada at myb4a.com.

Technique # 3: Let Your Hair Be

Often, I see so many of my friends terrorizing their hair with chemical treatments, wigs, and the like. While playing dress up and doing something different to your hair is fine, I have discovered that Afro hair needs much love. Although it seems strong, it is very weak. I have even decided to limit my hair colorings to a minimum because of the toll it has on your locks. Try as much as possible to minimize your chemical treatments and always moisturize your hair thoroughly. Do not compromise your hair health for the sake of a style, you will regret it. I get so many more compliments and dates now that I keep my curls free. Always moisturize your hair ends and quench your scalp with nutrients. I personally love making my own hot oil treatments. I visit Superdrug and Waitrose to get my goodies of Evening Primrose Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, and Olive Oil. My scalp is instantly energized and I can instantly tell a difference in my hair, especially when using it with my Beauty 4 Ashes stuff. Even if you don't think your curls can be tamed, they can. If you train and nurture your hair, give it the right things, and take care of your scalp, the difference will be amazing!