African

Caribbean/

Dual Heritage

Health, Hair &

Skin Care

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Contents:

31

How to use this guide 7

Facts about Black Hair 9

Washing Black Hair 10

Combing Black Hair after Washing 11

Combing and Grooming 12

Plaiting Black Hair 13

Styles and Textures of Black Hair 14

African Caribbean Hairstyles 17

How To Corn Row: 19

A Step By Step Guide

Caring for your Locks 20

Skin Care 22

Eczema , 23

Sickle Cell Anaemia 25

Natural remedies for Eczema 26

Organic Skin Products 28

Moisturizing creams for Black/ 29

Dual Heritage children

Books about Black Hair 30

Glossary 31

Online Resources 33

Notes 35

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Who is this Guide for?

This guide can be used by a number of People/Organisations, including:

Parents, Carers, Foster Carers and Guardians responsible for

the parenting of Black/Dual Heritage Children.

Lecturers in Adult, Further, Community or Higher Education when

teaching on Child care/Hair & Beauty courses/Social work courses.

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Facts about Black Hair

Black Hair is made up of 90%

Keratin- A tough protein which also

makes up our skin and nails.

Hair consists of 3 main layers

Medulla: The Medulla is

the centre of the hair shaft.

Cortex: The cortex gives

the hair strength.

Cuticle: The cuticle acts as

a protective layer, covering

the hair shaft.

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Combing Black Hair

after washing Comb wet hair with a wide tooth comb,

with rounded edge teeth. Comb hair

gently parting sections of the hair one

at a time; add the hair moisturizer to the

scalp. Evenly distribute the moisturizer

through the hair, then comb thoroughly.

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African Caribbean hairstyles

Cornrow and Afro style Cornrow Cornrow with beads

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How to cornrow: A step by step guide

Cornrow is similar in technique to plaiting, but instead of plaiting the hair

away from the scalp, it is plaited against the scalp.

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Skin Care

Black children must moisturize their skin

daily, to prevent their skin becoming

dry. If this occurs carers need to apply

more moisturizer! Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter are

recommended. Chlorine in public swimming pools is

extremely damaging to both black skin and hair.

Black children should wear swimming caps in the

water (for all ages) and shower immediately afterwards with soap to

remove the chlorine. Moisturizer cream should be applied directly

after swimming. Black children and adults have Melanin in their skin;

however the perception that black children do not have to worry

about skin cancer, is false. Children of colour do get skin cancer, and should

wear sun screen and a hat when playing outside to prevent sun burns.

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Eczema

Eczema is a medically recognised non-

contagious skin condition. It is an itchy

inflammation of the skin is a common skin

problem amongst the African Caribbean.

Eczema can be a difficult and embarrassing

challenge for anyone, but for African

Caribbean and dual heritage children, with

eczema there are many more concerns,

including disfiguring and discolouring of

the skin [Hyperpigmentation]. This condition

[Eczema] is also known as dermatitis. It is more

common in children than in adults.

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Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell is a condition which

belongs to a group of red blood cell

disorders that is inherited, passed

from parents to children. The most

serious (and common) of them is sickle

cell anaemia. Most people affected by

sickle cell anaemia are either of African or

Caribbean origin. In sickle cell disease, the

red blood cells become hard and sticky, and take on a sickle

shape. When the sickle-shaped cells travel through small blood

vessels, they clog the vessels and can block blood flow. In

addition, the sickled cells die earlier than normal blood cell,

which creates a constant shortage of red blood cells.

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Moisturizing creams

for Black/Dual

Heritage children

Carers should look for unscented and alcohol

free moisturizers, that suit the skin type of the black

child, as they can be irritating. Moisturising creams

such as Cocoa and Shea Butter are ideal. Don’t

forget about the lips and face. Moisturizers that

are appropriate for the body may not be suitable

for the more delicate skin of the face. Eating a

balanced diet and drinking water are also

beneficial for healthy, glowing skin.