A Review of Hair Care Products for Black Individuals

Physicians should be prepared to provide professional guidance to black individuals with both chemically treated and natural (ie, nonchemically treated) hair. Patients may seek advice from physicians if they decide to discontinue use of chemical relaxers or if they have sustained damage such as chemical burns, breakage, or hair loss from the misuse of various hair care products. Properly advising this patient population requires a basic understanding of hair morphology in black individuals as well as the unique characteristics of this hair type and the products used to address its needs. Although some products may promote healing properties, misusing or overusing them may cause adverse effects. This article will provide clinicians with a basic understanding of chemically treated and natural hair in black individuals. We also discuss hair care products that are ideal for this patient population and the potential adverse effects based on their chemical formulations.