Whether you're a parent with a child of mixed heritage or a mixed race person, this article will discuss some of the key aspects of mixed race hair care. Like all hair textures, mixed race hair can vary from straight to tightly curled. But managing and maintaining mixed race hair does not need to be difficult or time consuming. Here are some tips that should help with daily styling.

1. Handle with care. Mixed race hair, especially if it is curly and afro textured is naturally fragile because it has a lower ratio of low-sulfur proteins than high-sulfur proteins (unlike that of straight hair). Essentially this means that mixed race hair needs to be handled gently and should not be constantly manipulated.

2. Comb gently. There are two points that need to be made here. Firstly never use a skinny or narrow toothed comb when combing mixed race, curly or afro textured hair. Narrow combs increase breakage by pulling excessively on the hair causing it to rip and tear. Instead always make sure you use a wide toothed comb such as a jibere shower comb. The second point to make about combing is to never comb mixed race hair when it is dry. Combing curly hair when dry causes increased breakage and leads to split ends. Make sure you comb yours or your child's hair when it is wet or damp and either soaked in conditioner, olive oil or our Curl Smoothie. This will prevent breakage by adding slip to the hair therefore reducing friction between the hair and comb.

3. Don't over shampoo. Whilst individuals with naturally straight hair need to clean their hair regularly because their scalps produce excess sebum (oil), curly and afro textured hair actually produce less sebum which makes the hair dry and fragile. For example, a mum with straight hair who washes her hair daily shouldn't be using the same approach for her curly haired child. Whilst the mum's hair produces too much oil the curly chid's hair produces too little. Instead of shampooing daily try co-washing (washing hair with conditioner) as this will increase moisture and nourish the hair.

4. Moisturise. As mentioned above curly and afro textured hair need more moisture because they tend to produce less sebum. This means that instead of taking moisture out of the hair (by shampooing) moisture needs to go back into the hair. Natural olive oil (preferably extra virgin) is great for moisturising curly hair but some people may find it to be a bit too greasy. That's why we've created the Curl Smoothie; a moisturising lotion which nourishes the hair without residue or excess grease,

So remember to:

1. Handle curly hair with care.

2. Comb gently: use a wide toothed comb and only detangle hair when it is wet and moisturized with conditioner or a natural oil.

3. Don't over-shampoo. Curly hair textures including mixed race hair, only need to be shampooed once a week at most.

4. Moisturize. Use a natural oil such as olive oil or try our Curl Smoothie.

We hope these tips have been helpful. For mixed race hair products have a look at our online shop. If you'd like us to write about a hair issue that you're experiencing why not tell us! Simply fill in our Contact Us Form with your name, email and message and we'll try our best to help you with your hair query.