by Sophia Sandrelli

Halle Berry	Beyonce	Jameliah

But how can we mere mortals make ourselves look like these sexy stars? Stick to the following rules and you'll be well on your way...

Be Gentle

Black women's hair isn't the most cooperative of animals. It is hard to get it to do what you want so their is a tendency to meet fire and fire and be over physical. Pulling, tugging, wrenching may get you results quicker but it will also make you bald quicker. Women are lucky in the sense they don't suffer as much as men from hair loss. However, women's hair isn't indestructible. If you are too rough you can cause permanent damage to the roots and follicles preventing future hair growth.

Experiment

There are dozens of different hair styles for black women to choose from - braids, locs, sets, wraps - almost one for every day of the month. If you don't try out the variety available you may never find the ideal style for you face and personality.

Correct Straightening

Millions of black women want straight hair but only a small percentage achieve this without adversely damaging their hair. Hot combs and relaxers used can cause both heat and chemical damage to the hair and scalp, which can lead to permanent hair loss. The risk is even greater when the chemically processed hair is then pulled tight by rollers or curling irons. It is crucial to find the least harsh relaxer possible. The strength of the chemicals in a regular relaxer is frighteningly strong. It is also essential to allow you hair to recover after a treatment. You should wait at lest six weeks before subjecting your scalp to another dose.

Many black women have great difficulty in growing long, healthy looking hair. They can only look admiringly at the blondes and brunettes of this world with their shiny, flowing locks. There are many reasons for this and fortunately they can all be addressed.

Firstly, as previously mentioned black women have a tendency to be a little rough with their hair because of it's unwillingness to do what they want. Combing to harshly and too often can damage the hair and prevent it from growing properly.

Also many of the styles black women favour require potentially damaging treatment. Colouring can use harmful chemicals. Straightening can subject the hair to severe levels of heat. Braiding can pull the hair too tight leading to permanent hair loss. We could go on. The key is to be gentle, not use cheap products and no matter how frustrating it can be, not to lose patience. Look after your hair and it will reward you with a length and shine you never thought possible.