1.Give Your Hair a Break.

Many African-American women experience breakage due to tight braids and excessive hair straightening. Give your hair a break. Try to minimize any styling that pulls or tugs at your hair- tight braids, tight cornrows, and glued in extensions. All of these place an excessive amount of stress on the hair.

2. Ease Up on Heat.

Remember, too much heat can damage hair and cause breakage. While ultra-hot flat irons and blow dryers make our lives easier, they also cause irrevocable damage when used too often or incorrectly. Using heat that's way too hot even once can break your hair.

3. Don't Brush Hair While Wet.

Don't forget, hair is most fragile when it's wet and you should avoid brushing it. It's fine to comb through your hair while wet, but always detangle hair with a wide-toothed comb starting from the ends working your way to the scalp.

4. Condition, Condition, Condition.

A well-nourished scalp is the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair. Make sure you condition your scalp properly. Use a conditioner when you shower, it'll nurture your scalp and give your hair extra protection, added shine, and makes it easier to untangle. Don't forget to work conditioner through the hair with a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute and ensure that every strand is saturated.

5. Leave it Be.

Use a leave in conditioner. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face-it'll hydrate your scalp and protect your hair. You can use the heat from a heating cap or hood dryer for 15 minutes to help seal in moisture.