Black Children in Care: Health, Hair and Skin.

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African Caribbean/ Dual Heritage Health, Hair & Skin Care

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Contents: How to use this guide Facts about Black Hair Washing Black Hair Combing Black Hair after Washing  Combing and Grooming  Plaiting Black Hair  Styles  and Textures of Black Hair African Caribbean Hairstyles  How  To Corn Row:  A Step

By Step Guide  Caring for your Locks  

7 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 19 20

Skin Care Eczema , Sickle Cell Anaemia Natural remedies for Eczema Organic Skin Products Moisturizing creams for Black/ Dual Heritage children Books about Black Hair Glossary Online Resources Notes

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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. Š positiveimageproject 2010 -11

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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. Š positiveimageproject 2010 -11

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Eczema Eczema is a medically recognised noncontagious 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. Š positiveimageproject 2010 -11

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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. Š positiveimageproject 2010 -11