Original article: http://www.livestrong.com/article/110255-different-hair-care-types-africanamericans

African-American hair varies in texture and coarseness, and is able to be styled in many different ways. Many African-American women choose to make their hair straight by using relaxers or a straightening comb, while others choose to keep their hair in its natural state. It's all up to the individual.

Relaxed

Many African-American women choose to straighten their hair with a relaxer. There are a number of different relaxers on the market, which target different preferences and coarseness of the hair. Relaxed hair has been straightened with chemical relaxers, which can make the hair more manageable and easier to style. Relaxed hair can be worn curly or straight, and the versatility of it is endless. The hair has to continually be relaxed at the roots to straighten the new growth. The time between getting a relaxer usually varies from four to eight weeks. However, some people only get relaxers two to three times per year.

Pressed

Pressed hair is straightened with a straightening comb. The high heat of the straightening comb pulls the waves or curls, and straightens the hair. The hair has to continuously be straightened after washing to maintain this type of hair. When hair is pressed over a period of time, it may lose its natural curl or wave due to the excessive amount of heat being used.

Natural

There are a number of African-American women who choose to keep their hair in its natural state. The hair texture can vary from kinky, curly, wavy and sometimes straight. With natural hair, women are able to achieve a number of styles. Many times they wear a variety of styles that may include afros, twists and locs. Natural hair is often times thought of as being more cultural.