Chapter 6 207 Brazilians have a unique culture where they celebrate diversity and it is exemplified in their receptivity of a variety of hair processes and treatments. This is due to the variation of curl from type I to VIII which influences styling preferences and needs. Those who do not choose to chemically alter their hair’s natural conformation accentuate styles with thermal appliances or they may chose to define curls with resin-based styling products. Regardless of how natural hair is physically manipulated to accommodate styles, anti-humidity products are always used to deter frizz in the tropical climate. Straight or reduced-volume styles that last for up to four months are mostly accommodated with the use of thiol-based Brazilian treatments (curl types I through V) or relaxers, which are hydroxide-based treatments (see Chapter 5). One common cultural theme for Brazilian hair that is independent of curl is the desire to have long tresses that are accented by color. African descent (North America and Black African Countries): The most diverse hair practices stem from cultures with the curliest hair types (V–VIII). Examples of diverse hairstyles can be seen in Figure 5. This is due to the need to manage and maintain hair that can be difficult to control because of its curly nature. Thus, maintenance such as frequency of shampooing, styling, the use of products, processes, and treatments are geared towards ease in manageability. Hair is shampooed an average of once a week, which is less frequent compared to those with straight hair. While the appearance of oily hair is unflattering and thought to be undesirable for people of Asian and European descent, oil and sebum actually aid in the grooming process of curlier hair types because it helps to decrease friction and tangling (see section on Physical Behavior on page 210). Thus, hair is washed less frequently to avoid dry, brittle and unmanageable hair however, after it’s shampooed, manipulation in the wet state is imperative for easier detangling (more information is found within the section on Combing on page 210).37 Creative styles such as plaits, cornrows, and twists neatly contain the hair for longer-term styles that last from one week to one month.