Written by Jessica Williams
Every spring, I chop off my hair because I cannot stand sitting in a hot salon and I do not have the patience to curl it everyday. I love my natural hair texture and rocking it is just as fab as when I wear it straight. While traveling these last few months, I have had the opportunity to catch up with a few busy hair gurus in Chicago, Atlanta, and of course, the BK. These experts shed a ton of light, trumping some preconceived ideas about natural hair and shared some information regarding a healthy and manageable mane.
It’s funny to me that natural hair has always been associated with African Americans wearing huge Afros and at one point, viewed as just a fad. Taliah Waajid’s social media strategist TaRon Joyner made it very clear that this hair myth couldn’t be far from the truth.
“Natural Hair is not a movement. It has always been around. Natural Hair education is a movement.” In other words, you can walk up to any man or woman of color and they will tell you natural hair is not limited to just Afro puffs and tapered domes, nor is it dictated by fashion trends. Natural hair is just that—beautiful, un-relaxed hair preferred by those who choose to use products to keep it healthy, manageable, and chemical-free.
And international hairstylist/educator Chris Curse from Chicago agrees: “Natural hair wearers have this gift and straight hair is no less beautiful on them than curly or kinky,” he says. “I do not believe that to classify oneself as 'natural' that you must adhere to twisted, braided, or locked styles. Curly and kinky hair are resilient for a reason...the ability to manipulate it into the style you desire WITHOUT chemicals.”
Like most people with natural hair, I prefer using non-chemical products. Chris suggested doing a little research to best understand the features and benefits of most ingredients, including olive oil, coconut oil, and any other [natural] ingredient in a product you are considering to make sure that it will meet your specific needs.
Atlanta’s best-kept secret Alia Prather discussed the benefits of using some of these natural oils for hair maintenance. While researching ingredients found in most natural hair care products, she states using organic products are beneficial as well.
“Organic coconut oil is great for moisture and strengthening. Avocado oil [can be used] for shine and as a protein to strengthen the hair.”
She also suggests olive oil as a natural moisturizer for the scalp while supplying nutrients and apple cider vinegar for bringing the ph balance of the scalp to an alkaline base and minimize dandruff. Alia is especially known for cocktailing natural products to get maximum shine, moisture, and enhancing natural hair curl patterns. She did however mention that she is not a fan of mixing over the counter products with professional products.
“Over the counter products tend to be diluted, therefore not securing enough moisture or nutrients the hair needs.” Brooklynite Natasha Waterson stands in agreement. “Mixing hair products is tricky and generally not a practice of mine. Over the counter products have a shelf life and require temperature specific storage,” she says.
“Some natural ingredients breakdown faster when exposed to extreme heat. To keep it safe, I don't mix anything.”
So what should one do to find what works for his or her hair? Natasha’s advice is to learn your hair type, which brings up my second point. Another misconception is naturally coarse textures only apply to African Americans. Not so. Some people from Irish and Italian backgrounds have a thick mane of hair that requires the same degree of attention as well as biracial individuals.
The best way to find out what works for your hair texture is to pick your hairstylist’s brain or attend events that focus on hair and beauty. Taliah Waajid’s World Natural Hair, Health, & Beauty Show in Atlanta is the perfect expo to attend and is open to the public. TaRon explains the expo as a place where people come to learn and educate others and to experience a lifestyle and culture that society does not shine lights upon.
Twice a year, hair companies both big and small come together in an effort to educate consumers and hair experts about the latest in products and techniques to keep your hair in a healthy state. Creating an avenue for experts and continued education, Toni Love, educator and founder of the Toni Love Group stressed the importance of stylists educating his or her clients.
“Over the years of educating, I find many people are not informed and not obtaining the proper information. The "group" was launched as somewhat of a "resource center" for professionals and consumers,” says Toni. “We attempt to provide information to be helpful to everyone.”
Like Chris, Alia, and Natasha, she too believes that hair stylists should pay attention to consumer needs. “Because of the internet, many consumers are better informed, as they conduct their own research. Therefore, the professional has to be educated on various topics pertaining to hair.”
Bottom line, the information is out there. Because of the countless number of blogs and websites, make certain that whatever information and products you discover meet your individual needs. Between everyday people like you and I, sharing information back and forth along with the help from top experts are sure to eliminate some concerns exist about natural hair.
Do not hesitate to ask your hairstylist or girlfriends for tips to maintain your natural tresses. The right products coupled with “how-to’s” and a little love is guaranteed positive results.
Jessica Williams is a creative expert with eighteen years in the beauty, film and entertainment industry. She works on the Broadway musical Wicked and recently, Aida and the NBC series' "Chicago Fire." Jessica's first e-book, "It's Makeup, Not Rocket Science!" is available on Amazon and Barnes&Noble.This "how to" book is designed to educate women step by step on makeup and skincare. Jessica is currently working on having her book printed in multiple languages for at-risk women in various parts of the world, including the U.S.
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