Natural hairhas gained popularity in the black community in recent years.
For decades, many black women looked to harsh chemicals tostraightentheir hair.
A 2018 report fromMintelrevealed that black women are “most likely to wear their hair natural.”
Although the natural hair trend has certainly taken off, donning natural hair is more complicated than it sounds.
After all, the world of black hair care has a language all its own.
First, we have to talk perms.
Used interchangeably, relaxers and permscanmean the same thing.
but you won’t want to confuse this kind of perm with the one that curls straight hair.
Another term you’ll hear often (especially throughout this article) is “natural.”
To be or to go natural is somewhat of a less concrete idea.
Because hair dye also contains chemicals,some women choose not to dye their hair.
The big chop
So, you’ve decided you want to go natural.
First though, you’ll need to decidehowyou’ll be making this transition.
The big chop requires chopping off most, if not all, of your hair.
This will help you avoid a mix of natural roots and frayed, relaxed ends.
But choosing to part ways with your hair is a big deal.
Hair has long been used throughout history to indicate awoman’s health status and social position.
Long hair has even been associated withyouthfulness.
It’s not an easy decision.
The transition
If the big chop intimidates you, you should know itisnotmandatoryfor a successful transition.
Instead, some women choose to wear their hair in aprotective hairstylewhile transitioning to natural hair.
These kinds of protective hairstyles are helpful because they work to decrease tangling, shedding, and even breakage.
They also protect your hair againstyou.
You know, like over-combing, over-styling, or damaging your hair with heat.
While protective hairstyles may sound pretty amazing, you have to remember they aren’t completely maintenance-free.
NaturAll Club recommends still allowing your hair to “breathe” while in a protective style.
It’s also imperative to avoid letting too much dirt and/or grease from building up.
But simply fashioning your hair into a protective style alone isn’t enough to make your hair grow.
The expert advised oiling your hair and scalp in an effort to “keep your follicles healthy.”
Above all else, though, it’s crucial that you be prudent about which style you choose.
A protective style is only protective when, well, itprotects.
According to his hair typing system, there arefour major hair types, each with its own subcategories.
AsAllurehighlighted, the four main categories encompass straight, wavy, curly, and kinky hair patterns.
Still, it’s important to know just what you’re working with.
Yes, maintenance products come with a hefty price tag.
Similarly Anthony Dickey’s popular Hair Rules Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner costs a hefty $42.
Plus, hair care products withnatural ingredientsalways have a way ofcosting morethan their harsh chemical-containing equivalents.
This phenomenon affects all black women with either coily, kinky, or curly hair.
Only those with straight hair are unaffected.
Since you’re going natural, straightening would undo all your hard work.
However, you canreduceshrinkage without damaging your hair.
The site recommends loosely braiding your hair into sections prior to washing and using a heavier conditioner.
Wash your curly hair too often and you risk drying out your hair even more.
But wash your locks too infrequently and you risk dandruff.
This then may lead to dryness, scaling and irritation otherwise known as seborrhea or dandruff."
The doctor recommends using a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner on a weekly basis for added moisture.
However, that’s just a guideline.
It’s also a good idea to exfoliate your scalp from time to time.
For many black women with natural hair or otherwise hair isn’t just about a crown.
It’s a force, guiding your life and defining who you are.
Natural hair can influence thekind of menthat are attracted to you and even shiftfamilydynamics.
Most notably, natural hair can changeyou.
Going natural may bring up deep-seated issues ofinsecurity or low self-esteem.
Yet, at the same time, women with natural hair will likely tell you that it’sincrediblyempowering.
Workplace vulnerability
Black women who’ve embraced their natural hair are all to familiar with workplace discrimination.
Lindsey, a third-year law student, has faced similarly unfair circumstances.
“The hardest thing about going natural in the workplace is the vulnerability,” she explained.
“The nakedness you feel when someone slowly glances at you, taking in your hair fully.”
The student said she considered straightening her hair for an interview with a New York City law firm.
“The wash and style process literally takes a whole day.”
Drying alone can eat up one’s whole day so Brown recommends starting as early as you possibly can.
Musician Hannah Anderson also revealed her experience with going natural.
Anderson then committed to learning to braid her own hair, which she ended up enjoying.
Or, you might be convinced it would never “work” on you personally.
“All Black women have different preferences as to how we wear our hair,” the writer explained.
That may mean you favor a relaxed style while your sister chooses a perm.
You might love the look of hair extensions or a weave while your friend prefers her hair au naturel.
She continued, writing, “If you want to rock your natural hair texture, then do it.
It is for you, because it’s by you.
She’s not wrong.
