Wednesday, September 9, 2009
MAGIC FOODS FOR BEAUTIFUL NATURAL HAIR...
Our hair is the external manifestation of how and what we eat. External hair beauty is a direct reflection of internal health.
Popping daily hair vitamins and minerals is a wonderful way to strengthen and enhance growing hair follicles. Unfortunately vitamin supplements may not be enough. It’s essential to get proper nutrients directly from the foods that we eat.
Hair Is 98 Percent Protein
Nutritionists advise healthy hair seekers to eat well-balanced diets that incorporate healthy proteins along with foods high in vitamin B, C, E, A and K.
Hair instantly responds to the addition of protein rich foods such as meats, eggs, cheese, seeds and nuts. Fish packs a double punch of protein combined with health building essential fatty acids and natural oils. Start each morning with a protein powder drink for instant protein gratification to jump start straggly stands.
Vitamin B
Scientific studies have shown B vitamin deficiencies in the diet can lead to hair problems ranging from mild to severe. Add B vitamin supplements to your daily supplement plan in addition to incorporating B complex food choices.
Jumpstart hair health by chowing down on green vegetables, beans, sunflower seeds, nuts and peas. These foods are all high in the B complex family which includes thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid, cobalmin, folic acid, biotin, choline, inositol and para-aminobenxoic acid.
Although less popular, raw wheat germ, brewers yeast, kelp and desiccated liver are fabulous hair foods that offer a great source of rich vitamin B.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a great antioxidant promoting tissue and cell repair and growth. It also strengthens the overall immune system, and assists in metabolizing B vitamins and amino acids into the body.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, melons and berries (including black currants) are power packed sources of C. Brussel sprouts, red peppers, kale, cauliflower, tomatoes and cucumbers are additional choices for adding vitamin C foods to your diet.
Vitamin A - Bugs Bunny Had It Right
Bugs Bunny was on the right track with his lust for carrots. Load up on these orange beauty aides for super shiny tresses.
There is nothing better than a sweet mix of freshly squeezed carrot juice mixed with a little lemon or grapefruit juice to cut the sweetness. Whether you eat them raw or juiced, carrots are low in calories and chock full of great cell building Vitamin A.
If you’d rather leave all the orange goodies for that famous cartoon rabbit, you can substitute other Vitamin A rich foods such as sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, cantaloupe or apricots.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is known as the "heart healthy" vitamin. It also provides lots of benefits for growing vibrant hair. Add E to your diet by consuming foods like avocados, rice bran, nuts, dark green vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Vitamin K
This lesser known vitamin helps to maintain healthy bones, teeth, gums, hair and muscles. Food sources of Vitamin K include seafood, dairy foods, figs, brewer yeast, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, brussel sprouts, cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, oatmeal, rye, soybeans, liver, wheat and yogurt.
Iron
Healthy hair requires a balanced source of iron in the body. Acquire iron naturally by eating eggs, fish, liver, oysters, meat, poultry, whole grains, green leafy vegetables and blackstrap molasses.
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to hair problems. Incorporate a proper supply of this important mineral by eating foods that include dairy, meat, fish, fruits, nuts, brewer’s yeast, whole grains and green-leafy vegetables.
Potassium
Bananas are the best source for potassium which is important in nutrient transfer through cell membranes and is essential in hormone secretion. Potassium is found in dairy, fish, meat, poultry, dulse, kelp, blackstrap molasses, oranges and Tortula yeast.
Water
Eight to ten glasses of water a day are absolutely necessary to nourish healthy hair. Chemicals, pollutants and toxins all get trapped in the body. Water helps all chemical wastes, pollutants, toxins and other impurities be whisked out of the body. When you keep yourself well hydrated and clear of toxins, your live is free to help process all the proper nutrients that your body needs.
Essential Fats (EFAs)
Along with proper diet healthy hair needs two essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, that are not produced naturally by the human body.
Omega-3 fats are found mostly in algae, cold-water fish, dark-green vegetables, hemp oil and pumpkin seed oil. Flax oil is consider the most concentrated source of omega-3 found in nature.
Omega-6 fats include borage, evening primrose oil, safflower oil, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, corn and pumpkin seeds. Other foods rich in essential fatty acids include English walnuts, kidney beans, navy beans, soybeans, and evening primrose oil.
Cold-pressed vegetable oils are also essential to a hair healthy diet. Lack of these oils causes dull, lifeless hair along with parched, rough skin. Add a teaspoon to your fresh daily salad and your hair will instantly benefit.
Fun Food Groups To Avoid
Not all foods are created equal in their ability to help grow scrumptious strands. Some foods actually harm your body’s ability to develop lush locks. Eating dead foods can lead to lifeless hair. Sugars and starches, soft drinks, and bad-for-you snacks compose the dead food categories proven to trigger body chemistry imbalances.
Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs will also rob the body of important hair growing nutrients. Smoking has been conclusively proven to damage many important nutrients while nicotine of any type will destroy Vitamin C.
If you can’t completely eliminate foods that are not good for your hair consider cranking up your hair vitamins and at least cutting back on the unhealthy habits.
Knowing What To Eat
Combing a well balanced protein based diet with fresh seasonal fruits and veggies is a great insurance policy for growing fabulous hair you can flaunt. Most seasonal fruits and vegetables cover the full range of vitamins, minerals and trace elements needed for good health and great hair.
Consuming foods rich in copper, zinc and other natural food elements is also helpful. Raw nuts, seed and grains are the safest foods to select for maintaining and growing healthy hair. They furnish hormones, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, many of which are not contained in cooked and processed foods.
Sample Healthy HairFood Plan
Use the example of a healthy hair food plan listed below as a general starting point for building an individualized plan that you can live with to help grow gorgeous strands. If you have a sweet tooth try substituting honey and molasses for sugar. Vegetable oils are great substitutes for butter and other fats.
Note: Please consult with your physician before undertaking any long term nutritional plan.
Breakfast
Select from one or more of the following:
10 ounces of fresh squeezed juice (carrot, apple, lemon, orange)
half of grapefruit, melon or cup of fresh fruit
eggs cooked any style with turkey sausage or bacon
whole grain bread or toast
protein drink
1 Tbs of raw wheat germ
green tea as desired
2-3 glasses of spring water
Morning Snack
Select from one or more of the following:
Sunflower seeds
fresh carrot
apple or other fresh fruit
walnuts, cashews, raisons
green tea as desired
2-3 glasses of spring water
Lunch
Select from one or more of the following:
Garden fresh salad
Turkey, chicken, meat or fresh fish
grains
1 serving of beans or asparagus or broccoli or brussel sprouts or cabbage
green tea as desired
2-3 glasses of spring water
Afternoon Snack
Select from one or more of the following:
1 cup of yogurt
pumpkin seeds
fresh avocado
cup of watermelon chunks
1 banana
green tea as desired
2-3 glasses of spring water
Dinner
Select from one or more of the following:
Fresh garden salad with olive oil dressing
Baked fish or turkey, chicken, meat or fresh fish
green beans, asparagus, broccoli, brussel sprouts or cabbage
green tea as desired
2-3 glasses of spring water
Bedtime Snack
Select from one or more of the following:
1 cup of yogurt
pumpkin seeds
fresh avocado
cup of watermelon chunks
1 banana drizzled with a little honey or molasses
green tea as desired
2-3 glasses of spring water
Before you reach for the Cheetos consider reaching for a hair healthy snack. Grapes, cherries and apples are full of fabulous enzymes with proven health building value and they are sweet, filling treats. Raw nuts, seed and grains contain iron, silicon and sulfur that are additional aids for growing and keeping healthy hair.
Conclusion
While popping daily hair vitamins and minerals is a great way to help strengthen and enhance hair follicles, it is also important to eat hair healthy foods. Protein rich foods succulent fresh fruits and vegetables as well as other live foods like wheat germ, honey, molasses and yogurt instantly crank up the health and shine on your mane.
Once reading this article, I found it to be very beneficial, I hope you ladies will find benefit from it as well.
ENJOY!!!
Posted by Unknown at 7:58 AM 3 comments
Labels: food for the hair
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
GROWTH TO CURLY LONG HAIR...
Can my natural hair grow long?
it is possible to grow your hair long even if your hair is tightly coiled or kinky curly, this is because it all depends on keeping healthy hair and retaining length through protective styling and using natural hair care products on your hair that will help promote growth instead of causing damage and breakage. Some tips on how to help grow your hairstyles is found from the hair specialist who have learned through trial and error what works best on naturally curly, kinky, wavy hair.
Henna can help condition hair and promote hair growth
Some have used Henna for hair growth as a natural color curly hair product. Using it as a way to condition the hair and get it healthy and moisturized. Henna has a muddy texture and can be added to honey, aloe vera and green tea. Henna requires that you leave it on for several hours, some even go to bed with it still in their hair covered by a plastic cap until the morning, and then they rinse it out several times.
Hair Growth New Growth tricks
Our hair is constantly growing so its important to keep the ends of you hair healthy and reduce breakage. Top things to do to promote hair growth is to tie your hair up at night with a silk covering and reduce friction while you sleep, also preventing hair loss is possible by using protein treatments, reconstructors, deep conditioning, limit use of heat on your hair and do not comb hair while dry. It is a labor of love for those who want to have long natural curly hair, it is not going to happen overnight it will take time, but it is possible to keep your hair in a state that actually causes it to continue to grow longer, not that it will actually make it grow. I've found that researching the ingredients in the hair care products you use to be vital, this to can add to successful hair growth.
ENJOY!!!
Posted by Unknown at 8:34 AM 1 comments
Labels: growth
Monday, September 7, 2009
COLORING NATURAL HAIR..
Natural hairstyles dying your hair
when selecting your hair color for your hair is a big step especially if you are naturally curly, if you have decided to avoid chemicals and wear your hair natural choosing to bleach or dye your hairstyle color hair or not to color is a option for many especially if you want a safer way to color your hair. First you want to pick a color that will compliment your skin tone. If you choose the wrong color you may end up looking older, which is not good, and if you pick a color that has the wrong shades of green, reds or yellows it could make you look sickly instead of healthy
Where to get your hair color
The best place to go if you are considering coloring your hair is to a beauty salon, hairstylist are trained to know how to mix hair dye to fit the clients skin tone as well as to achieve the color that the client wants with minimum damage to the hair. If you choose to dye your hair at home you may find that you have picked a color that is too strong and may cause serious damage and breakage to your hair. Revlon, Clairol, Redken, Loreal are just a few of the many choices of hair color, that can prevent hair loss while dying at home
What condition is your hair in?
Take in consideration the condition of your hair, is it strong and healthy? It is one of the key things to measure, if your hair is brittle and dry it would not be best to color your hair because you may face hair loss. Also it is recommended not to go past 3 or 4 shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color
Making dark hair lighter
This poses a challenge for those of us who have brown black hair, it is the darkest of hair shades and usually if you choose to go lighter it will be more than 3 shades to get the look you are going for. Other issues include fading hair color, most people complain about how fast the hair color fades and if they are trying to cover gray hair, it is almost impossible to go longer than three weeks before the gray hair comes back.
Coloring hair at home
When you decide to color or dye your own hair it takes practice as well as patience, Clairol hair color is a popular brand that has color in many shades. Even if you are only trying to add highlights to your hair you can use semi permanent hair color or demi permanent which works well if you know you will need to refresh your color often.
Over the counter products come in a range of prices and quality, it is possible to find one product that will not damage your hair, you just have to read the ingredients and look for organic hair color or natural hair dye such as henna. If you are coloring curly hair you will have to use two boxes of color and you will need to start at the ends doing the hair close to the scalp last.
Hair color activates faster at the scalp that is why some people experience lighter shades at the scalp making their color for natural hair uneven. Vegetal bio colour is 100% herbal hair coloring this is good if you want to be free of harmful chemicals such as ammonia and peroxides. If you really want to save a few bucks you can make your own natural hair dye.
How to make natural hair dye
Natural hair dye is safe and non toxic to the environment, more people are socially conscious and are looking for hair color ideas and ways to use more natural products on their hair.
Henna natural hair color
First you will use henna powder it comes in a variety of shades from auburn to black, then you will add golden seal root, vinegar and hot water to turn it into a paste, this will help keep your desired color for up to 3 months with out damaging your hair but just conditioning it making it softer. Add safflower oil to your scalp after a co-wash and then add the natural herb hair coloring, leave it on your hair for up to 8 hours to achieve darker results. Wash out and rinse henna out of your hair then allow your hair to dry naturally, repeat until you reach the desired hair color that will flatter any haircut.
Adding highlights to your hair
When it comes to picking a color hue for highlights you will have a wider selection of colors to choose from, such as chestnut, cinnamon, beige brown, light brown, auburn, strawberry blonde, golden brown, light ash blonde, dark ash blonde, honey blonde, golden blonde, beige blonde. If you are starting out with a dark almost black natural color, you will have to bleach your hair first in the places that you want the lighter highlights, then you can use a semi or demi permanent color in the sections that have been bleached, because lighter hair shades will not take on dark hair color.
Bleaching dark hair
You will have to strip your hair color first and make it a pale yellowish color first. Every one hair has stages or phases of color already and it is just lifted up or out to achieve the look that we want. Deciding to be a home hair colorist requires that you learn these phases of hair coloring transition with dark brown black hair having a blue violet primary color, while medium light browns have a red, violet, orange primary color, whereas dark to light blondes have a orange, yellow primary color and light blondes has a pale yellow to white primary color, so you see there is a long list of color palettes one must go through before they can achieve a light hair color from a dark hair base.
CAUTION : I STRONGLY SUGGEST TO CONSULT WITH A PROFESSIONAL HAIRSTYLIST, BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY USAGE OF HAIR BLEACH TO LIGHTEN OUR HAIR , REMEMBER THEY ARE PROFESSIONAL'S.
ENJOY!!!
Posted by Unknown at 8:05 AM 0 comments
Labels: hair color tips
Friday, September 4, 2009
HAIR PRODUCTS & HAIR STYLING...
Black hair care, for natural hair growth, curly hair products for natural curls. Styling of african american textured hair for health and beauty. Natural black hair care is depended on the right styling products. Finding the type of styles that will fit best with you daily routine is possible when you learn your hair type and what works best for the type of hair you have.
If your hair is naturally curly one of the best things you can do for it is to keep it moisturized. Inorder to retain moisture the ingredients must contain elements that do not dry out your hair, some of the best ingredients for your hair styling products are as follows: Shea Butter, Coconut milk, jojoba oil, Rosemary, Cedarwood
What is the best natural hair products
The best products will vary from person to person, not everyone can use the same products and get the same results, hair type plays a big role in how your hair will take to a thick creamy conditioner versus a lightweight spray. If you hair is fine with a loose curl pattern the results you get from using a styling product will be different than someone who has a thick, tight coily hair. heavy creams may work best with certain hair types while others it just leaves the hair feeling heavy. Trial and error is the best advice I can give about picking the right hair care products for your natural hair.
Benefits of shea butter for skin and hair
Shea butter is what many who have decided to go natural and wear their hair in coils, twists, locs or bantu knots prefer to use to give them the soft manageable hair. Tightly coiled hair needs to get plenty of moisture which many styling products seem to strip away needed nurishment.
Shea butter is natural fat that comes from fruit, it comes in a solid substance and can be melted down and mixed with other oils. Shea butter is also good for the skin, and blemishes. Biggest benefits for your hair is its repairing and protecting from weather damage, hydrates scalp and prevents dryness.
Wide Tooth Comb for detangling
Natural coily and tightly curled hair looks strong but is very fragile and needs to be taken care of gently when styling, the best way to detangle curly hair is to use a wide tooth comb, seperating tightly coiled or kinky hair starting from the ends, slowly moving upward until the hair combs through easily.
Smoothing hair while preventing split ends, which is the number one reason for lack of hair growth in black hair is the unending breakage caused by styling agents, chemicals and harsh combing techniques. Protect your ends and use a wide tooth comb when styling black natural hair.
There are many brands available on the market, test comb by raking it on your hand to see if it is too sharp, you want a comb with smooth ends so that it will not tear and damage your scalp or your hair.
I personally am not a big fan of any type of comb at all. I'd rather detangle using my fingers. However if you must use a comb , I sincerely suggest following this tip. We as Natural's work very hard to protect and keep our hair healthy.
Benefits of Leave-in Conditioner for natural hair
Most curly heads know that keeping moisture in the hair is vital for hair growth and healthy looking shine, some of the best conditioners are leave-in. Finding the right leave-in conditioner that is not too oily and does not weigh the hair down is what makes a natural hairstyle look its best. Some leave in conditioners can be sprayed on the hair while others have a more creamy texture that can be applied directly to the hair after a shampoo. If you air dry your hair or use a diffuser to dry your hair this type of conditioner can be left in until your next shampoo. So that you hair maintains its managablility. I use cantu shea butter leave in conditioning repair cream. I love this product as a leave in. It's light , it doesn't weigh my hair down, It has a pleasant scent, It doesn't dry out my hair, it keeps my hair moisturized, And the ingredients aren't that bad. This leave in conditioner is a winner in my book, with 2 thumbs up( smiles).
ENJOY!!!!
Posted by Unknown at 8:41 AM 1 comments
Labels: products and styling
Thursday, September 3, 2009
THE BIG CHOP...
The Big Chop what to do next
Going natural from a perm, considering doing the big chop, transitioning from relaxed hair to natural curls. If you just made the big chop, what do you do next, or if you are still transitioning is the big chop necessary? It is a big decision for many napptural women who have decided they want to wear their hair natural. Styling hair and using the right products is crucial for your natural hair journey. When should you do the big chop? This is the question asked once you start to notice all your new growth is now thick and coily while the rest of your hair or the ends are straight and limp. No matter how long you wait for this to happen you will finally get to the point where your hair will start to break due to the different textures because they do not work well together. When I made the decision to do the " Big Chop" it was such a important part of my life, my growing , my accepting, my loving and my embracing.
Can I go to a natural hair salon to get my big chop?
You do not have to do your big chop yourself you can get it professional done, or if you are brave enough to do it yourself you can just get a pair of sissors and start snipping away. I know of sister's who have had their husbands or their children be a part of their big chop I think this a really cool way to welcome the new you. It is a time to cut off all the damaged permed and chemically treated hair. While doing lots of research about going natural I found many women who had the big chop one of the things they all agreed on was that after having such length in their hair it was a little shocking to see themselves with a TWA teeny weeny afro. It gave them a better appreciation for themselves and their hair because now they knew that they have beautiful curly locs.
Styling my hair after the big chop
Finding hairstyles for you new look is possible if you just look around at websites that have photo galleries of natural hairstyles, some of the more popular looks is the straw set and the twists and locs. Many napptural women are able to start rocking their natural hair soon after getting it cut.
Two strand twists can be easily done on short natural hair by parting your hair in sections and then using pure unrefined shea butter or Clear Gel IC to lock the hair in at the ends. To add a little style you can use a ouch free headband to go around the front and you are ready to go. Using gel at first works with slicking down the edges and temples adding waves and manageability to your natural hairstyle. Two strand twists can add versatility to your hair after you take them down, because they add texture curl and style.
Styling Natural Hair with a Headband
Using headbands on your hair while you are rocking a natural hairstyle is so fashionable and cute. It can take any style from twists, locs, afro puff or banti knots and make it look tight and right. Now the ones you want to use are the ones that are ouchless of course, which just means they are made out of a stretchy and elastic type fabric. It comes in multi colors and adds that flare we all crave. Headbands can be dressed up with flowers and barrets and mini clips. So you can accessories with your outfits and mood of the day.
ENJOY!!!!!
Posted by Unknown at 8:31 AM 5 comments
Labels: The big chop
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
TRANSITIONING TO NATURAL HAIR...
How do I transition to natural hair ?
Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is a process that allows you to maintain the length in your hair while it grows. Some transitioning methods and going natural advice will help you maintain healthy hair while reducing unnecessary breakage. African american hairstyles transitioning allows you to lessen the need to do the BC or big chop. How long you decide to transition and what products will help with keeping your hair moisturized is things you will need to consider when you start your natural hair journey.
Relaxers also known as creamy crack can cause so much damage to women of color that the idea of continuing on a course of hair abuse is now leading napptural women to go natural. It is an emotional journey that many have experienced. Hair forums and discussion boards are available to help with the transition period as well as giving the needed support to all you curly heads out there
How long should I transition?
The length of time that you transition depends on the person, some have opted to transition for up to a year or more, while others do the big chop right away, and others keep their ends trimmed slowly reducing relaxed ends as their natural hair grows out. Its important to note that the point where the natural hair and the relaxed hair meet is really fragile, so in order to minimize breakage you will need to treat all your hair as if it is natural, this means to avoid pressing out your new growth to blend in with your relaxed ends.
It is important that if you decide to transition for 6 months or longer that you will need to start moisturizing and taking care of all your hair as if it is all natural, use products that will help in the process. In black hair the curl pattern will be more noticeable once it reaches some length, so be patient because it does take time. Find products that cater to your natural hair, start experimenting with various products to see what will work best for you. Everyones hair is different and what may work for you may not work for someone else.
What products should I use while transitiong ?
While you are transitioning it is important to remember that you will need to moisturize, deep condition and use hot oil treatments, you are entering a whole new world with your hair and it is one that is less traveled by many black women and napptural women who want to gain healthier longer hair. So the first thing to do is to look at the product labels, read ingredients on hair care products, make a list of moisture retaining ingredients so that you can purchase products that will maintain your curl definition, provide softness and manageability as well as retain moisture for added length.
Some of the most popular products include Karens body beautiful, elucence moisture balanceing conditioner and shampoo, unrefined shea butter, extra virgin olive oil, coconut milk, carrot oil, essential oils and moisturizing gels and creams is what you need to apply to your hair on a daily basis around the temples, hairline and ends of your hair.
What transitioning methods should I use ?
During the transition process of growing out your relaxer you will need to find good natural hairstyles to wear that way you can allow you hair time to rest while it is growing out. Some of the best natural hairstyles for transitioning is two strand twists, flat braids, and banti knots. Using protective styles require that you change up and have variety, due to added stress your hair will receive if you stick with just one protective style method.
So if you find that you like to wear twists, wear them for a month and then the next month pick a different transitioning method for your hair. Braid outs is also recommended to use while transitioning. Natural hair is stronger than permed hair but it is also can be fragile, fine and course so it needs to be handled with gentle care
ENJOY!!!!
Posted by Unknown at 7:33 AM 6 comments
Labels: transitioning to natural hair
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
NATURAL HAIR JOURNEY...
Natural hair journey
your natural hair journey will probably not be the same as someone else's journey due to the fact that peoples reasons for going natural are different. You will hear many reasons for going natural and deciding to stop relaxing ones hair with chemicals or hair dyes, its just a choice that is more of a lifestyle and for some its a movement of change where woman of color start to realize they have more control over what goes in and on their bodies either with skin care products or hair care products.
Going natural is also a spiritual journey of letting go of self hatred and low self esteem, its about accepting one self in its true beauty without regard to others preconceived views of what beauty is.
For myself there were a number of reasons why I decided to go natural, however one very important reason was one of being true to myself, a spiritual journey, being grateful for what Allah ( SWT) has given me learning to appreciate it and embrace it . Knowing all that he provides and gives is nothing less than simply beautiful. Being sure of this has made my journey one of ease and complete joy.
Going natural is also a spiritual journey ( as mentioned above) of letting go of self hatred and low self esteem, its about accepting one self in its true beauty without regard to others preconceived views of what beauty is.
Are all natural hair journeys the same?
Many natural hair journey's may not be like yours, because of the different struggles that ladies may have faced in deciding to go natural. This is why it is a journey because through it all you will still have ups and downs.
The natural process of any hair journey
The wake up call
Now there is a natural process to a natural hair journey, starting with an awareness that something is not right about polluting the body with harmful chemicals, then it leads to research, reading about other peoples hair experiences, looking through loads of photos of hairstyles and reading about how one has transitioned from a perm or relaxer or looking at photos of what they used to look like with straight hair,
Learning about your hair
Next you will start to experiment with your hair first with a little of resistance either continuing to wear a weave, wig or straight hair while you try and grow out the perm without fully committing to a all natural Afro.
First love of your natural curls
Maybe you will decide to put braids in your hair while it grows out and the fascination you experience each time you take the braids down to be redone is the beauty of your natural curl pattern, its nice, its shiny, then you continue to visit hair forums and listen to other beautiful natural hair wearers talk about how happy they are that they made the change and what types of reaction they are getting from friends and family.
Taking the step to the big chop
Then you decide its time for the big chop, you really are not ready but you say what the heck and you go for it. You have your friend , stylist chop or you decide to do it yourself. Cut off all the perm and now you are left with a TWA tiny little Afro. Its cute you are surprised at how much you actually like it. And quite freeing.
Trying natural haircare products
So you start trying different natural haircare products from Miss Jessie's, Karen's Body Beautiful, Kinky Curly and follow helpful suggestions from the many advocates of natural hairstyles on YouTube. Or if you like me, a girl on a budget . You opt to research less expensive products that will give equally satisfying results. Like things right out of your kitchen. Be careful not to become a product junkie ( lol)
Trying new natural hairstyles
Once you get some growth and length then you try some of the two strand twists hairstyles along with the braid outs and twist outs. Once you get a little braver you decide you want to actually wear a Afro puff.
The reaction from others
The response you get at work is mixed, now you finally feel the full affect of being different, standing out and not fitting in, you even face a little criticism from your closest friends, Hey why are so many people opposed to you wearing your hair natural and kinky?. You will go through some soul searching this will test your faith and your belief in yourself.
Questions to think about
Can you handle the pressure? Will you continue despite the odds against you? Will you just throw up your hands and say forget it and put back on the wig or start straightening your hair again? will you allow outsiders to continue to shape who you are and rob you of what can be one of the best journeys of your life?
What it all means in the end
See that is how your natural hair journey will be different from others who experience these types of issues and setbacks, some it makes them stronger and more solid in their convictions, for others it causes them to not really want to live so boldly. Either way however you choose, just know that there is no right or wrong way, or good or bad. Its about how you feel about yourself inside and how you want to share and express that confidence to others.
Like they say "do you", and love your hair showing nothing less than complete confidence !!
Its not about HOW you get there, its just about GETTING there! no matter what your journey is.
So , share with AuNaturale your natural hair journey , we would love to hear from you ! ( smiles).
your natural hair journey will probably not be the same as someone else's journey due to the fact that peoples reasons for going natural are different. You will hear many reasons for going natural and deciding to stop relaxing ones hair with chemicals or hair dyes, its just a choice that is more of a lifestyle and for some its a movement of change where woman of color start to realize they have more control over what goes in and on their bodies either with skin care products or hair care products.
Going natural is also a spiritual journey of letting go of self hatred and low self esteem, its about accepting one self in its true beauty without regard to others preconceived views of what beauty is.
For myself there were a number of reasons why I decided to go natural, however one very important reason was one of being true to myself, a spiritual journey, being grateful for what Allah ( SWT) has given me learning to appreciate it and embrace it . Knowing all that he provides and gives is nothing less than simply beautiful. Being sure of this has made my journey one of ease and complete joy.
Going natural is also a spiritual journey ( as mentioned above) of letting go of self hatred and low self esteem, its about accepting one self in its true beauty without regard to others preconceived views of what beauty is.
Are all natural hair journeys the same?
Many natural hair journey's may not be like yours, because of the different struggles that ladies may have faced in deciding to go natural. This is why it is a journey because through it all you will still have ups and downs.
The natural process of any hair journey
The wake up call
Now there is a natural process to a natural hair journey, starting with an awareness that something is not right about polluting the body with harmful chemicals, then it leads to research, reading about other peoples hair experiences, looking through loads of photos of hairstyles and reading about how one has transitioned from a perm or relaxer or looking at photos of what they used to look like with straight hair,
Learning about your hair
Next you will start to experiment with your hair first with a little of resistance either continuing to wear a weave, wig or straight hair while you try and grow out the perm without fully committing to a all natural Afro.
First love of your natural curls
Maybe you will decide to put braids in your hair while it grows out and the fascination you experience each time you take the braids down to be redone is the beauty of your natural curl pattern, its nice, its shiny, then you continue to visit hair forums and listen to other beautiful natural hair wearers talk about how happy they are that they made the change and what types of reaction they are getting from friends and family.
Taking the step to the big chop
Then you decide its time for the big chop, you really are not ready but you say what the heck and you go for it. You have your friend , stylist chop or you decide to do it yourself. Cut off all the perm and now you are left with a TWA tiny little Afro. Its cute you are surprised at how much you actually like it. And quite freeing.
Trying natural haircare products
So you start trying different natural haircare products from Miss Jessie's, Karen's Body Beautiful, Kinky Curly and follow helpful suggestions from the many advocates of natural hairstyles on YouTube. Or if you like me, a girl on a budget . You opt to research less expensive products that will give equally satisfying results. Like things right out of your kitchen. Be careful not to become a product junkie ( lol)
Trying new natural hairstyles
Once you get some growth and length then you try some of the two strand twists hairstyles along with the braid outs and twist outs. Once you get a little braver you decide you want to actually wear a Afro puff.
The reaction from others
The response you get at work is mixed, now you finally feel the full affect of being different, standing out and not fitting in, you even face a little criticism from your closest friends, Hey why are so many people opposed to you wearing your hair natural and kinky?. You will go through some soul searching this will test your faith and your belief in yourself.
Questions to think about
Can you handle the pressure? Will you continue despite the odds against you? Will you just throw up your hands and say forget it and put back on the wig or start straightening your hair again? will you allow outsiders to continue to shape who you are and rob you of what can be one of the best journeys of your life?
What it all means in the end
See that is how your natural hair journey will be different from others who experience these types of issues and setbacks, some it makes them stronger and more solid in their convictions, for others it causes them to not really want to live so boldly. Either way however you choose, just know that there is no right or wrong way, or good or bad. Its about how you feel about yourself inside and how you want to share and express that confidence to others.
Like they say "do you", and love your hair showing nothing less than complete confidence !!
Its not about HOW you get there, its just about GETTING there! no matter what your journey is.
So , share with AuNaturale your natural hair journey , we would love to hear from you ! ( smiles).
Posted by Unknown at 7:22 AM 6 comments
Labels: natural hair journey
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