Natural Hair on The Corner- My Hair’s Current State

This winter came with its chilled temps and brisk winds and caused all types of dryness for my tresses. Even in protective styles my hair became very dry. I rationalized the dryness with the fact that I was constantly going from one extreme to the next. Indoors where it was warm, especially in my apartment, then outside to freeze. 

However, I’ve had a few saving graces. Miss Jessies Curly Buttercreme and Super Sweetback Treatment, Karen’s Body Beautiful Naturally Chic Leave-in Conditioner, and my whipped shea butter (raw shea butter, jamaican black castor oil, virgin olive oil and water). My biggest discovery, my hair loves water. Water makes it super soft and it absorbs moisturizers better when wet.

After growing out a dye job that was done in June of 2010, my hair now reaches my armpit when you stretch the back down and to under my chin where I once had bangs. It took about 5 cuts (like inches not just clipping my ends) and some protective styling to grow it out. Its doing great but its been a learning experience. 

I grew up in a salon. Its a family trade. Although I’ve never gone to beauty school, I know a lot about how to take care of hair and how to style it. My natural hair started to flourish when I blocked out the majority of info that was on blogs and you tube and simply asked myself how did you get mid-back length hair before. There’s so much info online that its crazy. Everyone is an expert. It bothers me because with all the info out there new naturals can’t decide what advice they should take. Here’s my bottom line.

Natural hair is not stressful but it does require patience. It shouldn’t take 500 products and 14 hours to wash and style your hair. I don’t believe in co-washing, I know its necessary to have a clean scalp. I use peppermint soap and clarify once a month with apple cider vinegar. Deep conditioning is a must. I do it every week. I use heat and my hair is not heat damaged at all. I blow dry with a comb attachment on a low setting. This was a big deal because everywhere I looked said do not use heat. My hair was cut a lot over the years because of tangles and knots. When I started to blow dry, I got way fewer knots and my hair was able to retain length. Leave in conditioners are also mandatory. Lastly, you should clip your ends every few months and clip knots whenever you find them.

Moral of this hair story is, my hair is doing well. I want everyone’s hair to do well. I went natural before it was trendy. Its actually a trend that I appreciate because it promotes hair health. I only ask that you seek information from a credible source. Don’t follow the girl with mixed heritage regimen because that won’t work for your kinks and coils. Like everything else in life you have to do you.

If you have questions, feel free to ask but the bottom line is you have to find what works for you. I’m working on having a big, disrespectful, taking up people’s personal space fro this spring/summer. I hope you’ll join me. Lol

xo Brandis