AFRICAN CREATURE: Natural Hair Tips

This post is VERY informative for new natural girls who have just begun their natural journey, or those of you that are STILL enjoying your natural journey!

AFRICAN CREATURE: Natural Hair Tips: Hair Growth Massage your scalp with your fingertips (not your nails) daily to stimulate and promote circulation to your scalp and reduce exc...

Why Go Natural?

Why should I go natural? This is a question that many women would probably ask before they decide to take that step to transition. Having natural hair is more than just the physical. It is also psychological. It is coming to terms with ourselves, and making the decision to finally embrace who we are, and to accept ourselves for who we are. To not be ashamed of our image and to stop trying to alter our image to fit into society or because we feel that it is accepted as beautiful or presentable. It is understanding that we no longer feel that we have to conform to the European Standards of beauty to feel or to be considered beautiful. We are beautiful as we are. 

We grew up in a society which hinders our natural beauty, in which we grow up seeing and learning that straight hair is beautiful and that our naturally kinky hair is ugly. Everything we see in the media, the billboards, advertisements, etc glorifies straight hair. Models, actresses, singers, dancers, etc. There is hardly a moment where you are able to see a black women embracing her natural beauty, instead, we see black women trying to be something they're not. With the straight weaves, perms, etc. We have grown to hate our hair! Why? Because they have taught us to hate ourselves and our image, so subconsciously, even though many don't realize it, we are still in that state of mental slavery that they put us in when we wear straight hair.It's funny because it's something that many don't realize until they actually go natural. When people who don't understand, our own people, says that it's 'unsanitary' to be natural, or it's nasty, or it's ugly. But why? How is it nasty to be natural? It simply doesn't make sense. Many prefer to see us women with long, silky hair, but that is simply not who we are and we don't have to have those artificial things to be considered beautiful. 

if you think about it nobody else on this planet has hair like us, so why try to be like everyone else?

So while transitioning it is best to think of these things. What kind of role model do you want to be towards the young? or towards your children? Do you want to teach them self-hate or do you want to teach them to love themselves, regardless of what is considered 'beautiful'  in society. We are unique. We are beautiful! Don't be afraid to embrace what you have been given. And don't try to be like anyone but yourself, because everyone else is taken.

So while transitioning,  it's best to look at images of natural girls  for motivation because you'll actually be able to see how beautiful it really is and it'll help motivate you to continue on your journey. Don't listen to the haters! :p

Protective Hairstyles

Protective hair styling is VERY important when it comes to growing our healthy, beautiful, natural hair! This is because they help to protect your ends (the oldest part of your hair) from any damage and prevents it from breaking off. The more hair that breaks off the harder it will be to retain hair length. Some of the best protective styles would be braids, twists, Bantu knot-outs, etc, and another would be weaves. The reason why I say weaves last is because weaves are a little harder to maintain when it comes to moisturizing and can sometimes be a hassle. Also, with weaves, it is easier to forget all about the hair underneath it all! With braids, it is easier to moisturize and also get into the scalp and to be able to massage the scalp easily. 

Massaging the scalp is also a very important step because this helps support blood flow to the hair follicles and promotes growth. Remember, when using protective styling, always keep hair moisturized!

It is also important to wrap your hair at night and keep it protected from any friction (from your pillow) that will cause split ends. You can use a satin scarf or you can also get a satin pillow case! These work very well :)

Why you shouldn't get a Perm!

I've came across a very interesting article when it comes to using relaxers in your hair. Even though many don't realize it, relaxing your hair can cause PERMANENT damage to your beautiful tresses. Some of the most common problems that comes with constant chemical treatments on your hair is, hair loss, breakage, scalp irritations, scalp infections, stunted hair growth, etc.

A relaxer, straightens the hair transforming the original curl pattern by loosening or relaxing the kinky texture. This is where the evolution of your hair takes place changing it from its original natural state to a lifelong process of having to reapply chemicals to maintain the same look each time causing more damage to your hair. Is it really worth the time, money, and damage? The chemicals used in relaxers are the same chemicals (Sodium Hydroxide) used to make drain cleaners to unclog sinks. Its the same chemicals used to remove fur from animals to make leather. Its the same chemicals that you are putting in your HAIR! 

I posted a very interesting video below about the relaxers that many of us had, or still do put in our hair. Ever wondered why your hair has never seemed to grow with a perm (and yes our hair does grow, fast.) ? Or why it started to thin out? This is why!

Eco Styler Gel and Giovanni Leave-In Conditioner

My quick review of two products that I use in my hair; Eco-Styler Gel and Giovanni Leave-In Conditioner. 

:)

The Eco Styler Gel is great for wash-nd-go's when you do not have enough time to actually do your hair or if you just want a quick curly-fro. This product doesn't leave any flakes and does not dry out your hair. When applying, it is important to apply in sections and to moisturize your hair shaft with leave-in-conditioner or an oil of your choice.

Giovanni Leave-in Conditioner is works wonders! I absolutely love this product and would recommend it to anyone who is beginning their natural journey. This leaves my hair feeling wonderful and very soft and manageable while detangling. Remember, detangling is a VERY important step when it comes to natural hair because you want to avoid getting knots in your hair as much as possible. I detangle once or twice a week, depending on my hair-style and finger comb during the rest of the week while styling my hair. This keeps my hair soft and manageable, and prevents a lot of breakage.

These two products are very affordable and can be found at local beauty supply stores, drugstores, or supermarkets. I received my Eco Styler Gel from Sally's Beauty Supply and my Giovanni Leave-in Conditioner from The Whole Foods Market.