Good hair seems to have always been a goal for women, especially women in the African American community. Between enormous amounts of heat and expensive hair products that don’t always do the trick, the goal of “good hair” (society’s definition) doesn’t look so realistic. It’s time this “good hair” became the “embrace and take care of the hair you have” goal. African American women need to learn to love the curls, kinks, and knots we’re lucky enough to have instead of trying to support the societal ideal. There’s no need for a goal of good hair when us ‘naturalistas’ already have it. It’s a revolution, a curly one, and there are so many styles and trends to explore.
As defined by ishimma.com, a natural hare care website, natural hair is hair that, when thoroughly washed and cleansed, reverts to its natural texture and curl pattern as it would normally grow from the scalp. Hair needs moisture, which is something that a lot of hair care products of today do not provide. The use of a product on natural hair should not be frowned upon. When making the decision to be natural, choosing the right product becomes increasingly important and even more of a challenge. Everyone’s natural hair is different, which means everyone has a product out there that is best for them. There are several products that ‘naturalistas’ agree work best. including Carol’s Daughter, Mixed Chicks, Miss Jessie’s and Shea Moisture.
Even though these brands can be pricey, they’re worth it. I recommend Shea Moisture, specifically the Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. It moisturizes, loosens and protects curls while giving off the most pleasant smell.
Styling products help to create a unique look. Bantu Knots have made quite an appearance in natural hair media. Not only are they a protective style, but they also create big bouncy curls without added heat. Naturally twisted and styled buns/updos are also popular right now. They are a very elegant and creative way to protect hair. I want to stress that just because your hair is natural does not mean you have to be dull. Feel free to mix it up with fresh and funky styles that compliment you. And most importantly, make sure your hair stays moisturized, because lack of moisture causes breakage.
I previously mentioned a popular style this summer called Bantu Knots. This style can come off as easy, but can sometimes be hard to achieve. There are several steps and precautions that must be taken to perfect this style:
- Wash and condition hair
- Comb out all tangles and knots in order to make it easy to part hair into sections.
- Start to part a single section of hair into a square at the back or front, which ever you prefer.
- Put a dime sized amount of curling pudding on the parted section of hair. (I recommend Olive Oil brand pudding; $6 at Wal-Mart)
- Twist hair to the tip then wrap around base.
- Use a bobbie pin to tuck and secure end.
- Repeat steps 3-6 until entire head is knotted.
Not only are everyday people rocking their natural hair, but celebrities are doing it too. Solange Knowles has to be one of the most prominent fashion icons representing natural hair right now. Knowles expressed what her hair means to her in an interview with Essence last year.“I think many people, especially from other cultures, just don’t understand the role hair plays in black women’s lives. I can now transform the energy surrounding my hair into something way more positive.”
Natural hair is good hair, and many African American women fail to realize and embrace that. Being natural isn’t just about hair, but more about a sense of self-worth and confidence. Being natural isn’t simply a hairstyle, it’s a lifestyle.
