As a journalist at the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, I write several stories each week for the publication. I also often find myself writing long after I’ve left the office on my natural hair blog, ClassyCurlies.com.
The blog began as a way for me to hone my writing while in college. One of my first journalism classes involved creating and maintaining a blog. While I was simply curious about my natural hair texture, because I had gotten a relaxer all my life, I wanted to document my journey to embracing my natural strands (whatever they were.)
Almost five years later, ClassyCurlies.com has grown more than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s been featured on other prominent natural hair websites such as CurlyNikki.com, in natural hair magazines and I’ve spoken at a few similar events.
I’ve decided to share with Recorder readers some of my tips for caring for your natural hair.
Choose hair health over hair growth
Not everyone’s hair grows at the same speed due to genetics and other factors, but on average, hair grows about a half an inch every month. This equals to just about six inches every year. If your hair doesn’t seem to be growing or isn’t draping down your back as you wish, don’t be alarmed. The health of your hair should be more important than the length.
Moisturize and seal
Many people aren’t aware that oils and products such as petroleum jelly do not moisturize the hair, but simply coat the strands. To moisturize, spray a bit of water, leave-in conditioner or a cream-based product on your hair before applying any oils or butters. This will not only keep your hair moisturized longer, it will help prevent breakage.
Protective styling is key
Two-strand twists, buns, braids, updos, and other styles, which require low maintenance and protect the ends of the hair, are called protective styles. The less the ends of your hair are exposed to weather and everyday elements, the less they are prone to breakage. Try choosing one style and sporting it all week.
Don’t limit product use
Have you ever noticed how the beauty care aisles in most stores are divided? There is an ethnic hair care section and then “everyone else.” Have you ever noticed how products in the ethnic hair care section are much more expensive than the aisle for “everyone else?” I bring this up to point out that yes, some products are made for thicker and courser strands, but through my use, I’ve found products outside of the ethnic hair care section to work just as good or if not better than others. Don’t limit yourself to a specific section because it was branded directly toward you.
Give your hair a little TLC
We all tend to touch or play in our hair, especially during stressful times. Jackets can brush the ends of hair causing dryness and sometimes our protective styles are done too tightly. At least twice a month, treat your hair to a 30 minute deep conditioning treatment. Some of my favorite products to use are: Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque (Walgreens), TRESemme Naturals Conditioner (most drug stores) and Eden Body Works Jojoba Monoi Deep Conditioner (Sally’s Beauty Supply).
Say goodbye to heat
I found my hair grew almost twice as fast when I stopped using heat. Today I use it only a couple of times a year to achieve specific styles. Using heat (blow dryers, flat irons, curling tools, etc.) often can cause dryness and ultimately breakage. If you’re trying to achieve healthy hair, limit your heat usage to once a week or once every two weeks and you will most likely see a difference.
For more natural hair tips, visit ClassyCurlies.com or follow @ClassyCurlies on Twitter.
Naturalistas in Nap
Over the past few years, women have joined natural hair groups all over the world. While some can be found in small cities, many of them are located within major cities such as Indianapolis.
Naturalistas in Nap is a positive group of over 800 women who wish to embrace their natural hair as a lifestyle. Members are able to learn and seek help in beauty care, participate in workshops and connect with like-minded individuals.
The group was created in December 2011 by local resident Darice Renee because of the increase in women sporting their natural hair. The group’s mission is to “Engage, empower, connect and support one another.”
For more information, visit Thewaytonaturalhair.com/the-naturalistas-in-nap/.
Popular natural hair video bloggers on YouTube
Naptural85
Taren Guy
NaturalMe4C
StrawberriCurls
NikkiMae2003
MahoganyCurls
SimplYounique
