I recently read that African American women spend 8 billions dollars a year on hair care products. We could wipe out a portion of the national debt with that type of money. Those numbers however may be declining, An increasing number of black women are choosing to ditch chemicals, and wear their hair, Au Natural.
There are numerous websites and blogs which encourage those of us with kinky locks to go natural. Women of color today are accepting the challenge, by embracing that which our predecessors, were ashamed of.
To go natural during the 1970’s meant wearing an Afro or Afro Puffs. Today black women are being creative with natural styles. Dread locks, twists, and crimps are just a few of many ways to wear hair without altering the texture with chemicals.
For many women over age 40, myself included, wearing a short Afro works best. This saves an enormous amount of time and money. There is also no longer the need to sit in a beauty salon for 2 or 3 hours. I see daily many older women who wear their hair in a short natural style.
Wearing my hair Au Naturel reduces the need for costly oils, gels, sprays and lotions that promise much and deliver very little. I find that a little olive oil massaged into my hair and scalp works well.
I welcome being able to accept my nappy natural locks. I no longer have to worry about rain or humidity causing my hair to revert, because it is already in it’s natural state. There is no need to panic because I spent $75,00 on a style that was gone with the wind in just a few days.
Without chemicals, and heated appliances my virgin hair needs less maintenance. This leaves my tresses free to grow long and strong.
My hair once was shoulder length. ith age and damage I found it breaking. My husband would cut it almost bald and it would grow out the same way each time. I would have enough in the back for a pony tail, but the hair on top would not grow enough to fit in the band that held the pony tail.
I was so overwhelmed with uneven hair. I tried wigs, and half crown wigs. I found weave and extensions, to expensive. And like chemical relaxers must be replaced often.
Wearing my own hair in it’s natural form takes less time and money. And is so much more rewarding. If you are considering going natural here are 5 tips that will assist you.
1. Don’t be afraid to cut it all off. The more you cut the more damage you remove.
2. Remember that your hair is still fragile, so handle with care. Regular shampoo and conditioners are a must. This will reduce dandruff and flaking.
3. You Know your hair better than anyone else. Therefore choose products that you feel complement your hair and scalp. Oils, gels, creams and lotions should be at your own discretion.
4. Cover your hair each night in a silk or nylon scarf or cap. This will hold in natural oils and prevent breakage.
5. As your hair grows adjust your routine. Depending on the texture of your hair, once it grows a few inches you may need to make changes that complement you. You might want to keep it cut short, or continue to wear it natural as it grows. You may want to consider a texturizer, which is not as harsh as a relaxer. A texturizer will relax the kink without changing the texture of your hair as a relaxer would.
8 billion dollars in hair styles, styles accessories and fake hair is something to ponder. If you need help adjusting to your new low maintenance style, consider memorizing I Peter 3:3. This scripture tells us that our beauty is not in elaborate fancy hair styles.
