New Products
I began braiding my hair about a year to ago to change things up a bit. Prior to that I wore my hair very short, that is, close to my scalp. After much pleading from the gang, I decided to grow it out a bit. I don't know, but I think as I've gotten older and maybe from the past harsh chemical treatments to or on my scalp, I've noticed that my texture has changed and instead of being able to comb through fairly easily the texture is very, and I mean significantly coarse. My dermatologist also suggested the above observation but she added some of the changes might be genetically related.
Over the last few weeks I've been using this natural coconut oil product. I know another shameless plug. It is an organic product that can be used on the skin as well, according to the label.
This is a product I'm using. I'm not a professional, I suggest you talk with your doctor before trying any products suggested on this blog. If you are looking for a tropical take me away fragrance, you will not get it from this product. As stated on the bottle it is unrefined, it smells like raw copra<--- dried coconut. I've used this directly on my hair usually when I get out of the shower as my hair is slightly damp and it works very well for me. I've also mixed this product with 100 Percent Natural Unrefined Shea butter, that leaves my hair a bit easier to comb through and moisturized.
Natural Styles
I am enjoying the various natural hair styles I see worn by women all around me. It is refreshing to see ladies/girls embrace their natural hair, texture, color and or length. I am not a natural hair expert nor do I claim to be, I'm just someone whose worn my hair natural for quite some time. I have to tell you as I was trying to find the style or styles that suited me I would occasionally go back to perming. The phase is over and I fully embrace my natural tresses.
Before we go any further let me define my usage of the word natural. When I say natural/ natural hair I am referring to hair that was never introduced to harsh chemicals in perms, texturizers and other chemical straightening agents. For some people natural means something altogether different. For example, in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire, the bus driver expressed his preference for that natural woman after noticing Mrs. Doubtfire's hairy leg as a result of her skirt being hiked up a bit. The bus driver comments, "I like the natural look myself, the Mediterranean look," I believe he called it. That is NOT! what I'm referring too. That right there is a whole other topic of discussion.
Ok where was I, yep, I was around 8 years old, when I got my first perm. My hair was so straight you couldn’t tell me I didn't have a percent in me. It didn't matter that my hair line was scabbed and burnt, all that mattered is that it straight and I was cute. Well, so I thought, sadly that straightness lasted for about a month. Maybe the heat, sweat, river, beach or sun got to it I don't know but it wasn't straight for very long. It required what is known as a touch up, yup another perm. For me, I didn't care, I liked it straight so a month later I didn't mind going through the torture. This regimen continued all through high school and through my early college years. I think my decision to return to my natural style came in the beginning of my second year after I noticed my hair was thinning in the middle. I blamed everything for my thinning hair except the perm. I blamed one of the fast food places I used to frequent, the water, sodas, coffee , even chlorine from the pool got blamed for my thinning hair. One day, to make all my strands even, I chopped off all my hair and started wearing my hair Natural. I have to tell you the look immediately was a compliment to my features. Yes?
Oh, I just remembered one more thing. I forgot to mention another important hair regimen I experienced in high school. I had a jeri curl. Yes your read that right, a Jheri curl, and at the time, I was darned proud of it. The hair was soft (a little moist) and full of jet black curls, no grease or nightly shower caps were required cause I had lustrasilk not carefree ok?. oh you’re laughing? Don’t!!!!! cause I know you had one too.HAAhhAAA! Nope mine was NOT greasy, and my hair was looooonnnnggggg.
I have to also say, I NEVER experienced leaving spots on people’s couches like the family in Mr. EDDIE Murphy’s movie, Coming to America. Let's just get that out of the way now! Anyways, even though I opted for the natural look, there were times when I regressed. I would long for a style change and I would go back to putting perms in; only to remember, oh shoot! I’m natural and I’d start the process all over again by shaving it all off.
Recently, I saw Chris Rock’s movie/documentary, Good Hair and it was eye opening. If you haven’t seen it take a look and let’s discuss. It investigates/reveal/highlights some of the reasons women and even men of African descent are obsessed, addicted, drawn to, or prefer the straight look.
I’ve made a promise to my daughter that I will not put any chemicals or straightening agents in her hair. So far it has been a promise kept. Now that she’s a bit older, she’s asked for a perm and I’ve explained my reason for not doing it. My daughter and her brothers have seen the “Good Hair” documentary and some of the effects of the chemicals have on an individual’s scalp. If she chooses to use chemicals in her adult years, then it will be her choice and her decision but I until then, I am committed to not introducing it. What do you think?
Here are a few pics of my daughter’s natural hair.
- No chemical or other straightening agent
Oh one more thing, I will post a photo of me wearing my Jeri Curl when I find one..just don't remind me to post it I will come around when I am good an ready, yes? In the mean time let’s talk.
2 comments:
Post a pic of your jheri curl can't wait to see
Great job! Happy healthy hair journey!
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