I was recently talking to one of my really good friends (she
is caucasian), who happened to read my blog for the first time this week. I often
refer to each other as sisters from other mothers, since we are so in sync and
usually say things in-stereo.
She read my post: Straight Up and she was really
struck by it after reading about the chemicals black woman use just for
so-called beauty.
She then said imagine if Michelle Obama and her daughters
were to go natural. They could not only influence black woman in North America,
but all over the world.
The Obama family
I totally agree with her and it would be wonderful if
someone like Michelle Obama would go natural and show her true beauty to the
world.
I do however want to mention that I’m honoured to be a
Canadian Curlie and see that our former Governor General of Canada the Rt.
Honourable Michaëlle Jean has rocked her curls on many different occasions. It
was really great to see and makes me feel proud.
Here are a few others that make me proud, not only because
of their beautiful crown and glory, but also because of their accomplishments
as African Canadian women – GO ON WITH
YOUR BAD SELF!!!
Measha Brueggergosman - opera singer
Jemini – G98.7 FM radio personality PHOTO: www.fullcc.com
Tap, Tap Tap … If
you ever had a relaxer, you should remember those days approaching your
touch-up, when your scalp was super itchy, but you couldn’t scratch it. I was
reminded of this, one morning while driving to work. I was driving behind a
woman, who was briskly tapping her head with her hand. It was quite a sight. The
funny thing about it is that I knew exactly what she was doing. Her scalp was
really itchy, but she didn’t want to scratch it, because she was probably going
to get her touch-up done that day and knew the relaxer would irritate her scalp,
especially if she scratched it. I’m sure others who seen her, thought she was
crazy…LOL!
I cannot tell you how much I do not miss those days. Even
though as of late, I have been recovering from my dermatitis and haven’t had a
lot of time for my hair, I wanted to do a post about WHY I LOVE MY CURLS. Seeing that lady really got me to thinking
about how blessed I am to have my curls and why I made the decision to go
natural.
Here are a few reasons to love your CURLS or NATURAL TRESS:
First year of
curlieness: September 2010
is when I had my last relaxer. April 2012 is when I consider my hair journey
began.
Why I went curlie: Back in September 2010 when I had my last
relaxer, I didn't have any plan to go natural--in fact the idea came much later
on. I had a chin-length bob cut that I would get relaxed and reshaped at an expensive
downtown salon every six weeks. When it
came time to get my next relaxer I was dreading the high cost for a 'master stylist',
the long salon wait, and the eventual
disappointment that many women experience--when they leave the salon with a
fabulous look that they can't recreate after they wash their hair at home. As a
temporary solution to my frizzy roots I put my hair in braids with the
intention of giving myself a month break from relaxing. But as time went on, I
loved the easy maintenance of the braids and would have them re-braided time
and time again. After five to six months of braiding I was able to see enough
of my new hair growth to appreciate the texture and thickness and decided that
I would just transition my hair using braids.
Transitioning with braids.
By this time I
had turned 30 and having had relaxers since I was nine years old, I realized
that my hair was the one part of my being, where I felt I had little control over
and knew even less about. I also didn't like the idea of being dependent on a
chemical process to feel comfortable about my appearance (even though I was
constantly trying to treat split ends and hair damage from the relaxer). I
wanted to nurture a relationship with my tresses and knew that it would be a
long road to get to a length that I was comfortable with. After growing my hair
through braids for a year and a half I made the decision to do chop off my
relaxed ends and start my new hair journey.
Regime and products: Since I'm a
newbie to natural hair care, I am experimenting with a wide-range of products
and regimens. Products that I'm using and love are: pure cocoa-shea butter, pure
argan oil, ApHogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner, and Taliah Waajid's CurlyCurl Cream. These days I'm wearing braid-outs more often than twist-outs. I
find braids take a longer time to do but they define and hold my curls longer.
I like to co-wash at least once per week and re-braid my dampened hair before
bed.
Rocking a stunning braid-out.
The best part of being curlie for me is: The best part of being
curlie for me is to be able to look in the mirror, see my freshly done hair,
and know that I did it myself and that it's all 100% Crystal. Yes, the
unpredictability of my hair can be quite the challenge (oh no frizz!!), but I
love knowing that my hair's beauty comes from being imperfectly perfect--just
like me!
Is there anything else you'd like to
add:
My advice for those thinking about
going natural, but don't know if they can make the commitment, is to focus on
the POSITIVES of wearing natural
hair and capitalize on them. For example, I like style diversity and length
(I'm not crazy about 'fros) and I needed a way to grow out my hair without
having to worry about maintaining two hair textures-- so braiding was a great
transitional hairstyle for me. Finding an experienced braider who is attentive
and creative can mean that you can wear a new braided hairstyle every month
until you are ready to take on the day-to-day maintenance of curly hair.
Cornrows (especially thicker ones) can protect your new growth as long as you
re-braid your hair and trim it regularly, in addition to moisturizing your
braids every day (using store-bought or home-made braid spray).
One of my dearest friends and gorgeous Curlie, Natashia Jefferies has recently released her first book: The Little Book of GREEN Minutes. Some
people call her Tash, but to me she will always be Tashia and I’m so excited to
have the privilege to review her book.
It’s an inspirational self-help book for those who want to live a wholesome and empowering, green/natural lifestyle, by taking baby steps and in the end reaching a goal.
Not only does the book give great day-day tips on how to
live well, but Tashia also gives insight on how she has personally changed her
life for the better. So you are reading an actual case study as well as
learning along the way.
There are a few unique things about this book that you will
not find in other self-help books. First of all it is only 83 pages, a very
easy read, she has included helpful resources, recipes and a journal to help
readers on their way to living a healthy green lifestyle. It’s important to
note that all of the products or services Tashia mentions in her book, she has
personally tried or has had experience with. Lastly, The Little Book of GREEN Minutes is not preachy. Tashia has written
it in a way that is educational and intuitive, you do not feel obligated to do
anything, but without a doubt after reading it, your perspective on life and
the things that you use and consume everyday will be re-evaluated. I definitely recommend this book if you are
looking for something new and exciting. If nothing else pick-up the book and
perhaps take a few tips to apply to your everyday life, I’m sure you won’t
regret it. The Little Book of GREEN
Minutes can be purchased at and the book can be purchased on www.amazon.ca or www.amazon.com
$19.97 plus tax. Feel free to check out Tashia's website at: www.GreenMinutes.ca or to check out her road to curliness as a past Featured Curlie.
So a while ago I asked you guys for your
favourite natural hair resources. I got a few replies and also started to do my
own research, because I think it’s important that we have a myriad of places to
go that cater to us and our hair needs across Canada. I have noticed that
Walmart, Walgreens and Target have caught on in the States, that the natural
hair market is a lucrative one. I wish our Canadian department store would too.
On the flip-side, there is nothing wrong with giving some of the independent manufactures
and distributors some support as well.
I have three theories as to why we do not see
our natural products everywhere.
1st theory:
Many live in
a hair product bubble
Photo: sxc.com
I truly think those who do not have our type
of hair as our, live in a hair product bubble if you will. Not on purpose, but
why should they care, if everything they need is at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart
or even a local grocery store? They do not have to search for it as an entire
aisle is devoted to their products, while black hair products take up less than
a third of that space, and that space is usually for those with relaxed hair.
I also think many who do not have
afro-textured, may think we can use the same hair products as them, and
therefore would not understand why we need different products or tools.
2nd theory:
We aren’t
loud enough
In the words of James Brown, “Say it loud, I’m
black and I’m proud.” We need to inquire about our product in the stores we go
to, on a regular basis. I’m guilty of this as I’m sure the rest of you are, but
the truth is if we do not ask about them, we will never have a chance to see or
purchase them in the big brand stores. It is 2012 and it is time we are
represented in the stores that we have been spending money in for all these
years.
3rd theory:
The Curlie
Lifestyle is relatively new
I know rocking natural hair is not new for
everyone, but over the last 5-10 years, I think it has really come into its
own. In the past it was more so thought of as political statement, but now it’s
a form of self-love and to maintain healthy hair without chemicals. So, if you think about it that way, the Curlie
Lifestyle is really, just an adolescent. It needs to grow and be nurtured like anything
else. We have to make it important in our lives and once we do that, hopefully
others will follow our lead.
Researched
and submitted resources:
So far below are the ones I found or knew of. Please
note that it’s also important to check your local Black Beauty Supply stores or
even Sally’s, you may be pleasantly surprised. I know there are plenty of other
companies/salons in Canada that provide services and products for Curlies. Help
me improve this list and send your resources to share!
Angela is an inspiration not only as a Curlie, but also spiritually and physically. She has a such positive attitude while living with her disability. It's my pleasure to feature her. Thanks for being a part of my blog Angela!!!
Name: Angela Njoku
Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia
First year of curlieness: 1996
Why I went curlie: When I was sixteen, my hair was straightened with a
chemical relaxer.As I got older, I
found the relaxer chemicals to be too harsh for my fine hair.By the time I was twenty-five, I noticed that
the colour of my hair was changing to a coppery almost blonde colour at some
parts.I figured that this was a sign of
damage to the hair and possibly to my scalp.I decided to go natural.I waited
until I grew about a centimeter of natural hair under the relaxed hair, and
then went to a salon and had the relaxed hair chopped off.The hairstylist was tentative about cutting
off my hair because my hair was shoulder length at the time.But when it was cut to an afro, I felt
refreshed and rejuvenated.As time went
by, I noticed that my hair became stronger and healthier.
I kept my hair in a very short style that framed my face (about half a
centimeter in length) for about five years before deciding to grow it out.My biggest challenges with being natural were
finding products for natural hair, finding a hairstylist who was skilled in
handling natural hair, and figuring out different ways to style my hair.
Seven years ago, my health deteriorated to the
point that I became disabled.I thank
God that my hair was natural at the time because I became too sick to visit a
salon or do my hair myself; if I still had the relaxed hair I would have had to
cut it all off.But I receive home care,
and my home support worker has been taking care of my hair for me among other
things.For the last five years she has
washed, combed, styled and occasionally trimmed my hair when I couldn’t do it
myself.She visits twice a month, and I
manage my hair the rest of the time. Thank God that my health is turning around
now, so I am able to do a little more with my hair and occasionally get out to
a salon for a trim and conditioning treatment. The reason why I mention this is
to encourage anyone who is considering going natural.If I can keep my hair natural while dealing
with a disability, you can do it!
Angela with a cornrow braidout.
Regime and products:
The frequency in which I wash my hair is based on its length and how my scalp
feels.It’s a little bit longer than
shoulder length now, so it is washed twice a month.(But when it was very short, I had to wash it
every 2 days, and when it was chin length it had to be washed once a week.)If I wash it too often, it becomes dry and my
scalp itches.
Presently, I am using a natural shampoo called
Hygenic, made by local hairdresser, Pauline
Patten-Bailey of Hy-Style Beauty Care here in Halifax (website coming soon; see
below for more information).Pauline has
developed a line of natural hair care products called Bailey Hair Care Products. When I became disabled, I could no longer
comb my thick hair.But I discovered Bailey‘s Curl In Curl Out, which
softens my hair so that it is a little easier for me to comb. I apply it every
six months.
One of Angela's favourite products from her stylist Pauline Patten-Bailey.
I also use Bailey‘s Bedew, a leave-in conditioner, after washing and as a
daily moisturizer. I use natural Shea Butter as a scalp and hair
moisturizer.It was given to me by a
friend, but can be purchased in stores. The Shea Butter prevents my scalp from
going dry and flaky during the winter months.It also produces fantastic results when my hair is flat ironed.
I try not to fuss with my hair with too much
combing, heat or product.If it’s not
dry or tangled but is soft and shiny, I know that all is well, so I leave it
alone.If not, I add moisturizer,
condition it or use less heat on my hair.(I try not to flat iron more than three times in one month.)I make sure to get it trimmed every two
months to prevent hair breakage and tangling at the ends. I also maintain a
healthy diet, and try to eat carrots regularly to encourage a healthy scalp and
hair growth.
Angela's wash-n-go look.
The best part of being curlie for me is: I like variety, so I have been
one to change my hairstyle frequently. I love curly hair, because of the fact
that it can be styled in many different ways with relative ease. It can be in
its natural state or afro, locked, twisted, flat twisted, braided, flat ironed,
straightened with thread, corn-rowed, you can add extensions to it, and so
on.Also, undoing a hairstyle (like
twists or corn-rows) can create another hairstyle. An added bonus, I find, is
that that curly hair (mine is quite curly) can hold a hairstyle for a long
time, so it does not have to be changed every day if one wants to keep a style
for a few days or weeks. My home support worker gives me a style that will last
for two to four weeks.
One challenge about being curlie is that, no
matter what style it is in, once my hair gets wet, damp or is exposed to
humidity, it reverts to its natural curl.I’ve lost a few hair dos after sweating or taking a bath!
Maintaining my hair in its natural state has
been considerably less expensive than in those days when I used a chemical
straightener, which to me, is another big bonus and reason why I have stayed
natural all of these years.Last, but
not least, my hair is healthy, I am happy with it, and it looks better than
ever!That is the reason why I wanted to
go natural in the first place: to have healthy hair that I could feel good
about.
For you Canadian Curlies in Halifax, Pauline’s
hair salon is located at 349A Herring Cove Road, Halifax; telephone 902.431.0556.
First of all let me apologize for the hiatus. My husband and
I have been crazy busy selling our house and buying a new one, not to mention
upgrading furniture and trying to get rid of the gently used stuff. So as you
can imagine, my life turned into a small zoo. I’m still in the mist of
everything, but I had to give some props to me old stand-by RAW SHEA BUTTER!
One of my favourite brands of shea butter, found in most Black Beauty Supply stores.
As of late, I have been dealing with a flare up of
dermatitis, which has not been fun, but I won’t get into that right now.
Needless to say, I’ve taken a minimalist approach for three reasons:
-My hair needs some extra love;
-Lack of time;
-When dermatitis is lurking, my scalp/hair does not
like new unknown products.
So I have been shampooing regularly, adding my leave-in and
styling with raw shea butter only! I find people either love or hate shea
butter. Well, I’m a LOVER. It seals in moisture like nobody’s business, in my opinion. Yes,
there are other oils and butters that can do the trick, but for me shea butter
works best. So I do not think it will ever be out of my regular rotation of
products.
