The Beauty Thesis : natural hair

Showing posts with label natural hair. Show all posts

I would call that my dream job. Why do I fit in that position? Because people who are transitioning from relaxed to natural need all the support they can get. Sadly, where can you find someone on call to walk you through your detangling, co-washing, stretching, protective styles, product addition, hair typing, apl, bsl, and all the frustration, determination and dedication required to stop lye-ing to your hair? Exactly!

I realised I have a knack for this yesterday whilst assisting a group of women and their daughters during a meetup. As they went round the room expressing their issues I realised they spoke things I had chronicled on my journey. It got to the point where, I who's very demure and reserved, seemed to be offering all the information.
I am not better, nor do I have the answers, but I have been there. I dealt with the breakage, the shedding, the twist out gone wrong, the products that didn't deliver, the hair crushes. In fact, yesterday I looked at the spoils of my trip for hair ingredients and it looked like I was making various salad dressings and vegan trays. The oils: tea tree, olive, garlic, almond, jojoba, vitamin E, and Amla. I had the butters: Shea, Cocoa, Almond, Coconut, and Honey. The produce: avocado, banana, garlic clove, ginger, organic cinnamon, and blueberries.
I use these to make products for girls at the foster home. It's far less expensive to make than purchase, and we have a time to bond and talk about things. Also, since they are freshly made with no preservatives or chemicals, they must be used within a strict time frame. I'm thinking about getting fragrance oils for scent, but I'm concerned about the impact on future endeavors.
Seriously, when I was in line, there was a pretty young lady who had an unfortunate wig on and it was due to her going back to relaxing and had a weave sewn in and her hair was damaged when it was removed. The hair dresser washed her hair prior to removing the weave, therefore causing it to mat and resulting in breakage. She had to cut her hair to an inch all around and still doesn't think she can "do natural" because of the "work" so...
It's not really work if you think about it. When you first start exercising, you don't see results, but you are exerting yourself and working hard. It's the same concept. You don't see immediate results because you are training your body to work differently. It takes time. When you have learned to manipulate your hair for 20, 30, 40 or more years, you can't figure out what your chemical free hair likes. You didn't have to listen to your hair because the lye allowed you a "crutch" to keep from working with it in its natural state. Make friends with your hair. Learn what it likes, but don't pressure yourself. Don't compare your journey to anyone else's. It's one thing to learn or share experience with products, techniques, etc. but you can't expect your hair to respond the same. Also, don't expect the many rules to be hard and fast. Some people grow hair faster but genetics, diet, hydration, etc. are all factors. Go easy on yourself and your hair!

Natural Hair Coach

by The Beauty Thesis on 9:10 PM

I would call that my dream job. Why do I fit in that position? Because people who are transitioning from relaxed to natural need all the su...

So the internet when HAM when a website displayed a Caucasian women as a representative of the "Natural Hair Movement." It's been ugly in the cyber-world. It was ugly for a few weeks and fortunately, I have no dog in this fight, however, I have an opinion. From my understanding, the Natural Hair Movement really isn't as much a movement as it is a statement. For centuries, women with Afro textured hair that was often called, "nappy," or "bad hair" etc., would often use Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) to straighten our hair to either loosen or eliminate the curl. There are women who were known for having "good" hair; however, they had curls that were loose, almost wavy and that was the "ideal" texture. They didn't straighten their hair with the vigilance we kinky girls did.
Not gonna lie, having the "z" pattern wiry curls absolutely sucked! Sitting between your mum's legs as she waved a hot comb through your kinks was not fun. Sadly, the detangle process was what did my hair in. Thick hair, think wiggy, that really had no part but rather sat on one's head was so difficult to comb through most times I found excuses to not want my hair done, but that meant no church, no church meant no home.
When most girls came of age, to be determined by their house rules, they could get a relaxer to straighten or relax the curl. When I found out about this, SIGN ME UP!!!! Against my mother's wishes, I succumbed...

It was as if heaven opened and cherubs were released around my head that day. I could not understand how addictive this would be. I felt like I had "good hair" although everyone knew the good from the bad haired girls, it was wicked moving my head and my hair not stuck to my head. When the wind blew, I had some problems, just like the white girls! We understood the struggle of rain, fog, and other elements that could take a good hair day and throw it down the toilet.
My mum refused to "put that junk" on my head, so I had to work humiliating chores for families to afford my addiction. I had a worker's permit, but I had no experience, car, references, so cleaning, babysitting, writing papers, all means to get the roots straight. Most women did this for most of their life.
About 10 years ago someone brought to my attention all the health hazards of the "creamy crack." I spent a lot of time researching anything to dispute the claims. How could I allow hearsay to steal my joy? Devil be damned!

Sick as it sounds, I scoured the internet to find out what beautician was known for getting hair bone straight. There were times, my scalp was on fire, but if I said anything then the chemicals would be rinsed out with the chance of my hair not straightening all the way. So I suffered with the chemical burns in order to have that hair that moved like the girls on tv and magazines. Sure, my body and face were jacked, but the hair was on point.
In time, more of my associates were doing a "big chop" or "bc" and opting to stop straightening their hair and to let it grow in it's natural state. Some were more zealous than others. They said natural and they meant natural. They stopped putting any chemicals in their hair. There were recipes made from ripened bananas, avocados, raw honey and other items found in the house. As for colouring the hair? Henna! I started greying at nine so I do colour my hair. If that makes me unnatural, cool, I'm okay with that, but the fact that in 06, I transitioned (no big chop) from relaxed to natural has been such an amazing journey. It's had highs and lows, it takes a lot more time, patience, and tender loving care to do my hair, but I don't mind. I am past the whinging about how many hours it takes since the beauty shop took a whole day, it's nice to have my weekly pampering session.
So, where is this #teamnatural coming from? When a Caucasian woman was interviewed by a predominately black website, pitch forks and torches ensued. It was the interview that divided a movement. In all fairness, the struggle with kinky coarse hair is much different than the curly haired girl who isn't even transitioning. She just decided to embrace her natural curls. No more scrunchies, this girl is wearing her hair proudly.
So, shots were fired, fingers were pointing, domains were questioned, boycotts were trending and accusations ran amok. Nearly everyone, even those who didn't understand the "movement" were chiming in. A man held a forum via Web Ex to try to bring the peace back. I tried to listen, but I kept thinking about that song, "I am not my hair," by E. Badu. Was it really that serious? It's one thing to not spend money where you aren't respected such as Asian owned beauty supply stores, but now we are boycotting some of the friends we "grew up" with online.
I must admit, I did view some bloggers and vloggers differently; but fortunately, none of them live on my side of the world. Being an outcast has its benefits.
Do I think that it was wrong to put a "Becky" as a featured natural? There are some who have kinky hair; however, this one did not. I find that poor taste because it would be like having Kate Moss represent Weight Watchers. Sure, she may "embrace her natural curves," but they miss the point.
Will there ever be a #teamunited? Of course not, so I'll just dodge the bullets, educate myself when necessary and stay out of it. How was your week?

#TeamNatural .... Wait! What?

by The Beauty Thesis on 10:32 PM

So the internet when HAM when a website displayed a Caucasian women as a representative of the "Natural Hair Movement." I...

So, my cameras are en route as I went away and left them. I miss writing here, it seems to alleviate the need to speak to a physical person. I decided to create my photo for this post.

Whilst visiting my friend in California, we got into the natural v. fake topic. She's been relaxed, her sister natural. Fortunately for her, she's not obsessed with beauty, fashion, makeup all of my downfalls. She posed a question and I never realized some people don't know the difference between "transitioning" and "stretching."

Transitioning, simply put, is the process one takes before their "big chop" which begins the journey to going natural. The term natural should be used with caution as there are few who agree on what defines natural (i.e. colouring, products, protective styles) so let's stick with the topic at hand.
Most people transition to avoid the shock of shaving all their hair off. By allowing the hair to grow awhile, it's easier to accept the tiny Afro, than the shaved head. To be honest, any drastic change is an initial shock, and I think there is a period after of mourning, fear, anxiety and regret. For others, they are so happy to have healthy hair, it feels liberating.

Stretching is the process of extending a relaxer for a prolonged period of time with the intent to decrease overlapping between touch ups. By "stretching" the time between relaxers it also allows the length of the hair to be a bit more pronounced. If you wait five months between relaxer touch ups, versus 4-6 weeks, the difference is impressive.

The downfall to the two is that the line of demarcation will literally make or break the results. The line of demarcation is the point where the hair's natural texture and the chemically treated area meet. Because of the difference in texture, the hair can easily snap and break. During the process of transitioning or stretching, many opt to wear their hair in protective styles. It's also important to ensure hair is not manipulated without plenty of patience, care and gentleness. The hair is very, VERY vulnerable so make sure if you are washing and conditioning you allow plenty of time to complete your regimen. I also recommend researching hair forums, books, and any information pertaining to your hair's texture. What works for some, will not work for others. Make sure the hair has PLENTY of slip. That coating will alleviate tangling and prevent that dreaded "snap" breaking the hair.

xoxo

Transitioning v. Stretching

by The Beauty Thesis on 4:44 PM

So, my cameras are en route as I went away and left them. I miss writing here, it seems to alleviate the need to speak to a physical person...

It's that time of year again...I want to go natural so bad my teeth hurt. Seriously, it's that bad. I feel like shaving my very long mane. I worked very, very hard growing my hair this length...but having it texlaxed doesn't feel right to me these days. With so many people making great strides these days, I feel like I need to challenge myself. Well, why not continue with the work out, body makeover? Because that isn't a goal, it's a lifestyle change. I am changing the way I think about food and the result will be to become more "fit" and healthy in the process. Feeding my body instead of my cravings.

I guess I am sort of bandwagoning. I feel left out, I'll admit it. Everyone is going natural and they are embracing their hair's natural texture. To be fair, my mother didn't encourage me to do anything to my hair. She was fine with taking care of my natural hair, and pressing it out for church and special events. What happened? Social brainwashing. I wanted my hair to be like the images on video queens. That was the era I was raised to watch, video vixens were the "it" girls. I liked the naturals like Angie Stone, Lauren Hill, Eryka, Whoopi, but they were so dang smart I was into superficial so they fed my need for knowledge, but they weren't in my face like Halle, Meagan, Beyonce, Nia, etc. It could be on me, ~~maybe~~ I wasn't focused on the "right" issues. But, I was shallow and into beauty. I was doing makeup and these were some of the images I was looking at to inspire some of the looks I could create. Not that the others weren't doing the same, but they weren't everywhere I looked. So why now? Same thing, but I'm scared. Not of the "big chop" I've been bald, that doesn't scare me in the least. I can work a protective style to acclimate to anything. I know now my hair can grow as long as I treat it properly. But change in corporate settings isn't always well received. My fear is, as a ~~black~~ female I'm very blessed to have a job in the field I do. I've been made redundant and living on unemployment was the worst experience I have ever endured. I hated every day of my life then. I never felt more hopeless, worthless, and desolate. I am still recovering from that which is why I allow some of the ~~bullshit~~ stuff my boss does to get a simple side eye. I don't want to give my employer ~~power~~ reasons to eliminate me. "They can't do that! That's discrimination!" Please, I see it everyday. I am so depressed. I watch Kimmay Tube, Scandalous Beauty, and read countless journals about others' transition and miss that. I feel left out. I know it's not easy, but there's a sister hood in the natural community and no matter how long, healthy etc. my hair is, I miss experimenting with chemical free hair. I'd still color it, but watching a transformation and trying new styles is like clothes. I like to change my style and switch it up.

(not my texture but nice)

(business appropriate)

(we won't be needing your services...)

My style of makeup and clothes are somewhat tolerated due to my background in fashion and makeup. I don't think the transition and eventual journey will go well. I guess it's cowardice and a lack of faith in God on my part, but maybe this is another phase. I feel like I shouldn't have to be in this position, but I guess EVERYONE is required to make a compromise of themselves when working for someone else. But times are really hard, and if an employer wants a face or "image" which reflects them, they have the right. If I ran a business and felt body art or whatever didn't work in say a child care environment, I'd select employees accordingly. Loves, choose decisions wise, but don't let them consume you. Look at how many people are making their dreams possible on blogs, YouTube, and hard work.

All About Going Natural

by The Beauty Thesis on 9:24 AM

It's that time of year again...I want to go natural so bad my teeth hurt. Seriously, it's that bad. I feel like shaving my very lo...

There is no one method for taming one's mane. What I have learned is that you have to really, I mean really know your hair. You have to know your hair like you know your skin.
Hair is made up of proteins (keratin) and it needs protein in conjunction with moisture in order to keep a balance of strength and elasticity. For me, I don't think my hair can ever have too much protein, but I know it doesn't get enough moisture. Unfortunately, I color the heck out of my hair. I don't do all the other rubbish, like heat, back combing etc, but when people ask me how I keep my hair looking so healthy or shiny, I have
to confess that if it were in it's natural color, it would look like a tumble weed. It's so bloomin dry! My niece, poor baby has the same problem. I tell her it's her father, my brother's, fault as her mother has thick, ridiculously long albeit straight hair. I love her mum's hair, but feel my niece's pain. Her hair is disgustingly thick, she has a lot of it, and it's so curly. She likes to wear it pulled back in a pony tail; however, it makes our hair draw up and turns into a "puff" if we don't plait it. It's quite curious since my boss has the same situation and what's more, we resemble each other when we both wear our hair down as we did today.
So, what I recommend is to experiment with your hair's texture and if you don't know what it is, ask! Alternate products and see how your hair responds. Conduct a test with your hair following the same regimen (wash, condition, style) but alternate products by ingredients. For instance, notice the difference in your hair when you use protein (usually reconstructors, or may indicate protein on the bottle), moisture, and so on. Be aware of your hair's growth to shed factor. Sometimes hair tends to grow faster in the summer due to warm climate, how you eat plays a vital role, as does your stress or any medications. Am I saying to change anything? No, I'm merely giving hints on what things may contribute to the dissatisfaction with your hair's current state.
Remember, whether you are natural, relaxed, texlaxed, extensions, color treated, etc. you must take care of your hair. There isn't an alternative other than going bald. You will have good days and bad days, but ultimately, your hair is a reflection of your genes and how you treat it.

xoxo