It has never occurred to me to talk extensively about hair until I did an interview with my good friend and mentor Jackson M'vunganyi from Upfront Africa (at VOA) aka Mr.J (my nickname for him). The show touched upon different hair textures and what it means to those that rock them. I thought I could expand a bit on the show and hash out all the myths about the whole natural thing.
1. It's too expensive
Ok i'll admit, before I went natural (meaning no more perming) I was freaking out. Millions of questions came through my mind and one of them was definitely the "expensive" part. The reason why I had this misconceived notion is because of all the numerous YouTube videos and blogs stating that you need a gazillion products and all kinds of protective styles for this to work. Honestly, I haven't done any protective hair styles such as weaves, wigs, braids, cornrows etc. since I started this journey. Well, I had braids once but that was more because I needed a change and not for the purpose of protecting my hair. I also have not used a gazillion products. You'll be shocked to know that I only use three products for my hair (shampoo, condition and hair cream). Hence, why it becomes affordable.
Tip #1: All you need is some good natural products, that don't have all the added chemicals in them. This will keep your hair healthy so that you won't need to buy a lot of products as well as spend even more on protective styles. Also, stop watching all those YouTube videos….you'll be more scared!
2. It's not Professional
It is very much professional. That is your natural hair that you were born with so how can it not be professional. The only issue would be adding colors to your hair depending on the field you work in. I've gone to many networking events and I have not been treated any different from the next person. Actually, sometimes it works to your advantage as people are intrigued and they want to touch your hair.
Tip #2: You must know how your workplace is. I'd say minimal color and no headbands of any sort for a majority of industries (up for debates).
3. You Won't Look Feminine
If you think you won't look feminine after going natural then there's a bigger problem that needs to be resolved first. Think to yourself: is my old hair the only thing that gave me validation of being feminine? Here's a secret, you actually feel more feminine with the natural look. There's something to be said about you as a woman peeling your deepest layers to finally project what you were born with. You have shown your most vulnerable side to the world. That makes you feel feminine instantly. Take for instance, drag queens. Some of them have very defined manly features but honey when they get all dolled up, there's no stopping them. They own it, every single bit of it. Then you get sucked in and you feel every bit of their femininity.
Tip #3: Embrace yourself first, nothing more feminine that a load of confidence. Then focus on the way you dress and present yourself, the rest shall follow.
4. My Hair Is Coarse, It Won't Look Good
Ladies, ladies this is the beautiful secret about going nature when you have coarse hair. Your CURLS will be more defined which will save you that time you have to braid your hair every night. I fall into this category, it was the one thing that made me think a lot about embarking this journey. When I was younger I used to dread getting my hair done because it meant excruciating pain the whole time as the pulled my hair just to get a stroke of comb into it. However, I found out that it is the way you take care of your coarse hair that makes the journey more enjoyable the second time around. I love it and no I am not crying my pain away. So to my coarse-haired sisters, definitely go for it.
Tip #4: Get the right products that nourishes your hair. Then either wrap your hair with a silk fabric or get a silk pillow cover. This is a must, or your hair will dry up!
P.S: Coming soon. Products that I use not seen here and couple styles I've rocked. Stay Tuned.
Special thanks to Jackson for inspiring me to write about this piece and for our great interview on hair. You can follow him @UpfrontAfrica
**Feel free to comment about your hair and what it means to you. Really, anything you want to share about hair is welcomed!
Tip #4: Get the right products that nourishes your hair. Then either wrap your hair with a silk fabric or get a silk pillow cover. This is a must, or your hair will dry up!
P.S: Coming soon. Products that I use not seen here and couple styles I've rocked. Stay Tuned.
Special thanks to Jackson for inspiring me to write about this piece and for our great interview on hair. You can follow him @UpfrontAfrica
**Feel free to comment about your hair and what it means to you. Really, anything you want to share about hair is welcomed!
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