South Africa’s embrace of natural hair care illustrates the movement’s power. What Is Natural Hair? Addie Gombauld President of the Caribbean Society of Cosmetic Scientists has great advice for women with curly hair: “Most women who have curly hair often wonder, what’s the best way to care for their hair, which products to apply or how to highlight their curls? In terms of natural Black hair, there's no one size fits all when it comes to texture and growth patterns, but in general, natural Black hair usually ranges from wavy to kinky-coily, with a wide range of variation between the two. Black women’s hair has been under attack for centuries. Interestingly the trends and styling have been a reflection of what’s happening in society. While the decision to forgo relaxing entirely has gained popularity in recent years, the process is often not for the faint of heart. I love the camaraderie that surrounds natural hair. As you learn to identify your curl pattern, you’ll better understand how to style, treat, and protect your curls. event : evt, https://www.therefinersfire.org/womens_hair.htm, The Best Way to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth, Spring Twists: Comprehensive Tutorial and Styling Guide, Yarn Braids are the New Black: Complete Step-by-Step Styling Guide, How To Wrap Your Hair at Night Like a Professional Hair Stylist, 9 Easy Steps to Grow Back Your Thinning Hair Edges (i.e., Baby Hair). In the early 19thcentury hair was chemically treated to be straight and this gave black women a more mainstream look. Influencers, thought-leaders, and celebrities are behind this phenomena. Pre-relaxers and pre-straightening with a hot comb we were natural, and this was the favored style in Africa, the Caribbean, and the USA. Discovering the needs of each unique type takes time, investigation, and exploration. The Big Chop is where all straightened hair is cut off, leaving a tiny afro. The article mentions natural sightings in Hollywood like Tracee Ellis Ross and Zendaya’s styles. There are two main methods that are used to transition from chemical-based hair processes to being natural: “Transitioning and The Big Chop.”. Whichever routine you adopt always look for moisturization. The natural hair movement has affected girls, women, the young and more mature, in all industries and sectors of society. At the time women and mothers used what was available and this goes some way to explain why black girls have had difficulty in knowing the best way to care for their natural hair. There are protective styles including crochet braids and weaves. Without a doubt, the thing that you’ll probably notice most is her quiet confidence or regal stature, because she is being who she’s meant to be. April … The secret to healthy hair resides in always supplying hydration, especially to hair that has been damaged by aggressors.”. Lekia Lee, activist, and founder of Project Embrace has a thought-provoking message that will inspire: “It is really important that natural hair is getting its day and I am confident that it’s here to stay. The implications are far-ranging and have been highlighted in research studies. Next, it talks about how the natural hair movement includes regular people. A 2018 report from Mintel revealed that black women are "most likely to wear their hair natural." Relaxer sales have gone down, while natural hair care product sales are on the rise. Hair industry statistics show that 52% of consumers prefer to buy natural or organic shampoo. It’s about knowing how to style your hair and keep it healthy. In a 2012 article in The Journal of Epidemiology the authors hypothesized about the impact of relaxers on women’s uterine health, the study found that: “In this large population of premenopausal US black women, we observed increased risks of uterine leiomyomata (fibroid) in association with ever use of hair relaxers, duration of use, frequency of use, and total number of burns experienced during use. listeners: [], Moisturization is key! As a result, we are changing the conversation on what is beautiful on-screen, red carpets, and runways. We can’t simply refuse to shampoo and condition and get that look in the way that women of color can. Black women who no longer straighten their hair by chemical processes will attribute some of their decision making to simply not wanting to “relax” their hair, some the cost, others the associated health risks, and some sheer relief from the harmful effects of the application of relaxers. New research from Mintel reveals that sales of styling products have increased 26.8 percent from 2013 to estimated 2015, reaching $946 million, now comprising 35 percent of Black haircare sales, a significant increase from the 16 percent it represents … But thankfully a lot has changed. Your email address will not be published. Because it’s a fact-finding mission to work out the products that are right for you. Some women have chosen to create their own hair products at home because the best products are made with natural butters, essential oils, carrier oils, and plants. We are able to style natural hair with wigs, extensions, and weaves. The 1960's is often called the beginning of the Natural Hair movement. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Women and men are loving the versatility that their curls and kinks provide. They are supportive of each other’s decisions to go natural. For decades in America, the natural hair movement has been growing, changing and fundamentally not just affecting black women, but the economy as well. To make things easier to understand, you’ll often hear experts categorize curls by the shape and how the hair bends with 1 being super-straight to 4 being tightly coiled (more on that below). It’s a longer-term strategy of going natural, and it’s a lot more subtle. Something as simple as detangling natural hair can be done several different ways and discussing what works for different hair types and textures allows women with specific hair needs to easily design a regimen that will work for them.”. The natural hair movement this time around can not be a fad; black consciouness demands this. Products. We found no association of uterine leiomyomata with age at first use or type of formulation used. The best teacher when it comes to your hair is YOU! A significant factor in this change without a doubt is the availability of hair care products designed for natural hair. But you still have so many options to be somebody else." It was then prevalent to straighten natural hair with a hot comb. Let us know about your experiences in the comments section below. Tiffany Posh of Posh International Salon created her own product line, Posh Hair … When used to emphasize the difference between natural hair and European hair, it took on a derogatory meaning. There are movies, documentaries and PSA’s that send positive messages about the movement. Armed with this information, women can ensure that their natural hair doesn’t become frizzy, dry, and subject to breakage. At the same time, in the last 60 years, there have been changes to how women style, care for and treat their hair. Thirty or forty years ago, there were a handful of products on the market for natural hair, which primarily contained mineral oils and petroleum which left a lot to be desired. I’ve been waiting for the spray mist and now I’m looking forward to using it and so is my mum! The natural hair community on Instagram has grown exponentially. Whether the decision to transition to natural hair comes out of necessity due to previous damage, breakage and hair loss from chemical relaxing or is simply a matter of conscious styling choice, transitioning the hair can greatly improve its health and growth potential.”. In the 1960s and 1970s, natural hair was once again in vogue and women wore afros and cornrows (braids). Although stronger associations were seen for leaner women and women living in the South, there was no evidence of statistical interaction by body mass index or region.”. Organisers of the Cape Town Natural Hair Festival can attest to this, with many proudly letting their hair down or up at the weekend. } "The natural movement is resisting the notion that only straight hair is beautiful and professional." Celebrity hairstylist and author Monae Everett presents an enlightened and profound window into her experiences as a stylist: “I now consider natural hair a mainstay instead of a movement. The 2000s have once again abandoned chemicals and there’s a shift to caring for hair naturally. Styles that are sleeker and controlled, including buns. Reuters/Stephanie Keith. The hashtag alone generates more than 17 million posts dedicated to women … But water alone doesn’t hydrate, trapped water does! Avoiding chemical relaxers makes it easier to change color. The decision of whether to Big Chop or not is best made when you way up the pros and cons and determine the best method for you. You’re still being yourself. As US Black consumers continue to embrace the natural hair movement, its impact is greatly shaping the US Black haircare market. Required fields are marked. It’s been said that variety is the spice of life and with natural hair there are so many options for styling. Malone, was the first black woman to become a millionaire and had her own line of hair growth products well before Walker, yet we never hear about her. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We would like to thank all contributors to this research. Due to the history of slavery in America and a strict enforcement of white supremacy after it’s abolition, the natural hair movement we know and love today was not always so accepted. This is a major concern when children wear the aforementioned styles. In the 1700s, enslaved women who worked in the fields usually covered their hair in head-rags due to the harsh demands of their work. Contrary to what many may believe now, the natural hair ‘movement’ has a deep and rich history. As a people, the profound impact and significance that finally embracing, wearing and loving our natural hair after centuries of oppression (physically and mentally), can not be denied–no matter how many times one says “it’s just hair”. As a hairstylist who strives to show that hair is about texture, not race, I really enjoy working with my coily haired celebrity clients Sonequa Martin-Green, Victory, and Dominique Fishback. It has always been used to send some kind of message, and for a Black woman to wear her natural hair out, she is sending a message that her beauty is worthy, deserving and equal to anyone else’s, and this is a note to anyone who might think otherwise. With the number of products now on the market, it’s not a stretch to consider that there is a direct correlation between the availability of these new products and the identification of hair types and classifications that have specific needs. And a later report has more evidence as it relates to chemicals in products. We’ll see!! Is there a new trend on the horizon as it relates to hair care for black women? These chemical processes in one form or another have been consistently used right through to the1990’s. The annex below has contact details, further information, and links to their websites. (function() { The more round the hair follicle is, the straighter your strands will be. Implied for the natural hair movement is that “natural hair care” has changed from what it once was – the chemical processes, straightening and flat irons that altered the hair’s natural state – to a new position of curls, coils, kinks, natural ingredients, quality products, hair types, and groups. Determine your hair type and its unique needs and remember what works for one person may not necessarily work for you. The Natural Hair Movement Essential Facts About The Natural Hair Journey, Valley Fontaine “The Editor of Hair Valley.com, Lekia Lee, activist, and founder of Project Embrace, Beauty Influencer and Natural Hair Blogger, Luyando Handia, (Pure Estrogen), Celebrity hairstylist and author Monae Everett, Addie Gombauld President of the Caribbean Society of Cosmetic Scientists, https://www.linkedin.com/in/addie-gombault-653186ba/, https://www.facebook.com/ProjectEmbraceUK/, https://www.youtube.com/user/vashtikk11/featured, https://www.youtube.com/user/MonaeArtistry, https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/175/5/432/175919, https://silentspring.org/research-update/hair-products-black-women-contain-mix-hazardous-ingredients, customerservice@luxjunaturalhairproducts.com, How To Take Care Of Your Lockdown Curly Locks, The Best Clean Beauty Brands & Hair Stylists To Support In 2020, The Facts About Hair Dye, Hair Color & Grey Hair. Oil doesn’t hydrate hair but water alone will not either. In cities like … I just don’t. } The idea that afro-textured hair is bad, in other words not beautiful and therefore not acceptable and certainly not professional has been around not for decades but for centuries. It’s important for healthy natural hair that products are chosen are formulated with quality ingredients and do not contain chemicals and harsh ingredients. But with 71% of black adults in the U.S. wearing their hair naturally at least once in 2016, according to research firm Mintel, natural hair has now hit the mainstream. Your email address will not be published. And one day you’ll catch the lady beside you at the checkout admiring your healthy defined waves, curls, kinks or coils. Beauty Influencer and Natural Hair Blogger, Luyando Handia, (Pure Estrogen) expertly provides guidance on hair types she says: “Hair typing makes us more aware of the diversity of the natural hair movement. There are several hair types: Type 1 through to Type 4. Reporter. We’re currently in the midst of the “Natural Hair Movement” how black women have styled their hair in the past has been indicative of what’s happening in society. Everybody’s hair grows at approximately the same speed. +1 561 440 3542. One Freehold hair therapist has dedicated her career to studying the natural hair movement. As … But most importantly, she is sending a strong message to younger women and girls that they are enough.The problem is not that we appreciate beauty but that the definition of beauty is narrow.”. You need to apply an oil-based product, in order to control water’s evaporation over time. To garner their thoughts on the natural hair movement. When we look back in history, natural hair dates back to slavery. The natural hair "movement has made it a win-win. It’s definitely a personal preference as to which method should be used to transition. Women, the curlier your hair is that you could literally have a different style each day of the typing! 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