Tuesday, 22 October 2013
5 WAYS TO MINIMIZE SHRINKAGE OF YOUR NATURAL HAIR
Hey y'all. I came across this article on shrinkage, a problem that I, along with many other curlies, face with their natural hair. I love big hair, so it's really frustrating when my mane shrivels up like a prune and does nothing for my visual aesthetic. I ranted about it in this post, and decided to research the topic further. Anyway, here are the main tips the author gives to avoid or prevent the shrinkage of your natural hair:
1. Twist or braid the hair in sections when it is wet – This is the most common technique for reducing shrinkage. The braids or twists are undone once completely dry imparting a beautiful texture on the hair or leaving it relatively ‘stretched’ out and ready for the next step of the styling process.
2. Hair treatments – There are various treatments that you can give your curls to leave them elongated when dry. The most popular of these are the dairy based ones like yogurt treatments, sour cream treatment or plain milk treatment. The common denominator in these 3 is the lactic acid that seems to stretch out the hair and some have reported up to 40% less shrinkage after using the treatments. Like anything else, this is a process of trial and error. Some people’s hair seems to respond to different treatments better than others. The fact that these are only temporary effects (lasting until the next wash), is also appealing to most as there is no damage to the hair. The caramel treatment is also worth a mention. It involves the use of molasses, honey, bananas and some vinegar blended together to a caramel consistency. This is an excellent moisturizing treatment and it also leaves the curls hanging lower even after the hair is dry.
Monday, 21 October 2013
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Thursday, 17 October 2013
10 Things Never to say to a natural girl
I don’t know anyone that doesn’t like compliments about their hair. Unfortunately, we natural girls hear things that aren’t really complimentary. Maybe it’s a straight up insult, ignorance or sometimes it is a backhanded compliment, and sometimes it’s just something that the other person could have kept to themselves. Personally I would prefer if you never said or asked the following:
1. ‘Your braids or twists look like Miss Celie’s.’
Say what you want but Oprah, and Whoopi have some nice hair on and off set.
Say what you want but Oprah, and Whoopi have some nice hair on and off set.
2. ‘Are you going to do your hair?’, or ‘Why didn’t you comb your hair?’
I may DO something, I may DO nothing. I find beauty in little imperfections. My hair hair hates combs.
I may DO something, I may DO nothing. I find beauty in little imperfections. My hair hair hates combs.
3. ‘Can I touch it?’ (while reaching for my strands) and/or after sanctioned or unsanctioned touching: ‘It’s much softer than it looks.’
Some days I don’t mind educating the masses about kinky hair. Other days I imagine drop kicking.
Some days I don’t mind educating the masses about kinky hair. Other days I imagine drop kicking.
4. ‘Why don’t you wear your hair curly like ________ (someone with a completely different hair texture)?’
No two people are alike. Natural hair is versatile, and I can achieve nearly any style. Now mind your business.
No two people are alike. Natural hair is versatile, and I can achieve nearly any style. Now mind your business.
5. ‘How did you get it to curl like that?’ or ‘How do you get your hair to do that?’
No one ever questioned my styling process when my hair was relaxed! But I’m happy to show you how.
No one ever questioned my styling process when my hair was relaxed! But I’m happy to show you how.
6. ‘Aren’t you afraid of looking unprofessional?’
I tackle natural hair myths in this article.
I tackle natural hair myths in this article.
7. ’I couldn’t go natural unless I had good hair’ and in the same breath… ‘You’re braver than I am.’
**Takes long, calculated look at the commenter’s hair, weave or wig**
**Takes long, calculated look at the commenter’s hair, weave or wig**
8. ’Wow, your hair grew! I just seen you last week!’
Lets have a little chat about shrinkage……
Lets have a little chat about shrinkage……
9. ‘Why did it look shorter before?’
Because it was in an updo? And because I have nappy hair that shrinks, a lot. I doubt it was shorter before, it was probably just nappier. Good old shrinkage.
Because it was in an updo? And because I have nappy hair that shrinks, a lot. I doubt it was shorter before, it was probably just nappier. Good old shrinkage.
10. ‘I would cut my hair and go natural, like you but ______ (insert ignorant statement here).’
I’ve come to the conclusion that everyone isn’t going to like my natural hair. Good thing they don’t have to wear it!
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