Hair 101

As a woman who has been natural for over 7 years, the information I provide isn’t just a form of research but actually trial and error. 

So here it is, being natural is a job and needs dedication. If you want good results you have to treat your hair and learn it as well. It took me years to get to the growth I have now. I started off with dry, brittle, split ended hair. 

Living in Atlanta, Georgia there are only a hand full of hairstylists that specialize in natural hair. For years I’ve kept my hair in a rotation of braids, sew ins and press outs. However, overtime the stress of braids and sew ins wore out my edges and hair strands. It would be so long but unhealthy. My hair was choppy and so unacceptable. It stayed the same length for 2-3 years. 

It was until I realized I wanted better for my hair.  I took the time to let my hair breathe. I would wash my hair every 3-4 weeks. It allowed my hair to be manipulated less. Keeping the products I used on my hair to saturate in my scalp and on my hair strands. My go to hairstyles were braids and press out. My braids lasted for 2-3 months. After I let my hair breathe with a wash, condition and press out. To keep this hairstyle I wrapped it with a silk scarf until my roots began to grow. I started doing braid-outs, twist outs and a Bantu knot style up until I was ready to get braids again. 
 
To protect all my styles I used tea tree oil and Jamaican black castor oil on my roots every 2 days. Protecting my hair with a scarf when I had braids and press outs. I used my bonnet for twist outs, braid outs and Bantu knots.

I hope this has encouraged you to embrace your natural hair. 

Typed with love

- Shakerra P.