When I was growing up, a silk press on natural hair was simply called getting your hair pressed. I remember getting my hair pressed for special occasions. This involved getting a wash and set, and then having my hair straightened…
Think twice before going back to relaxer
The natural hair movement has fundamentally shifted the entire hair care industry. Black women embracing our natural hair has led to the complete decline of the chemical hair relaxer market. U.S. relaxer sales plummeted from $71 million in 2011 to…
It’s time to let the hair type chart go
“What’s my hair type?” When I started my natural hair journey, figuring out my “hair type” is the first thing I did. Created by Andre Walker, Oprah’s long time hairstylist, the hair typing chart goes from 1A — straight hair…
Have fine type 4 hair? Try a custard over a gel.
Ever since I started my natural hair journey, I haven’t been able to find a gel that my hair likes. Most of the gels I’ve tried have left my hair dry and crispy, and my curls stiff. My hair is…
How to stop hating your natural hair
“I hate my natural hair.” This is a phrase I read more often than I’d like to on natural hair forums and subreddits. The comments often come from teenage girls whose families aren’t accepting of them wearing their hair natural….
Before & After: How platelet-rich plasma saved my edges
I’ve always had a difficult relationship with my hairline. My edges are naturally on the thinner side but between stress, a too tight hairstyle, and a bout of covid, they were on life support. After a lot of research, supplements,…
SheaMoisture may have snapped with their new scalp care collection
SheaMoisture recently launched a new line of products, all dedicated to scalp health. The Shea Moisture Scalp Care Collection is actually two ranges of products: one dedicated to scalp moisture and the other to combatting dandruff. The line is infused…
Should I stop using Olaplex? My thoughts on the lawsuit
Olaplex, the viral haircare line that has become a staple in my routine, was sued by 28 women who claim the products made their hair fall out in chunks and left their scalp with blisters. Despite this being the latest…
How to make hair growth oil for thick, shiny hair
When I first started my natural hair journey, one of the first things I looked for was a hair growth oil. You don’t have to look hard to find a brand or natural hair influencer promoting a magic oil that’ll…
Best silk press products for shiny, healthy natural hair
A silk press has been my go-to style this winter. I love the ease of getting ready for work in the morning and the versatility. I’ve managed to avoid heat damage, and I credit that to going to a salon…
Heat damage and how to avoid it, according to natural hair experts
Heat damage. Nothing scared me more than those two words when I first started my natural hair journey. I spent years growing out my heat damaged hair and I was terrified of having to start all over. I didn’t use…
Tips to make traveling with natural hair a breeze
I was so ready for my bachelorette party in Palm Springs. Before traveling, I got a fresh silk press (dry weather=silk press weather) and I packed all the products I’d need to keep my hair looking good for a weekend…