So I took a break from my usual hair style (press and curl) and ventured into the world of weave. It was the first time I had ever gotten a weave but non-the-less it was a great experience. I think it is a great alternative when you want to give your hair a rest but don’t want to wear braids or twists. 

“The versatility of natural African American hair invokes curiosity in others”

- Courtney Echols

This picture is inspiring. It reminds me of my natural roots and inspires me to continue on this natural hair journey. I don’t think that wearing hair straight is taking one away from their African roots, however having the option to wet my hair and be reminded of my African roots makes me smile and proud to be an African American.

When making the decision to go natural, it is often hard because no one always wants to do their own hair, and many salons recommend relaxing hair for their own convenience instead of taking the extra time it takes to do natural hair. Here are some salons that are known for doing natural hair:

New York 

Christo Fifth Avenue

Ask for Tameeka (natural hair stylist)

574 5th Ave
5th Fl
(between 46th St & 47th St)
New York, NY 10036 

(212) 997-8800

Los Angeles

Turning Heads

Ask for Michelle (natural hair stylist)

3428 W 43rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90008

(323) 291-6605

Chicago

Sedwicks Salon & Day Spa

Ask for Deneen or Michele (natural hair stylist)

1506 E 63rd St

Chicago, IL 60637

(773) 667-1211

Washington D.C. 

Salon Revive

Ask for Meron (natural hair stylist)

1938 9th St NW
(between N Florida Ave & N T St)
Washington, DC 20001
Neighborhood: U Street Corridor

(202) 232-1008

Richmond, VA

Silk Hair Studio

Ask for Caroline

1657 W. Broad Street

Richmond, VA 23220

(804) 353-SILK (7455)

The Art of Curling

The way one curls their hair can lead to many different hair styles, one of my favorite hairstyles begins with the curling iron but ends with little pins holding individual sections of hair while I sleep. When I wake up I have a curly head of hair. This style I love is called Pin Curls.

After the hair has been washed it may look something like this.

Moisturizing and Sectioning

• Blot the hair semi-dry with a towel, spray enough hair spray so that the hair is moist with spray.
• Once the hair is moist part hair into four sections (front-right, front left, back right and back left) secure each section with a hair clip.
• Section by section take a nickel to quarter sized amount of creme conditioner and work it into the section.
• Once creme is in the section, take the styling brush and brush section until it is easy to brush through.

*Repeat last three steps to until all sections have been conditioned and brushed.

Blow Drying

• Take the first section that will be blow dried.
• begin blow drying using the styling brush and blow dryer simultaneously.
• Agitate hair with the brush, brushing from root to ends, until the hair straightens

*Repeat this process section by section until hair all hair is blow dried.

Once this has been done the hair should look something like this.

Flat Ironing

*A good heat setting for most natural hair is between 370º and 450º

• Begin taking chosen sections of hair and flat iron them from root to ends.

*Repeat this process until hair is completely flat ironed

Curling

• Smooth the curling iron on the hair from root to ends, once the curling iron reaches the ends of the hair curl the curling iron back up so that it is near the scalp and hold it there for about 5-10 seconds.

        - this allows for the curl to be set into the hair.

• Continue this through out the hair until all the hair has been curled.

The End Result

Here are some before and after results, these are styles that have been achieved with the use of the recommended products.

If you are thinking about straightening your natural hair, there are a few more items that are necessary to have in order to complete the process.

• Styling Brush

           - There is a great line of styling brushes by Denman that glide through natural    hair with ease once washed. Also if you are one who likes to get the edges of your hairline extremely straight, here is a brush to use by Spornette that will aid with blow drying the edges. 

• Parting Comb

          - I recommend a parting comb that can double as a styling comb. These combs can be found almost anywhere. 

• Hair Spray 

         - Hair Spray is important in the process. When looking for a hair spray look for one that is multipurpose. Aphogee has an amazing spray that is a leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, and a rebuilding treatment. 

• Creme Conditioner

         - Creme Conditioner is important because it adds that extra moisture that natural hair needs to remain healthy. Silk Elements has a great smelling and light cream conditioner that I have fallen in love with, it does not leave residue in the hair and it really locks moisture in the hair well. 

• Hair Clips

         - Hair clips allow you to separate your hair into sections so that blow drying, flat ironing, and curling don’t become overwhelming.  

Once all these tools are present, the process of straightening hair can begin.