Showing Some Appreciation to Your Hair
A little bit of appreciation goes along way. Let your boss know how much you appreciated her support and expertise on your latest project and you might find your name on the short list for promotions. Let a waiter know that you appreciate his professionalism and courteous manner and you might get a free dessert. Call a friend mid year and let her know how much you appreciate her friendship and your friendship might even get stronger. People enjoy being appreciated. Your hair is no different.
When is the last time you said, “Thank you hair for sticking around during all the mistakes and bad ideas I subjected you to.” Think about all the damaging processes, crazy colors and ridiculous styles you have put your hair through. And even through all of that, it stuck around (well maybe not all of it). Even when you cursed it for not “acting right today.”
Well its time to show your hair a little appreciation. I have complied a list of some amazing products that will make your hair feel and look its best. Products that will keep hair moisturized, hydrated, silky, smooth and conditioned. Appreciate your hair by showing you really do care. Maybe both of you can forget about the glued blonde weave in 95’.
Elasta QP Feels Like Silk Reflect Sheen Spray ($3.49, walgreens.com) This advanced vitamin-rich spray imparts a crystal-clear glossy brilliance without adding weight. The organic formula infuses restorative conditioners that strengthen hair from deep inside. The ultra-fine mist provides long-lasting shine that revitalizes dull, dry hair. Perfect for natural, braided, texturized and relaxed hairstyles.
Dr. Miracles Healing Leave in Treatment & Conditioner ($5.99, drmiracles.com) A wonderful Leave in Treatment & Conditioner that actually works. Works to heal hair and scalp problems. Continues the unique “feel it” formula that provides a tingling sensation supporting strong growing hair & healthy scalp. Restores, revitalizes and conditions the cuticle for smooth & super strong hair. The treatment also stimulates blood flow to the scalp. Helps to end breakage, split ends, and dry lifeless hair.
Profectiv MegaGrowth Growth Lotion ($4.99, sallysbeauty.com) A super lightweight daily moisturizer that smoothes and protects hair. Helps to guard against heat-styling damage with a non-greasy formula. Helps to replenish moisture and shine while restoring vital nutrients to the hair shaft. Infuses strength and bridges “cracks” in hair that can lead to breakage. Penetrates deeply to provide maximum benefits and results.
Oyin Handmade Honey-Hemp Conditioner ($11, oyinhandmade.com) A creamy rinse-out conditioner that penetrates deeply and leaves you with healthy hair. The silky blend is enriched with aloe vera gel, hemp oil, honey, and hydrolyzed silk protein that helps to detangle and moisturize. It rinses cleanly and also makes a nice pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment. It can even be used as a creamy, nourishing leave-in to keep hair soft.
Anita Grant Organic Sapote & Coconut Pomade ($13.50, anitagrant.com) For sheen, hold & silkiness grab this lovely pomade. It is a nourishing, non-greasy styling pomade excellent for rejuvenating coils and waves, keeping stray hairs in place and giving hair definition. Helps to create smooth, controlled styles while promoting healthy hair growth. A great way to style your hair without damaging it.
Jane Carter Hair Nourishing Serum ($20, janecartersolution.com) If you haven’t taken care of your hair in the past then grab this serum. This 100% natural, pure essential oil with vitamins nourishes and repairs excessively damaged hair. It is designed to be used on all hair types and textures and is extremely light. Acts as a liposome to carry the vitamins into the cortex of your hair to strengthen and restore it. It’s a must for dry hair of all textures that have been damaged in the past.
Curls Quenched Curls Moisturizer ($16, target.com) Curls can be the least appreciated of all hair types. Curly hair can dehydrate easily if not given lots of attention and moisture. Give your curls what they want with this moisturizer. Formulated with certified organic ingredients, this daily curl moisturizer is a curl lifesaver. You can use this daily or alone as a 2nd day curl refresher or any other way you want. A great way to hydrate curls.
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I know I do my hair wrong all the time. I am actually surprised it has decided to stick with me this long. I really do need to start pampering it more.
LOL! I agree. Nice list of products too.
Good products! I use some of them but I have to check on the ones I don’t use. But your right, I put my hair through the ringer and it is still here, thick and strong. I love my hair and wouldn’t trade it for all the length or golden locks in the world. If you treat your hair right, it will treat you right as well, it took me awhile to learn that
Here’s another tip on appreciating your hair; go natural! It’s time to love and embrace who you truly are and stop putting chemicals/weave in your hair. LOVE IT THE WAY IT IS! Black people are the only race with kinky hair and we can’t even love it; People think I’m crazy for locking my hair. I didn’t do anything but embrace what God gave me! Smh…
it is 2010, just because someone wears weaves or get a perm doesn’t mean they don’t love or embrace themselves, the way and manner you wear your hair is a CHOICE and your personal expression so please don’t buy into the stereotype or perpetuate it Not everybody like kinky/wavy/curly hair for them and some people like to switch it up, the title was appreciate your hair, no matter what style or texture you have it in. And natural hair doesn’t always mean healthy hair
Has anyone used any of these products, particularly the ones for relaxed hair? If so, do you like it? Does it work?
Thanks! BTW I really appreciate this article, I really need to start taking better care of my hair before it falls out :)
why do you need us to agree? why do you need us all to lock our hair? not everybody wants to rock the “straight from africa” hair style so why can’t you just accept it? what YOU do with your own hair is YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHOICE. what i choose to do with mine is my business. i shouldn’t have to agree with you–i shouldn’t have to co-sign with your choice of going natural in order for me to be “awaken” in your “self righteous” bubble. i applaud you for being bold and brave enough to rock your natural, nappy locks but who are you to say that the way your wearing your hair is “better” than the way i choose to sew, glue & perm mine?
im so over it.
“natural” hair is yet another trend. just because main-stream isn’t following doesn’t mean its not just another ‘low-key’ fad. because my hair is permed or weaved does not mean i do not “love” myself. hell—the fact that you don’t perm your hair–the fact that you wear your hair as wild as ever leads me to believe YOU don’t love yourself or value self image.
“natural aint for everybody.” thank you.
I don’t know that natural hair is a “trend”, its just a choice. Women have been natural for years. True, more women seem choose this now, but I think its mainly because its generally better for your hair.
Not to down those that choose (key word choose) not to go natural, its their (your) right. But FYI, it is generally healthier. Constant heat and chemicals DO damage your hair.
I’ve been rocking a natural for 3 years and I love it! BUT, I understand that its not for everyone, However, you seem to have a wrong perception about those who choose to be natural, and you seem angry.
Why?
“You wear your hair as wild as ever”, “straight from Africa”…it seems you have a general negative feeling towards your (our; our meaning African/African American) hair, and those that wear it in its natural state. (By the way, what’s wrong with Africa?) And why would wearing natural hair in its natural state indicate to you that someone doesn’t love themselves? That sounds just as silly as me saying you don’t love yourself because you get a relaxer.
My hair is BEAUTIFUL! Its not “wild”, “nappy” or anything else. I take care of my hair. In fact, I get compliments on my hair all the time. Its healthy, strong and I’m proud of it. I can wear it in any style…lots of diversity.
Its one thing to not want to be natural; cool, that’s fine, its your choice, do you! But to be so angry, and seem to have a strong dislike for the natural texture of our hair is kinda sad. NOT because you wear yours relaxed or weaved, or whatever, but because you do seem to have an aversion to our own hair texture.
By putting down those who choose not to process their hair, you’re doing what you accuse naturals of: being judgmental and close minded. You are actually proving another poster’s point, that some women process their hair because they hate their own, just by the tone of what you wrote, because it seems like that’s how you feel about your hair.
what is kinky or nappy? these r terms that racist white ppl gave to us about our hair. WTH!
i cut off my permed hair almost 3 yrs ago. my hair grew in healthy, full and w/a very tight coiled look. if you pull out a strand and put it down – watch it curl. However, i don’t wear it out. i’m not ready for that. i did it because i was tired of my hair breaking off. i didn’t know what to do w/it. i always wore braids. when i’d perm it i would get doobies and my hair would thin. so, now that i’m grown, i want a grown up look. I still wear weaves, i just keep my hair braided under wigs, w/sew in’s and curly tracks. i like color and variety so weaves is for me.
But i applaud those who have been able to maintain there hair naturally or chemically processed. To each’s own.. but i could sure use some tips.. got any?
lol straight from africa. so where is yours from? oh yeah straight from india.
shaking my head.
LockedGoddess wrote: “…go natural! … black people are the only race with kinky hair…
************************************************************
With all due respect, travel the world and make an introduction to some Jews, Arabs, Italians and among some Europeans in Ireland and Scotland. That experience will prove “black people” are not the only ‘race’ with kinky hair. Moving on.
I’m quick to compliment others on their beautiful real hair, face, body, attitude, personality and manner and I’ve always loved my hair and showed it appreciation via my actions. It is ridiculously thick and grows uber-fast so I stick to natural/earth-friendly or home-made products and get a condition/trim every 4-6 weeks. I’ve never had a chemical straightener applied in my life (unlike most natural hair ‘promoters’ I’ve encountered who are full of sh*t and get on my last nerve) and have curly hair below my ass-cheeks; but, occasionally I have my hair blown or flat-ironed straight and been accused of going for a “European standard” or “trying to look Indian” when I’m a doggone grandchild of an indigenous woman.
IMO a twist-out is not natural as that is manipulating (via braiding and product) to rock a texture one’s hair does not ordinarily have; locs are not natural since strands don’t grow out somebody’s head loc’d etc.
If somebody is going to claim “natural” then go militant, spew rolled-eyes and judgment at others, and talk a lot of self-righteous bulldoo – I’m thinking they must go out their crib and on their way with their hair in the same condition as when they woke up and EXACTLY as it grew out their heads (no product to fake some curls, waves, coils or sheen, no braid or twist out to mimic a different texture than one naturally has etc.)
If not, folks can kiss my ass and keep their boogity-boo to themselves.
yeah well. i hate to sound cliche. but my hair is NOT kinky.
its actually quite soft and curly. i don’t need a relaxer i simply blow dry my hair straight and it looks as though i just got a fresh perm.
yep. i’m angry. very angry. you “naturalites” seem to pride yourself on having un-relaxed hair and put your nose up to us girls who choose to weave it up. so yep. i’m upset. is that okay with you? can i be angry about self righteous kinky haired queens who think they are so much better than me–who perms and weaves and blow drys and colors my hair. its still mine isn’t it? um. i’m black/white jamaican girl with naturally soft, curly hair. i dont need to do anything to it. but i CHOOSE to.
is that a problem?
I really don’t understand what you are so hostile about, but then again, its not for me to understand. I know its not at me because 1) you don’t know me 2) In my comment I didn’t put down anyone who does relax their hair or wear weave or wigs or whatever. My feeling on it is: Do you.
But more than that, you said because of your curly/soft hair texture, you don’t need to relax your hair, just blow/flat iron it straight if you want … so why are you up in arms?! (well actually, you contradict yourself saying you don’t need a relaxer just to blow dry it, then you say you get relaxers..) Someone’s comments about relaxers don’t even apply to you if you don’t get them, so why are you taking someone’s comment so personally?
If you love your curly hair, and I love my afro ,and next woman with a relaxer loves hers, and yet another with locs loves hers..what’s the issue??
No one is “looking down their nose” at you or anyone else. But just like you don’t want someone putting you down or judging you on your hair choices, you shouldn’t do it to others.
Thank you for this article. It is important to love and appreciate your hair, no matter the form or style it is in. We should not be bickering about which is better relaxed or natural. Everyone should focus on keeping their hair healthy and taking good care of it however you choose to wear it. I just went natural and it has been an enlightning experience for me, but I don’t believe in putting any one down for how they choose to wear their hair. All hair is beautiful and we should be happy that there are so many options and choices to fit our lifestyles. The article focused on taking care of your hair, there is no reason you can’t do that even with chemical processing. We should spend time focusing on health and appreciating rather than finding another way to tear eachother down.
Jazz, I co-sign with you. As for all the attitude from them abut natural Black hair, all the bragging about “Part-White” and “Indigenous” should tell you what that’s all about.
Don’t know why you included a quote from my entry in your comment. I’ve been natural and chemical free since birth and never had somebody else’s hair sewn, glued or attached in any way to my head (eww, yuck!) so, obviously, I’ve no problem with it. And, nothing in my entries could ever prove otherwise.
In line with the article, I “appreciate” and compliment those with real, natural, beautiful hair and you won’t find a bigger supporter of someone of any ‘race’ that chooses to go natural, eat healthily, exercise, be kinder to the environment etc. – but what I don’t tolerate is militant, self-righteous, hypocritical, nappyhead bullsh*t and reverse-racism.
Take it how you wanna or deal with your own personal issues, but it’s not “bragging” to simply state the facts.
I don’t know the best or correct way to describe this, but: when naturally-dried my hair wittles up into curly coils that fall a little below the middle of my back; when blown/ironed straight it’s way below my ass-cheeks and I shared experiences of being accused of going for a “European standard” or “trying to look Indian” by so-claimed ‘natural haired’ African American females simply b/c I choose to occasionally have my hair blow dried/flat-ironed straight.
Sometimes I do this for a different look and sometimes because I’m in a hurry and don’t have time to let my hair dry naturally, but da hell could I be accused of trying to look like something I am?? Further, every single one that came out their faces like that had chemically straightened their hair for years, went ‘natural’, and were rocking twist or braid outs to conjure up a different texture than they’d naturally have. Neither that or dreadlocks ‘naturally’ grow out of people’s heads this way, so my question has always been: Who’s really fakin’ that natural funk?!
“Nappyhead bullshit”.
Thanks for proving my point again.
I thought this was a Black woman’s blog, not one for those who hate us and think they’re better than us because of they’re mixed with White or Indian.
Where was it stated that someone thought they were “better” and what special powers do you possess to know what anyone “thinks?”
The answers are “never” and “none” so, again, Observer, deal with YOUR OWN issues.
My “Issue” is that I’m damn sick and tired of non-Black and mixed women like YOU thinking you’re better than us. Take that crap somewhere else.
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Poor baby…so angry!
I’ll pray for you!
http://clutchmagonline.com/beauty/love-is-in-the-hair-celebrating-black-love-natural-hair/
Ladies,
Don’t we have other things to argue about? It’s bad enough that there is so much tension among women in the black community, why let something as minor as hair be yet another reason to perpetuate the hate. What about helping each other find ways to progress on the job? What about discussing ways for us to achieve the same opportunities as whites? What about discussing ways that we can actually be acknowledged for being educated? What about discussing how we can go about finding a suitable partner? What about talking about how to be a role model? There are just so many other issues on the table that require our attention other than how someone chooses to wear their hair. I personally just started wearing my hair without a relaxer and i love it. But what my friends do to their hair doesn’t affect me one bit. Why? Because I love them for who they are… not what they have on top of their head.
I guess what I’m saying is that at the end of the day, I need to be around people that understand me, who will listen to me, who can help me… I need to be around people that I can lend a hand to, who I can be support for. So when things get down to the nitty gritty, hair has nothing to do with what we need to achieve together.
Thanks!
M.H.
does these products work on natural hair? n where can i find them.. i’ve only heard of the “Dr. Miracles, Protective and Elasta products”.