Written by Christina Norris
Hello and happy Black History Month! In honor of this month, we decided to share some history about natural hair. Nowadays, we see more and more Black people embracing their natural hair patterns and rocking natural styles. But where exactly does the term “natural hair” come from, and what are some examples of said styles? Keep reading to find out!
What is “Natural Hair?”
“Natural Hair” refers to hair not altered by heat or chemicals. As the name describes, it is hair in its natural state right from the scalp. Hair comes in several textures from straight to kinky to coily to wavy. However, most Black people’s hair is on the kinky and coily side. During and after the Transatlantic slave trade, straight hair has been propositioned to be the most desirable texture, pressuring the people who don’t have it naturally to conform to achieve it. But they have pushed back against that pressure with hairstyles that are more natural to them. Here are a few examples.
Braids
Now there are several braided hairstyles, and they don’t all involve kinky or coily hair. However, hair braiding has always been a communal practice in African societies. Enslaved women would even braid each other’s hair to communicate messages and share escape routes! Today, Black people braid their hair to express their identity with styles like corn rows, goddess braids, and box braids.
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Be sure to moisturize your scalp regularly - our Moisture Bundle is good for this
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Don’t leave your braids in for more than 8 weeks
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Use silk scarves and bonnets for protection
Locs
Locs, formerly referred to as “dreads” or “dreadlocks” are ropes of hair that can be styled in several ways from micro to freeform. The origin of locs is heavily debated. Still, the hairstyle has been embraced in its cultural environments since its inception - becoming increasingly popular. A common misconception about locs is that they are dirty or unkempt. But that could not be farther from the truth!
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It’s recommended to wash locs weekly - you can use Chai Latte and Peppermint Schnapps for this
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While washing, avoid combing through coiled sections
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Get retwists in consistent directions to avoid breakage
Afros
An afro is kinky, curly, or coily hair surrounding the head. 1960s political activists like Angela Davis and Huey P. Newton wore afros while fighting oppression. The style then became a symbol of Black Pride. As time progressed it became more of a fashion trend seen in several Black-led movies and TV shows. The cool thing about an afro is that it can come in several shapes and sizes!
Tips For Maintaining Afro Hair:
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Use care when detangling - you can use Silverslay’s Lemongrass and Rosemary for this
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Be sure to avoid heat
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Create a hair routine that works for you
Black Hair Is Beautiful!
After centuries of Black people being told that their natural hair is not presentable, it is amazing how far they have come to dispute that and display their hairstyles to the world. Today, Black hair is versatile in many ways and that’s something to celebrate!
More variations of braids locs, and afro styles are emerging daily, alongside fades, waves, and twists.
If you’re a Black person learning to embrace your natural hair, our Hair Quiz is a great place to start to find products. If you’re already loving your hair as is, that's wonderful! At Ecoslay, we want you to maximize your slay with products that will make your hair happy regardless of its texture.
