Back to Natural?

It's obvious that natural hair is trending now. Whether girls genuinely wish to embrace their roots or just fall into the trend, its very noticeable how quickly this natural hair trend is spreading. Honestly speaking I think it's great that women of African descent are ditching the 'creamy crack' and showing the world that black hair is beautiful. However, would I drastically drop everything just to go back natural for a sense of freedom, empowerment or whatever other reasons women come up with these days? No.

I refuse to join the crowd. It's so crazy how women with relaxed hair that just need a little TLC are giving up in a second and going back natural. Like, are you'll truly prepared to deal with your natural hair? Do you remember how to care for your hair in its natural state? Are you planning to take better care for your natural hair than you did your relaxed hair? Will you get fedup of breaking combs again and reach for the relaxer kit? Do you really want to wear a mini afro until probably 3 years later when your hair grows to a decent length? Does this look fit your lifestyle or your personal style? These are some of the questions women should be considering before they drastically (or intentionally) decide to go back natural. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the change, but it is a huge step that should be carefully considered rather than be a quick escape. 

Personally, I have goals for my hair (in its relaxed state). I have a hair timeline which does conclude with going natural, as well as, going ras (aka dreadlocks). For now, however,  I enjoy the freedom of relaxed hair and personally like the styles I can achieve with relaxed hair. I'm definitely not ditching that for a fro right now! My hair is very healthy and I intend to upkeep that. As previously mentioned on my About page, I hastily relaxed my hair on the day of a big event because I simply could not comb my hair! I was about 15 years old at the time and although it was not planned I always knew in my heart that I did not want to wear braids and canerows for the rest of my life. My hair was simply too thick! That's the reason I even accepted the hasty decision to relax my hair that day; and to this day it is still the reason I choose to maintain my relaxed hair as best as I can and not follow the natural hair trend (because if you didn't realize already, I'm not easily swayed by trends lol ). I watch pictures of girls and women with their big afros and I'm actually intrigued by the styles they can achieve with such a massive amount of hair. I laugh too because I know I would trump all of them if I decided to unleash my natural mane! Haha. However, I remember the texture of my hair very well and it's not that easily manageable. Also, I live in the hot Caribbean and there is no way I want to walk around with a big sweaty afro. At the end of the day, that's simply not the look I personally want to portray right now. As a matter of fact, I have been able to achieve some of those styles with my relaxed hair, so it's a win win for me! 

On the topic of hasty decisions, I find many girls have relaxed their hair in this way as well. We use the relaxer as an escape from the norm; and now some women are using the natural trend to escape relaxed hair either for a genuine change or a chance to start over; and well of course they're those escaping the fact that they've neglected to properly care for their relaxed hair. But thinking back on it, most girls fall into relaxed hair without even knowing how to care for it. It took me at least 10 years and I'm still learning. However, with the help of various blogs and Youtube channels, I honestly hope that women learn how to care for their natural hair and give it the time and effort it deserves (Lord knows they'll need patience. Phew!) As I said, I don't mind seeing women embrace their roots, but at least do it for the right reasons, and put in the work necessary to upkeep it. I won't be joining the crowd anytime soon. Maybe 20 years down the line the trend might be back when I'm ready to go back natural. If not, pssh I'll just stand out on my own! Lol

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz

Intense Protein Treatment!

Protein is necessary to maintain hair health. The strands of your hair are made up of protein. Therefore, it's crucial that you apply protein treatments to hair that has been coloured, chemically treated, damaged, dry and brittle. Even if you don't experience much damage,  it's still important to provide the hair with that extra 'oomph' once in a while. 

Egg protein treatments are one of the best in its category. I recently tried it and was absolutely amazed with the result. Yes, I know it seems gross that you're putting a slimey egg on your hair. I had the same impression, but having tried it I must admit that I'll be incorporating it into my monthly hair regimen. 

What You'll Need:

• 1 egg
• 2 tsp Coconut oil
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise

Method: Whip the egg generously, then mix in the other ingredients. 

It's a very simple and quick procedure. Also note that you don't have to use Coconut oil. You may use the oil or oils of your choice. As well, Mayonnaise can be replaced by or used in addition with your favourite conditioner. The measurements obviously can be adjusted to suit the quantity of product you wish to make. 

Honestly, once all the ingredients are mixed in the idea of applying egg to your hair will be of little importance. In fact, the texture of the whipped egg acts as a binding agent so that the mixture does not run off your hair so easily. And it actually smells good! Thanks to the honey and coconut oil. 

Egg protein treatments are Great for restoring the hair before and after chemical relaxers, as well as, when using braids. Braids are in fact a very popular protective style in the Caribbean. Both naturals and relaxed women use braids in order to grow out their hair or just for the style of it. If you're someone who wears braids often, I'd strongly recommend doing egg protein treatments before installation and after take down. 

Because it's such a strong treatment, I'd recommend using it once a month, or once every few months. Reason being, too much protein can cause breakage as well. Be mindful of that. And make sure to do a conditioning treatment immediately after.  Throughout the month, it's advisable to do less intensive protein treatments every other week, or as needed. It's important to know your hair and know what it needs. 

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz