Guest Blog Post by: Destinee
Hello all, my name is Destinee. I am a college senior studying Psychology with a minor in Sociology and if natural hair was a major, I’d study that too, lol. I BC’d on December 18, 2009. I have been natural for 10 months and I’m loving every minute of it!
My hair is in a very healthy state, probably the best it has been in my 21 years of life. I keep it very well conditioned and moisturized. I also make sure that I deep condition at least once a week and trim my ends when needed.
I was relaxed for 20 years until I made the decision to transition to natural. Also during my last 2 relaxed years, I had a permanent dye added to my hair. The first color I choose was Dark and Lovely’s #378 Honey Blonde. I kept this for about a year until I decided I wanted to transition. I then began using Jamila henna to strengthen my hair. I hennaed over the blonde so my hair became a fire engine red color. (Picture: Rihanna’s current hair color) Yea, it was really bright! I kept that for about 3 1/2 months and then BC’d down to about 2 inches of virgin new growth. My natural hair color is dark brown with a reddish undertone. Fast forward 9 months later (September 2010) I permanently dyed my hair again with Dark and Lovely’s #380 Chestnut Blonde.
What’s your personal opinions on chemical dyes and Natural hair
I think that chemical dyes are a wonderful way to change up your look. I am one that gets bored with my hair so I’m always looking for ways to change it. Henna was wonderful but I wanted a color change that it could not give. I have heard naturals say that you are not considered natural if you permanently color your hair. I don’t believe this to be true. My definition of natural is a full head of hair that is not relaxed but to each his own.
Before Coloring:
• Assess the health of your hair. Only get color if your hair is at its healthiest. The chemicals in the permanent dyes WILL and I repeat WILL damage your hair if it is not in tip top shape.
• Consider which method you would like to use to color your hair. You can make it a DIY project or go to a professional salon. I personally prefer an at-home coloring kit because I’m familiar with it, you can find them anywhere and it is cost effective for a frugal college student on a budget.
o If you choose to do it yourself, be very careful and follow the directions on the box. Do a strand test to see if you will like the color. This will also allow you to see how long you will need to process your hair. Keep in mind that your hair is probably NOT going to be the same color as on the box. It’s just the chance you take with these kits.
o If you choose to get it professionally done, make sure you go to a salon that you are familiar with. I’d suggest getting a consultation first. Be sure to let the colorist know if you have used henna or any other ayurvedic hair remedies (indigo, cassia). This could drastically change your outcome. Compound henna, which is henna that contains metallic salts, will react when combined with the ammonia in synthetic dyes causing your hair to turn weird colors.
AFTER COLORING:
• Use a sulfate free shampoo. Shampoos with sulfates will make your color fade faster. My favorite is Curls Creamy Curl Cleanser (Target). It lathers up enough to clean hair without that stripping it of moisture. If I have a lot of build up, I use L’Oreal Everstrong Hydrate Shampoo.
• Cowash and/or deep condition your hair no less than once a week. I tend to cowash about twice a week and I Herbal Essences Totally Twisted or Hello Hydration. When I need a little more moisture, I’ll sub these for Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose or Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk. For my deep treatment, I use Pantene’s Deep Moisturizing Treatment for Curly hair. You can also make your own deep conditioner by mixing your favorite conditioner, olive oil (or whatever oil your hair likes) and honey. I also use a heat therapy wrap for added conditioning benefits.
• Use a creamy leave in and a thick moisturizer. For a leave in, I use Herbal Essence’s Long Term Relationship Leave In Split End Protector. My favorite
products for keeping my hair moisturized are Qhemet Biologic’s Amla & Olive Heavy Cream, QB Burdock Root Butter Cream and QB Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm. (Can you tell I like Qhemet’s?) I really like Bee Mine’s Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer as well.
Additionally:
o Using these methods and following this regimen have helped me to maintain the health of my hair and retain my length. I have not experienced any breakage or dryness.
o Color is such a cool way to showcase your personality and add to the excitement of being natural. Take care of it and rock it!