Embrace those natural curls!
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but that doesn’t stop society from trying to influence what we consider beautiful. In the past, beauty standards were largely defined by celebs and cover girls. Today, social media and its use of filters and photo editing apps play a major role in how we define beauty. Suddenly everybody looks airbrushed, with perfect skin and not a hair out of place. But the natural beauty movement is growing at a rapid pace, and we’re here for it!
Thanks to more and more celebrities and influencers embracing the #nofilter trend, natural beauty is finally getting the spotlight it deserves as we’re beginning to see an influx of filter-free and make-up free images on our screens. And that goes for hair, too. Embrace those natural curls. The team from Naturally Africa share why going natural rocks!
It is liberating. Some women find the idea of transitioning to natural hair daunting, and we can understand why. During the transitioning phase you may have a bit of an awkward time with your hair while you navigate a new routine. However, once you get past that, having natural hair is incredibly liberating! There is something so beautiful about embracing your natural beauty and wearing it with pride (plus, no more relaxer burns, hair glue or sew-ins is pretty great too).
It allows for healthier hair. Going natural is a commitment to healthier hair. Once you start seeing your hair’s texture change during the transitional phase, you’ll be empowered by your decision. Chemical relaxers weaken the hair shaft, and with long-term use they may permanently alter the structure of your hair. This could lead to breakage, dehydration and split ends. When you stop applying harsh chemicals to your hair and start using products with gentler and natural formulations, not only will you enjoy softer hair that holds moisture, but you may also see faster and stronger hair growth.
It offers versatility. One of the biggest perks of natural hair is that it is so versatile when it comes to different hairstyles. Natural hair offers endless possibilities. Some women enjoy protective styles (think braids and Bantu knots) while others may prefer an afro, waves, curls, updos and more. The options are endless and you can chop and change to suit your mood (or your outfit!).
It is inexpensive. Between routine salon visits and buying tools, accessories and products, hair care can become very expensive. Natural hair, on the other hand, is surprisingly affordable. You’ll need to be equipped with some good quality home care products.
It’s easy to maintain. Yes, there is some maintenance to be done when you first transition to natural hair, but as time goes by, you’ll find that with the proper care, it’s actually really easy to manage. Establishing an effective home care regime is easier than you may expect. We recommend starting with the basics – you can build on from there and establish extra products your hair may require as you go along. A basic routine consists of cleansing, conditioning or deep conditioning and a moisture-sealing product.
Naturally Africa Hair & Scalp Oil has a lightweight, non-greasy formula which adds lustre, shine and glossiness while sealing in moisture. The Conditioning Shampoo is mild, gentle and sulphate-free, and is a 3-in-1 product that removes build-up, assists in detangling your hair and adds lightweight conditioning.
Look out for the Leave In Conditioner, too. From R99 to R155 from takealot.com
Looking to control frizz? This Afri Pure 100% Natural Oil Argan Sheen Spray does that, while also nourishing and hydrating your hair and helping to reduce split ends. And for those itchy scalp days, the Tea Tree Anti-Itch Spray helps, with the added bonus on adding shine, softening hair and has a gorg scent. R85.99 each, only from dischem.co.za
