Our Naptural Roots > Natural For Life
By Claudette Varnado
hair manageable, healthy and growing.
It was June 1966 and I had just graduated from Berkeley
4. Hair lotion or cream moisturizer. This is good for you guessed it, moisture. But
in addition to that it’s integral in styling such as braiding and making buns and
High School. That month Ebony Magazine featured a
ponytails. Ones I like are all the Profectiv creams and African Royale M.O.M.
story called “The Natural Look, New Mode for Negro
5. A super-soft natural bristle brush. Some argue that you shouldn’t brush your
hair, but when you are styling, you want a brush. Just make sure the brush is Women”.
soft enough for your skin. It may seem ineffective at first, but you will get used
to it and remember it is for the health of your hair.
There was a young black woman on the cover wearing
6. Shampoo. A shampoo for curly hair is good because it has dimethicone to
help reduce frizz. Some people are against dimethicone because they argue
what we call today a short Afro. The accompanying
that it clogs the hair shaft from receiving moisture. But I like them. Try a few
shampoos for curly hair and any moisturizing shampoos and see what you like.
article addressed issues of African roots, racial pride and
My favorites are Crème of Nature Moisturizing Shampoo and Loreal Curl Vive
political nationalism. I could relate. I felt reborn in light of
(it may be called something else now.)
7. Deep Conditioner. Conditioner is really important and you’ll want to do it
the articles suggestions.
every week. Leave it on for twenty minutes with heat and rinse with cool water.
8. Satin Scarf. A silk scarf will also work. The idea is to avoid cotton scarves.
With the copy of Ebony in hand I went straight to our
They dry out your hair and it causes breakage because of the friction. Use the
scarf to wrap your hair at night or to smooth out a style during the morning
local beauty shop and asked the hairdresser to cut my hair
while getting ready.
just like the picture on the cover. She asked me several
There it is. Those are the basic tools you need to successfully manage your natural hair.
I’ve covered methods of removing the relaxed hair, what you can expect, and the tools
times if I realllllllly wanted my hair cut that way, then did
necessary. A metaphor often used is that this is a journey. There will be bumps in the
her best to achieve the look.
road but there will also be amazing revelations-such as you. Congratulations on your
decision to embrace your beautiful natural hair. You did it, you made it through chemical
rehab! If you need support along the way, email me or refer to the resources below.
I had no idea what a storm I had unleashed. My Mother
Resources
took one look at me when I got home and cried for an
There are a variety of resources online to help you with your natural journey. We have hour. Then she called our Preacher to talk with me. He
listed just a few to get you started. Don’t be afraid to ask around.
concluded that I was just being independent and there
Websites
was no need to send me to a mental hospital,
• ManeandChic.com. Be sure to check out the Hair 101 Section as they say it is
‘the definitive guide to all things hair care.’ This section has a very extensive
set of resources both internal and external to the ste. You definitely want to
as my Mother feared. It was just a hairstyle after all, but
start here!
generated great tension between us. I moved away from
• www.LongHairCareForum.com. A discussion board of women with natural
and relaxed hair with one common goal: growing long hair. The board is
home to start college.
incredibly supportive and those ladies offer an encyclopedia’s worth of tips
and information.
Comments from family, friends and even strangers were
• www.Nappturality.com. This site is a great resource for naturals. There are
harsh. Just who did I think I was? Whites approached
styling tips, stories, links to other sites and more.
me enthusiastically to inquire which african country I
Books
• “No Lye!: An African-American Woman’s Guide to Natural Hair Care” By came from and just as quickly backed off when I said
Tulani Kinard
I was American. Children asked me whether I was male
• “ The Black Woman’s Guide to Beautiful Hair” By Lisa Akbari
or female.
YouTube Channels
• www.youtube.com/blackonyx77. The Natural Diva World channel came highly
With each negative comment I grew stronger in what I
recommended by our wonderful readers! The channel contains wonderful
videos on natural hair care, personal inspiration stories, and even videos on
believed. My roots were on the inside of my head and not
skincare and makeup.
just on the outside. My Natural experience taught me to
• www.youtube.com/Nikkimae2003. The Natural Chica Channel is dedicated to
helping ladies embrace their natural hair by providing tips on transitioning,styles
stand for what I believe. After many years my Mother
and healthy hair care.
came to accept and even adopt a Natural hairstyle for
• www.youtube.com/mahoganyknots. The Natural Hair Cafe Channel provides
information on products, styling tutorials, and the natural journeys of the two
herself. At her request she was buried wearing an Afro.
friends that own the channel.
More than forty years later I still wear my hair natural. It’s
convenient, easy to maintain, clean, inexpensive and stylish.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2  NAPTURAL ROOTS  9
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