Winter = Protective Styles

Here in the midwest we’re in the midst of the dog days of winter. Since becoming natural almost two years ago, I had decided that as part of my winter hair regiment I would get braids during this time. For one, it gives my hair a much-needed rest. During the spring and summer months I primarily rock my afro. The dry, cold winter air is so damaging to our natural hair that you must cover it up and consider some type of protective style to keep it healthy and protected.

Around January 2nd I had crochet braids installed by my sister-in-law Gina. She’s the crochet braid queen in my book! She used Freetress Water Wave hair, 2 1/2 packs. The install from start to finish took about two and a half hours.

The picture on the left is the night she installed them. The picture on the right was taken about three and a half weeks later. The hair still looks good, right? I kept these braids in for one month, which is about the length of time they typically last before this type of hair starts to get matted and knotted up at the ends – even with tying it up every night.

To keep my natural hair moisturized, I spritzed my cornrows underneath the crochet hair with a concoction of olive oil, avocado oil, peppermint essential oil, and water. Just put it in a spray bottle and spritz it once a day or every other day.

My second protective style for the winter: Box Braids.

I took down my crochet braids and decided to get box braids right after. It has been years since I’ve had box braids. I’m talking sometime in the mid 1990’s! I didn’t want them to be too big (ala Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice), so I opted for medium-sized ones. The install took about seven hours, and that’s mostly because my appointment didn’t start on time and there were a few interruptions along the way. The good thing about these braids is they’ll last for three months or more, and I typically keep them in for three months. You can still wash your hair with them in, but I wouldn’t recommend washing your hair too often as that will cause you to lose braids and cause too much pulling and friction on your hair. I use the same spritz I used with the crochet braids of olive oil, avocado oil, peppermint essential oil and water to keep my hair moisturized. While I love rocking a big fat bun, it’s not something I’ll be doing on a regular basis because of the pulling and friction it causes on your edges. I am team SAVE YOUR EDGES! LOL!

Interview With A Naturalista: Part III

This is my final interview in this series, and I must say it has been a lot of fun connecting with all of the ladies and talking natural hair. Michea is a long time friend of mine. We go waaaaay back and she’s one who has been natural since I’ve known her, and I’ve known her for well over 20 years! She’s the sweetest, funniest, most outgoing person you will ever meet. I think you will find her interview very honest and refreshing.

Q: How long have you been natural?

Michea: I’ve been natural most of my life.

Q: What made you go natural?

Michea: After I got my first relaxer at 14, it has been pure laziness and busy life that keeps me natural.

Q: Was the transition easy?

Michea: I’ve been obsessive about protective styles which has allowed me to be natural so long, so transitioning is always easy. I cut it short then get some braids. When I get bored with my natural hair, I relax it. So no big “natural hair movement” for me. I flip-flop.

Q: What do you love most about having natural hair?

Michea: Versatility and being the only race that has this ability to do what we do with our hair.

Q: What do you find to be your biggest challenge with natural hair?

Michea: Umm finding different hairstyles. When the natural hair community found YouTube, I got more ideas.

Q: What advice/encouragement would you give to someone considering going natural?

Michea: Be patient. You may not love it at first. Do it because you want to not because of pressure, and if you don’t find peace and happiness do something different. Sometimes that means going back to a relaxer.

Q: What are your favorite products to use and protective styles, if any?

Michea: Honestly, I don’t think I have any real favorite products. But since the beginning grease and a spritz of water has given me all I ever needed for a good twist out. Braids are my favorite protective style.

Many thanks to my girl Michea for taking the time to chit-chat with me. Like I always say, every naturalista’s journey is different. Not everyone’s truth is the same as the next person’s. All of my participants, Mleta, Tyssa, and Michea spoke their truths. You may not agree with all of their views, but you can do nothing but respect them because these are their stories and their truths. THANK YOU to all of these lovely ladies for sharing a bit of their natural hair journey with me. I hope it inspires and encourages those who read their interviews and provides them with insight. Let’s keep spreading the positive love and acceptance of everyone’s natural hair journey!