Natural vs. Relaxed
Research Paper
October 3, 2013
Relaxed vs. Natural Hair Are we ashamed our natural beauty? Is Relaxed the new natural? Is natural hair not gorgeous anymore? Is straight now really the best hair to have? Nowadays women give their daughters’ relaxers way too early. Giving your daughter a relaxer at age six is way too early their hair barely had anytime to grow out and see what their real texture is like. Relaxers contain chemicals and developing scalps and hairlines are especially prone to damage when these chemicals are applied to them. Unfortunately, because home relaxer kits are so easy and inexpensive to use, children as young as six years-old have been subject to them. Relaxers can sting, burn and cause irreparable damage to a young child's scalp and hair follicles (Sandeen 2). This leads to sparse (or completely empty) hairlines. How many times have you seen a child with a hairline that begins inches back from where it should be? That’s the aftermath of a relaxer way to early. I transitioned from relaxed to natural 3.5 yrs, ago. It has been difficult, rewarding, and interesting. I did not do the “big chop” and don’t understand why people are suggesting such a drastic measure to begin the natural hair journey. I used the same shampoo, condition, blow dry, flat iron, and wrap technique during my transition and have used it ever since. I wash my hair every other day, flat iron it once a week, and wrap it every night. The most difficult thing about transitioning is the amount of time it takes to straighten my hair and the humidity during spring and summer are the killer! honestly, the humidity and effects it has on my natural is what has nearly pushed me towards relaxing my hair again. If you are willing to take the time to understand your hair, then your hair will have received the time and understanding it needs to be treated in a manner best suited to your tastes! Just trying to encourage you to see the beauty beyond your hair. Relax
October 3, 2013
Relaxed vs. Natural Hair Are we ashamed our natural beauty? Is Relaxed the new natural? Is natural hair not gorgeous anymore? Is straight now really the best hair to have? Nowadays women give their daughters’ relaxers way too early. Giving your daughter a relaxer at age six is way too early their hair barely had anytime to grow out and see what their real texture is like. Relaxers contain chemicals and developing scalps and hairlines are especially prone to damage when these chemicals are applied to them. Unfortunately, because home relaxer kits are so easy and inexpensive to use, children as young as six years-old have been subject to them. Relaxers can sting, burn and cause irreparable damage to a young child's scalp and hair follicles (Sandeen 2). This leads to sparse (or completely empty) hairlines. How many times have you seen a child with a hairline that begins inches back from where it should be? That’s the aftermath of a relaxer way to early. I transitioned from relaxed to natural 3.5 yrs, ago. It has been difficult, rewarding, and interesting. I did not do the “big chop” and don’t understand why people are suggesting such a drastic measure to begin the natural hair journey. I used the same shampoo, condition, blow dry, flat iron, and wrap technique during my transition and have used it ever since. I wash my hair every other day, flat iron it once a week, and wrap it every night. The most difficult thing about transitioning is the amount of time it takes to straighten my hair and the humidity during spring and summer are the killer! honestly, the humidity and effects it has on my natural is what has nearly pushed me towards relaxing my hair again. If you are willing to take the time to understand your hair, then your hair will have received the time and understanding it needs to be treated in a manner best suited to your tastes! Just trying to encourage you to see the beauty beyond your hair. Relax