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This natural hair thing...keep it simple

8/9/2011

9 Comments

 
I'm a pretty active member of a local natural hair group in town and whenever new people join, I seem to be the one they talk with most. Why? Because I'm the one preaching the gospel of "keep it simple". I think my fifteen years at this really lends itself to that notion. I've avoided getting caught up in all the hot products of the moment because I managed for so many years without them. And, since I'm always being asked: "What do you use?" and get looks of disbelief when I say: "only shampoo, conditioner, and shea or mango butter," I think I'm getting something right.

I've explained to others time and again that all of those other products on the market for natural hair are about manipulating the curl pattern. Now, I know that we like to have more length or bigger hair and this can be achieved without slathering purple minty products laden with mineral oil in our hair. I have a good friend who loves to remind everyone that mineral oil is a by-product of crude oil. Yes, the same oil used to produce gasoline for your car. It just sits on the surface doing nothing for your hair in actuality. Two strand twist outs or braid outs can help you "stretch" your hair. 

We have got to stop overwhelming ourselves and others with these arsenals of products. So many of us will find it's just not necessary to use all of that stuff. The only thing I might add to my products (occasionally) are essential oils. They're great for making the hair fragrant and addressing any hair and scalp issues such as dandruff or hair loss. 

Let's remember to pamper ourselves internally as much as we do externally. Nutrient rich food, water, and rest are essential to healthy hair just like the rest of the body. So spend your extra money at the farmers market or a yoga class (yes, I'm biased to those two). As for our hair externally, we should aim for clean and moisturized. Simple. 
Picture
Organix coconut milk shampoo and conditioner, shea butter, Denman D4 brush
9 Comments
Pam link
8/9/2011 01:59:56 am

I was using the same brand of shampoo but a different flavor. I recently started going to Sally's and getting ION deep conditioner. I love it.

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Carolyn Williams
8/9/2011 03:56:58 am

Like you post, will try the cocount oil and shea butter, and get the brush. Thanks for the information,

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alldaynatural link
8/9/2011 09:58:33 am

Very insightful post! I must admit that I enjoyed trying out different products when I first transitioned years ago, but the abundance of products out there can easily become an obsession with a natural hair "newbie". After a while you realize that a simple routine is best, both for time considerations and peace of mind. :-)

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Dee link
8/10/2011 03:21:51 am

Exactly. I keep it very simple. We use the same stuff. :) I always get asked what I use or what I do. I'm like, hand styling, water, the end.

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Quel link
8/10/2011 01:23:21 pm

Does that sheabutter come from Amazon.com? I found some and it looks like the same container. Love the post by the by.

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BrownGirl
8/10/2011 01:35:56 pm

@Dee: "the end"...i love it.

@Pam: i haven't deep conditioned in forever but i'm partial to Yes to Carrots hair mud.

@Quel: that shea butter came from a lovely local nigerian at the africa in april fest. he shaved it from a massive block of shea butter.

thanks ladies!

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cy link
11/25/2011 12:41:11 pm

i love the message here - keeping things simple and not focusing so much on external perfection really does lead to greater balance and health. thank you for your thoughtful words and inspiration. peace/love/health/radiance

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Evelyn N. Alfred link
11/26/2011 11:08:01 am

Is part of your simple method include styling?

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BrownGirl
11/28/2011 04:38:33 am

Thank you Cy!

Evelyn, I will say yes on simple styling as well because less manipulation of the hair keeps it healthy as well. but there's so much to be done to it with little effort...lots of bobby pins but avoiding gels and things of that nature. :)

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