By Samara of Darker then Brown
Did it ever occur to any of you, that this natural hair revolution or whatever you prefer to call it, didn’t just start with us? There was always a handful of women who wore their hair natural and made a living by caring for the natural hair of others. These women did this way before natural hair was semi acceptable. Then out we come with blogs, YouTube channels, and social networks. Unintentionally, we walked on the backs of those who paved the way. Then to make matters worse, turned around and excluded them from this natural hair community.
Today, with every allergy symptom known to man, I dragged my drugged up body into Brooklyn for brunch. This event was hosted by Diane Bailey, and sponsored by Shea Moisture. The room was filled with an equal mix of natural hair stylists, instructors, bloggers, vloggers and enthusiasts. Many of the hair stylists had been doing natural hair for 25+ years. They loved and welcomed the fact that more women have recently transitioned to natural hair. What they never expected was that the movement wouldn’t include them. I guess they are right, most of the natural hair community promotes D.I.Y.
The thing is whether we know it or not, I believe we do need these women. Just this week another famed blogger had to cut her long damaged hair off and start again. I keep saying it, but most refuse to listen. We all need to find a way to include a real hair stylist in our regimen. You don’t want to grow your hair, and then find out it’s unhealthy just to start again. This outcome can be prevented, but the choice is up to you. Likewise we bloggers need to be sure that the information we put out there is correct. The best resource we could use are those who have been doing this for 25+ years.
Ladies, what do you think? Would you ever go back to a stylist? Why or why not? Vote in the poll below and share your thoughts and experiences in the comment box!
When it comes to natural hair, are you DIY (do-it-yourself) or do you depend on natural stylists?
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.
Samara is the author of Darker Than Brown.
