UniquelyDivine
Well-Known Member
I know there are quite a few threads with topic but this article really caught my eye and I figured someone on here would probably enjoy reading it as well!
From MadamNoire.com
There’s always been a little bit of a beef between au natural women and women with relaxers. Well, we’re here to settle the argument with a pros and cons list.
In this corner, we have focused fighter. She spends her time keeping her hair from moisture and frizz. Watch out for this pretty little thing, she keeps a comb in her back pocket.
Miss Au’ Natural
PROS:
- Healthier hair that’s not stripped away of natural oils
- Less breakage, if kept moisturized. Because natural hair is stronger it’s can handle chemicals from hair dye better than permed hair. You also have the option to style curly or flat iron for a straight look, although excessive heat should be avoided.
CONS:
- Major increase in daily maintenance. No longer are the days when you can brush your doobie wrap and go. Also, natural hair needs to be moisturized daily, co-washed at least twice a week and detangled as often as possible.
- Straight styles don’t last as long because humidity cases frizz. Also if you avoid hairspray, sleek styles may not stay in place.
- Sensitivity to styling products. You’ll find, if you’re in the process of going natural that you hair will take to certain products and hate others. Miss Jessie’s has an amazing range of products that work best for natural hair. But as any beautician will tell you, it’s all about training your hair to work in a new environment. By trial and error you’ll know eventually what works for your hair.
In this corner, we have a very feisty contender. She’s chock full or pride and not afraid of calcium hydroxide. Don’t mess with her, because she has millions of women behind her that use relaxers too.
Miss Straight is Great
PROS:
- Easier to manage daily. Relaxers literally “relax” the curl of your natural texture resulting in a straight, less prone to knots finish.
- Deals better with natural elements. When relaxed, your hair is permanently straightened– meaning nor wind, nor rain, nor shine can change what the chemical has done. Unlike natural hair straightened by heat, when water/moisture hits relaxed hair it dries back straight.
CONS:
- Hair damage from years of harsh chemical use. Y’all remember the scene from “Good Hair” when the scientist melts the aluminum can with that active ingredient in relaxers. The Hair Care Suite informs that “relaxers irreversibly alter the natural pH balance and chemical breakdown of your hair, thereby weakening each strand. Hair breakage and scalp irritation are very common side effects from improper application and/or maintenance.” Also the chemicals in your hair don’t mix well with other chemicals (i.e. the chlorine in pools) and can further damage your lovely locks.
- We lied. Both natural hair and relaxed hair require beaucoup attention. The difference with relaxed hair is that when it is conditioned/hydrated it needs to be intense. Natural hair needs a little bit of moisture constantly. Dana’s Loft has a great group of products that are loaded with moisture.
- Damage from chemical process to other parts of the body. Remember when you were younger and momma said, “Keep your eyes closed! You don’t want any of the cream getting in your eyes, making you blind.” Well it’s true; the chemicals do burn and are super toxic to any part of your epidermis, especially the scalp. Be careful when applying and never let anyone put a relaxer in your hair without greasing your entire head first.
Take from the fight what you will, but in the end, we see no real winner or loser. In any form of beautification the proper procedures need to be taken to make sure you’re healthy overall. Remember pain is not always gain, for beauty.
From MadamNoire.com
There’s always been a little bit of a beef between au natural women and women with relaxers. Well, we’re here to settle the argument with a pros and cons list.
In this corner, we have focused fighter. She spends her time keeping her hair from moisture and frizz. Watch out for this pretty little thing, she keeps a comb in her back pocket.
Miss Au’ Natural
PROS:
- Healthier hair that’s not stripped away of natural oils
- Less breakage, if kept moisturized. Because natural hair is stronger it’s can handle chemicals from hair dye better than permed hair. You also have the option to style curly or flat iron for a straight look, although excessive heat should be avoided.
CONS:
- Major increase in daily maintenance. No longer are the days when you can brush your doobie wrap and go. Also, natural hair needs to be moisturized daily, co-washed at least twice a week and detangled as often as possible.
- Straight styles don’t last as long because humidity cases frizz. Also if you avoid hairspray, sleek styles may not stay in place.
- Sensitivity to styling products. You’ll find, if you’re in the process of going natural that you hair will take to certain products and hate others. Miss Jessie’s has an amazing range of products that work best for natural hair. But as any beautician will tell you, it’s all about training your hair to work in a new environment. By trial and error you’ll know eventually what works for your hair.
In this corner, we have a very feisty contender. She’s chock full or pride and not afraid of calcium hydroxide. Don’t mess with her, because she has millions of women behind her that use relaxers too.
Miss Straight is Great
PROS:
- Easier to manage daily. Relaxers literally “relax” the curl of your natural texture resulting in a straight, less prone to knots finish.
- Deals better with natural elements. When relaxed, your hair is permanently straightened– meaning nor wind, nor rain, nor shine can change what the chemical has done. Unlike natural hair straightened by heat, when water/moisture hits relaxed hair it dries back straight.
CONS:
- Hair damage from years of harsh chemical use. Y’all remember the scene from “Good Hair” when the scientist melts the aluminum can with that active ingredient in relaxers. The Hair Care Suite informs that “relaxers irreversibly alter the natural pH balance and chemical breakdown of your hair, thereby weakening each strand. Hair breakage and scalp irritation are very common side effects from improper application and/or maintenance.” Also the chemicals in your hair don’t mix well with other chemicals (i.e. the chlorine in pools) and can further damage your lovely locks.
- We lied. Both natural hair and relaxed hair require beaucoup attention. The difference with relaxed hair is that when it is conditioned/hydrated it needs to be intense. Natural hair needs a little bit of moisture constantly. Dana’s Loft has a great group of products that are loaded with moisture.
- Damage from chemical process to other parts of the body. Remember when you were younger and momma said, “Keep your eyes closed! You don’t want any of the cream getting in your eyes, making you blind.” Well it’s true; the chemicals do burn and are super toxic to any part of your epidermis, especially the scalp. Be careful when applying and never let anyone put a relaxer in your hair without greasing your entire head first.
Take from the fight what you will, but in the end, we see no real winner or loser. In any form of beautification the proper procedures need to be taken to make sure you’re healthy overall. Remember pain is not always gain, for beauty.
Yea, I get the distinct feeling that the author has no earthly idea what they're talking about. Theres this mythology about natural hair being high maintenance and difficult to deal with when the reality is, if you're doing things right, it simply isnt. My daily hair routine ranges from nothing to a (literally) 2 minute routine. I do NOT have to moisturize daily, as a matter of fact I rarely have to moisturize thanks to my oily skin and coarse hair, I do not co-wash unless my hair is in pixie braids or mini twists and I can do that whenever the wind strikes me I don't "have to" do it twice a week and I only need to detangle on wash day.. this is one of the most mal-informed articles I've read in a good while
