A Curl Expert’s Tips on Embracing Your Natural Hair
As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re reminded of the long history of Black hair and how it reflects personal identity. Laws like The CROWN Act (which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), prohibits discrimation based on hairstyle or texture to provide more equality for Black hair in the workplace. At Innersense Organic Beauty, we believe that all hair is beautiful and embracing your natural curl is just one of the amazing ways that can open the door to greater self-love. Aeleise Ollarvia, an Atlanta-based curly hair specialist, founder of Cut It Kinky, and Innersense Organic Beauty artist, offers natural hair care tips below.
The natural hair movement is still booming. What are your thoughts on the experience of embracing a person’s natural hair texture?
It’s important to understand a bit about the history of why Black women went natural. Around the late ‘90s, Black women were discovering that relaxer chemicals were creating adverse effects on their health — scalp health and body health. Stylists started avoiding relaxers and using rod sets to avoid the chemicals. It was like we went back to what we were doing in the ‘50s in terms of pressing, setting, and styling. There was a much bigger drive for Black women to discover their hair for themselves, but didn’t have experiences of wearing hair in its natural state. It’s a process of self-discovery and a process that counters what the beauty standards were since natural hair wasn’t reflected on TV, film, or print. The internet and social media helped the natural hair movement progress so that people could connect to others and build a community with other naturals. I think there’s beauty in the rediscovery of self and in the rediscovery of community.
What’s your best piece of advice for people who want to go back to their natural curls?
If you’re going to transition your hair instead of a big chop, I know there can be a big emotional component because you need be mentally prepared to go through the struggle of your hair not looking its best for one to two years during the transition. My advice has always been to cut your hair off because you’ll otherwise end up with two different heads of hair at the same time that don’t play well together. There’s other stylists, however, that specialize in the transitional process, so you have to find someone who’s appropriate for your journey who can help with styling that’ll make you feel confident during your transition.
What do you think is the most surprising part when your clients embrace their natural hair?
They find it’s easy. Black women have preconceived notions that their hair is hard, it’s difficult, it’s dry, it’s a tumbleweed — all of these things. When they big chop and fully transition and they’re done, they actually discover hair could be simple. It doesn’t take nearly as long or as many products or methods to work with than they may have thought.
How do you maintain your natural curls after you’ve fully transitioned?
Ask yourself what your expectations for your hair will be. It’s important to think about your lifestyle, climate, and environment when considering your hair care routine. Think about the hair care practices that are going to be sustainable, healthy, and hydrating in the long run. Use cleansers and conditioners [that are compatible with your hair type.] Now, if somebody has transitioned and they have been doing protective styling or loading up their hair with lots of raw oils, raw butters, etc. while going multiple weeks without cleansing and conditioning their hair, the detox is a mindset shift. You change your habits on how you’re caring for your hair during that process and you change your mind about what you think about caring for your hair. You’re getting to know your own hair unencumbered during this time. Then, you’re able to make better choices on what, why, when, and how to proceed with your care.
Are there any practices you need to avoid after you’ve transitioned your hair to curls?
I don’t give people absolutes. I consider hair to be an accessory, but you do have to understand the risks of certain styles. If you want to wear braids, wear braids — just understand that the hair has to go into the braid in a certain condition and you might have less healthier hair when they come out. If someone wants to use a curling iron or straighten their hair, then do it. Though, you may want to have a stylist who can revert or rehab your hair back to the condition you want it to be in if there’s heat damage. Have fun with your, but be knowledgeable about what you want your end result to be.
7 Comments
You and your business partner open my eyes and helped me navigate my natural hair journey. I’ve been natural since 2017 but didn’t really understand the process or product application. When I found Black Girl Curls on Instagram it changed the game for me. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
To my curly sister ….your comment it is wonderful and so correct……these ladies are game changers and have reinvented the natural hair community with confidence and ❤️
Never in a million yrs would I thought I would be natural. One yr in and I’m happy because I had great advice right after my big chop. Thanks to you and the other half of Black Girl Curls. The embrace has been inviting and I love my natural curls.
Actually, I ran across black girl curls about in 2016 or 2017. I comb out my locs and that was the start of watching you tube. You two changed my reception of black natural hair but it wasn’t until 2020 that I got it. I am really grateful to these two bold young women that helped many women love what grows out of their heads
I’m older and in the winter season of my life. It was because of these two women my journey changed and was able to enjoy my crown. They offered knowledge, encouragement, and patience no matter your age or hair texture. When I walk down the street I often get compliments on my hair. This is a gift 💝 I hope they realize and continue to share with us curly ladies…
I am blown away by all I’ve learned from Aeleise and Aisha in a month. My hair regimen is more time-efficient, and I’m making wiser decisions. Thinking of my mindset and all that I was doing before learning about the A’s is crazy.
Youtube University drop out–that’s me. Gone are the days of watching 100s of Youtube influencers show me what they do to their hair, which never worked for me. Black Girl Curls was my game changer. Aeleise’s advice to cut it all off was the best advice. I was able to learn how to care and do my natural hair as it grew. My wash day has become a wash hour. I use all clean products; Innersense has become my goto staple. My hair looks good, feels good, and it is thriving.