natural hair movement statistics

We’ve sought unique insight from thought leaders in activism, hairdressing, social media, cosmetology and media. There are without doubt struggles that are unique to being natural and having tight kinky, coily or curly hair. The decline in the use of relaxers and straightening products has been significant in the last two decades. According to the data, a whopping 40 percent of these women have turned to both chemical-free and no-heat styling, while an additional 33 percent of black women still prefer heat-styling, but have cut out all chemicals. Because it’s a fact-finding mission to work out the products that are right for you. I’ve been waiting for the spray mist and now I’m looking forward to using it and so is my mum! Influencers, thought-leaders, and celebrities are behind this phenomena. Are you on your natural hair journey? https://www.therefinersfire.org/womens_hair.htm, The Best Way to Use Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth, Spring Twists: Comprehensive Tutorial and Styling Guide, Yarn Braids are the New Black: Complete Step-by-Step Styling Guide, How To Wrap Your Hair at Night Like a Professional Hair Stylist, 9 Easy Steps to Grow Back Your Thinning Hair Edges (i.e., Baby Hair). Because we’ve seen the movement grow and the contrasting ways women approach and figure out the needs of their naturally curly hair. Black women are free to wear their hair naturally as it grows and as nature intended. People are taking better care of their bodies and going to great lengths to avoid ingesting chemicals into their system, including their hair and scalp. We suggest you create a static block and put it here using shortcode. It’s important for healthy natural hair that products are chosen are formulated with quality ingredients and do not contain chemicals and harsh ingredients. While the decision to forgo relaxing entirely has gained popularity in recent years, the process is often not for the faint of heart. Black women’s hair has been under attack for centuries. "The natural movement is resisting the notion that only straight hair is beautiful and professional." "'Movement' is a suitable term for the expanding constellation of natural hair care gurus, businesses large and small, hair care videos, fashion and accessories spawned from the … There are two main methods that are used to transition from chemical-based hair processes to being natural: “Transitioning and The Big Chop.”. The decision of whether to Big Chop or not is best made when you way up the pros and cons and determine the best method for you. CAPE TOWN - The natural hair movement in South Africa is growing. The 2000s have once again abandoned chemicals and there’s a shift to caring for hair naturally. The struggles or pain points can be overcome with routines, regimens, quality products and understanding your own hair type and its unique needs. When used to emphasize the difference between natural hair and European hair, it took on a derogatory meaning. Beauty Influencer and Natural Hair Blogger, Luyando Handia, (Pure Estrogen) expertly provides guidance on hair types she says: “Hair typing makes us more aware of the diversity of the natural hair movement. Women and men are loving the versatility that their curls and kinks provide. In the 1700s, enslaved women who worked in the fields usually covered their hair in head-rags due to the harsh demands of their work. Without a doubt, the thing that you’ll probably notice most is her quiet confidence or regal stature, because she is being who she’s meant to be. As US Black consumers continue to embrace the natural hair movement, its impact is greatly shaping the US Black haircare market. The great thing about natural hair is that you could literally have a different style each day of the week. In terms of natural Black hair, there's no one size fits all when it comes to texture and growth patterns, but in general, natural Black hair usually ranges from wavy to kinky-coily, with a wide range of variation between the two. Initially, this can be a costly exercise but when you find the right products, it’ll be smooth sailing. Transitioning is where curly hair is no longer processed with chemicals. It’s a process that takes time but if you use a quality product consistently over weeks or months you’ll see a remarkable change. The Natural Hair Movement Essential Facts About The Natural Hair Journey, Valley Fontaine “The Editor of Hair Valley.com, Lekia Lee, activist, and founder of Project Embrace, Beauty Influencer and Natural Hair Blogger, Luyando Handia, (Pure Estrogen), Celebrity hairstylist and author Monae Everett, Addie Gombauld President of the Caribbean Society of Cosmetic Scientists, https://www.linkedin.com/in/addie-gombault-653186ba/, https://www.facebook.com/ProjectEmbraceUK/, https://www.youtube.com/user/vashtikk11/featured, https://www.youtube.com/user/MonaeArtistry, https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/175/5/432/175919, https://silentspring.org/research-update/hair-products-black-women-contain-mix-hazardous-ingredients, customerservice@luxjunaturalhairproducts.com, How To Take Care Of Your Lockdown Curly Locks, The Best Clean Beauty Brands & Hair Stylists To Support In 2020, The Facts About Hair Dye, Hair Color & Grey Hair. Required fields are marked. But with 71% of black adults in the U.S. wearing their hair naturally at least once in 2016, according to research firm Mintel, natural hair has now hit the mainstream. The natural hair movement this time around can not be a fad; black consciouness demands this. As a result, we are changing the conversation on what is beautiful on-screen, red carpets, and runways. Oil doesn’t hydrate hair but water alone will not either. The secret to healthy hair resides in always supplying hydration, especially to hair that has been damaged by aggressors.”. Enslaved Africans who worked in the “big house,” however, sometimes mimicked the hairstyles of their enslavers, either by wearing wigs that had become popular during that era or shaping their kinky hair to emulate them. Knowing your hair type helps each woman wear her curls with optimal definition. The natural hair movement is about many things. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Thirty or forty years ago, there were a handful of products on the market for natural hair, which primarily contained mineral oils and petroleum which left a lot to be desired. It has always been used to send some kind of message, and for a Black woman to wear her natural hair out, she is sending a message that her beauty is worthy, deserving and equal to anyone else’s, and this is a note to anyone who might think otherwise. This occurs when the hair cuticle is hydrated throughout the day. You need to apply an oil-based product, in order to control water’s evaporation over time. Armed with this information, women can ensure that their natural hair doesn’t become frizzy, dry, and subject to breakage. The hairstyles of black women have always played a significant role in African culture dating back to the 15thcentury. We’ll see!! But most importantly, she is sending a strong message to younger women and girls that they are enough.The problem is not that we appreciate beauty but that the definition of beauty is narrow.”. And the flatter the follicle is, the curlier your hair will be. We’re able to present how beautiful, elegant, professional, and fun natural hair can be. Books, groups, workshops, and festivals are held locally and globally. We wonder what socio-economic events will history attribute to today’s natural hair movement? But you still have so many options to be somebody else." New research from Mintel reveals that sales of styling products have increased 26.8 percent from 2013 to estimated 2015, reaching $946 million, now comprising 35 percent of Black haircare sales, a significant increase from the 16 percent it represents … Although stronger associations were seen for leaner women and women living in the South, there was no evidence of statistical interaction by body mass index or region.”. As a hairstylist who strives to show that hair is about texture, not race, I really enjoy working with my coily haired celebrity clients Sonequa Martin-Green, Victory, and Dominique Fishback. It was then prevalent to straighten natural hair with a hot comb. The more round the hair follicle is, the straighter your strands will be. Implied for the natural hair movement is that “natural hair care” has changed from what it once was – the chemical processes, straightening and flat irons that altered the hair’s natural state – to a new position of curls, coils, kinks, natural ingredients, quality products, hair types, and groups. } But these styles shouldn’t be a replacement for wearing our natural hair.We should be mindful however that different styling methods e.g. As a people, the profound impact and significance that finally embracing, wearing and loving our natural hair after centuries of oppression (physically and mentally), can not be denied–no matter how many times one says “it’s just hair”. Conditioners, hair creams and masks provide much-needed moisturization to curly hair. It’s definitely a personal preference as to which method should be used to transition. It’s a wonderful thing that we have so many options as it relates to hair styling and accessorizing. Why the Curly and Natural Hair Movement Is So Important. One Freehold hair therapist has dedicated her career to studying the natural hair movement. There were 650,000 barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists in the U.S. in 2014, and that figure is expected to increase by 10% by 2024. They are supportive of each other’s decisions to go natural. We are able to style natural hair with wigs, extensions, and weaves. I don’t have this much time every week to do hair. And to be real, it’s still not always accepted. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( })(); © Luxju Natural Hair Products – All Rights Reserved, You can add any HTML here (Theme Options -> Promo popup ). By Lynsey Chutel. The best teacher when it comes to your hair is YOU! Moisturization is key! Whether the decision to transition to natural hair comes out of necessity due to previous damage, breakage and hair loss from chemical relaxing or is simply a matter of conscious styling choice, transitioning the hair can greatly improve its health and growth potential.”. I love seeing so many natural hairstyles. Parabens, sulfates, synthetic artificial fragrances and mineral oils are not only harmful to natural hair but also to a woman’s health. In there 2018 study, scientists at the Silent Spring Institute undertook the first study of its kind that measured a range of hormone-disrupting chemicals in hair and beauty products used by black women. What could be more interesting, exciting, and fun? Valley Fontaine “The Editor of Hair Valley.com” has an informed and insightful perspective on the trends in hair styling she says: “Hairstyling has gone full circle. The Big Chop is where all straightened hair is cut off, leaving a tiny afro. ); And a later report has more evidence as it relates to chemicals in products. In part due to the significant adverse health issues women have faced when using the treatments. Reuters/Stephanie Keith. You’re still being yourself. There are many trail-blazers, women who have gone before, whether they be celebrities or the lady beside you at the check-out whose natural curls, styling or color you admire. Organisers of the Cape Town Natural Hair Festival can attest to this, with many proudly letting their hair down or up at the weekend. Products. Culturally hairstyles have been a symbol of family, heritage, age, tribe and status and they are the bases for how women socialize when styling their hair. Lekia Lee, activist, and founder of Project Embrace has a thought-provoking message that will inspire: “It is really important that natural hair is getting its day and I am confident that it’s here to stay. In the early 19thcentury hair was chemically treated to be straight and this gave black women a more mainstream look. The 1980s and 1990s there was an increased use of chemical processes with Jheri curl or the wet look and hair straightening with relaxers. In her book “The Science of Black Hair Journal,” Audrey Davis – Sivasothy provides guidance for women who transition: “Transitioning relaxed hair back to its natural, unprocessed state can be a liberating experience. But thankfully a lot has changed. Unlike petrolatum-based products, vegetable oils or butters still allow the exchange of water from the air to the cuticle and vice-versa. Anti-black hair sentiment on U.S. soil has existed for centuries. Takes time, investigation, and extensions can be a replacement for wearing our natural hair.We be. Been symbolic and it continues to be real, it talks about how the natural hair is cut,! 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