Black girls are fighting back — and winning — against the stigma of colorful hair. Whether they go natural, rock braids, or wear extensions, they're taking their kaleidoscope tresses to new heights and proving that Black is beautiful in any hair color!
Indeed, with these tips from licensed cosmetologist and natural hairstylist Jewels Jones of Embrace Me Naturally Salon, having healthy, colorful hair doesn't have to be a #struggle.
The veteran stylist strongly advises getting a consultation before coloring natural hair.
Jones never does color on the first session; she encourages clients to meet with a hairstylist first.
"We have learned that because most naturals care for their hair at home with misguided tips and information from other naturals, the hair needs some prepping before we can chemically process it. After the consultation, if the clients hair is healthy enough, it's time to color," said Jones.
Note: Coloring natural hair can be more expensive.
"It does take longer to color naturals because parting and holding the hair in place is not as easy," explained Jones, adding that naturals require more color, which drives up the price.
MOISTURE IS KEY.
"When caring for natural hair that has been chemically processed with color, it is important to get steam hydration treatments at least twice a month," Jones instructed.
Since color can often change a naturalista's curl pattern, preparation can be long.
Said Jones, "With a natural client, they have to address each hair issue and possibly change their regimen before and after color. Some naturals wait weeks or months to get their hair prepared for color, because they do not want to compromise their texture."
Hydration is no joke — chemicals can cause major dryness after coloring.
Seriously — hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
And protein treatments every six to eight weeks are VERY important!
"Olaplex is an important treatment that brings bonds back together [after they've been] broken due to chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage," said Jones. Olaplex can be used on the day of the color service and in the weeks following.
Although coloring relaxed hair may be less intensive, hair health is still of the utmost importance.
"Relaxed clients already have straight hair, so they do not have to worry about achieving defined, natural curly styles after color," Jones explained.
However, protein treatments and trims should still be a priority.
Of course, you can achieve color without hair dye through extensions or wigs.
But remember to keep that scalp nourished.
If you have scalp damage from extensions, apple cider vinegar is your friend!
An itchy scalp is a scalp in need of a cleanse. "Cleansing the scalp and balancing the pH with apple cider vinegar rinses, and certain oils will heal the scalp," says Jones.
A good scalp massage will also go a long way toward regrowth.
Jones noted that massages increase blood flow and help follicles "push out a healthy hair strand."
PSA — NEVER wear weaves that are too tight, as it can damage your scalp.
Tension is not your friend. Jones stresses letting your scalp breath.
Although you might be rocking a braided protective style for a few months, you still have to prioritize hair health.
And sometimes braids can prevent moisture, making hair more prone to breakage.
"When it comes to braids, adding synthetic hair steals moisture from your hair and causes it to become dry and break," Jones explained.
Jones uses a combo of oils and conditioner for thirsty strands.
"I like to use oils on the scalp while the conditioner is working on the hair. I rinse it all out after up to 30 minutes," she said.
Rainbow braids are magical — but too-tight braids can cause lasting damage.
"The tension from tight braids and manipulating the hair when it is tight causes thinning and even balding," notes Jones.
Sleeping with a satin scarf will protect roots and also retain moisture.
Now, go forth and rock Black Girl Hair Magic in every unicorn shade of the rainbow.
Just remember to keep hair health in mind!
