Today I watched the documentary on Amazon Prime called Back to Natural.  It was a good reminder of why continuing the conversation about ethnic hair and identity is important.  It is a topic that I want to address with my daughters so that they can grow up confidently. 

 In this piece, the topic of natural hair is discussed including the history, the discrimination and the standards of beauty.  I have placed a high priority on positively reinforcing my children’s biracial ethnicity.  We tell them to embrace and love their curly hair, but inevitably at some point, they will ask to style it in an alternative state.  This was the day that my youngest curly babe Misha’s request to wear her hair straight would be fulfilled.

Wash Day

When and if you allow your natural hair child to get a blowout, silk press or heat styling that is a personal decision.  The biggest factors for me are the ability to have the patience to go through the steps necessary to use a healthy approach to applying heat.  As you can see in the video tutorial that Misha was antsy to know when it would be over.  

Even if they can sit still long enough to receive the service you also want to make sure they are responsible enough to follow the maintenance of the style.  This means avoiding water so that the curls will not revert for the length of time necessary to make it worth the work.  It also means protecting the straightened strands of hair from damage as they are exposed and fragile.  We have switched up our products on wash day and here is an updated look at what we are using:

WASH DAY ROUTINE:

  1. Shampoo
  2. Detangle
  3. Condition
  4. Deep Condition for 15-20 minutes
  5. Cover hair with a plastic cap and Swurly Towel
  6. Rinse
  7. Leave-In
  8. Oil

Normal Curly Hair Set

Healthy Hair Blow Out and Heat Style

Your Hair Doesn’t Define Your Beauty!

I am not going to say that my kids can never wear their hair in any one style.  The last thing I want to do is create a rebellious feat.  Misha asked me “You don’t like to straighten my hair?”  I explained to her that whenever you are adding heat you are adding an element that can be damaging to your hair.  The same damage can occur from dying your hair or not taking the time to deep condition.

“It isn’t that I don’t want to do this hairstyle for you, I love spending time doing things that make you happy.    It’s important that you know your hair is not more beautiful because it is straightened.  Your curls are just as beautiful!”  Part of her desire is curiosity and we will enjoy these heat styled locks only occasionally.