NATURAL HAIR CARE BOOKS

When I started my natural hair journey over 27 years ago it was not hip or trending in social media.  It was downright weird and got strange looks.  I'd had my share of bouts with beauty salon burn in keeping the relaxer on beyond its recommended straightening time.  Afterall, if 15 minutes made it straight then 30 minutes would keep it straight, I reasoned ... WRONG.  More time meant a head that felt like it was on fire, tears and weeks of soreness and scabs.  What us women did to try to so-called look good in the eyes of society.  Thankfully, the monthly payout depleted my funds so quickly it caused me to question the practicality and sustainability of this painful exercise.  And let us not forget the terror invoked should rain touch the crown, the expensive hairstyle vanished instantly. So  "how do you go natural" you ask?

How to go Natural?

1. Gather information - Talk to people who are natural and ask them about their routine.  Also, read books and blogs on the topic.  We will suggest some throughout this post.
2. Consult with natural hair stylists about it.  Find out if they have any product recommendations for your hair type.  They may also have software that will allow you to see how you'll look ahead of time.  There are also APPs that let you try on hairstyles using you own pictures.  You may want to try "African Woman Hairstyle Editor" for example.
3. Remember that beauty starts from within.  The lyrics to the song, "I am not my Hair" by India Arie say it well.  A hairstyle change historically means that a woman has decided to start anew and rid herself of old habits or memories that did not serve her.  This is a deeply personal decision and should not be made lightly.  Growing hair back could take months so take your time to reason it out, write in a journal, and talk to close friends if you're comfortable.  A hasty decision or one done out of anger could leave  you regretful.
4. Decide the track you want to try - Big Chop or gradual.  Will you be able to look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with the new you?  The choice is yours.  I went the gradual route to try to keep as much length as possible.  Protective styling allowed me to put in braids and leave it be until I decided on my next step.  
5. Set a date.  Notify those you wish to tell ahead of time and understand that this will be the first step on your journey. While you can always change your mind, it will take time to shift whichever way your heart desires.  Have your products in place so that it is easy to maintain right away.  Set yourself up for your success.

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I love this quote found in the book, "Naturally Going Natural",

We don't go Natural, we return Natural, it is where we all began."  - Unknown

When researching the latest books on the topic for this post, I was excited to come across, "Naturally going Natural" by Marissa Atiya.  Follow Ms  Atiya on Instagram at @naturallygoingnatural to see her super long tresses.  She has been natural all her life which to me meant she was a pro and was in this for the long haul.  Her 76 page book is a concise and easy-to-follow instruction set that makes hair type, porosity, and LOC method all understandable  particularly for the beginner.  If you want the express version of her guide, she even has a "Quick Guide" in the back.  I highly recommend this book just published May 19, 2020.  

​For a full list of children's and adult books on natural hair care, visit our category here.

Enjoy Your Journey!