10 Lessons from a Curly Head.
Ok, before I start this, I want everyone to know I am by no means a natural hair guru. I just started wearing my hair natural in August of 2016, so I still feel like a newborn when it comes to hair products. BUUUUTTTT, I will say I am really comfortable with doing my own hair and am having fun with my curls. I also want to say that this is what has worked FOR ME. This is not to say this is the golden standard by which all hair should live by. It’s my personal groove, but I thought it would be fun to share and maybe it will help.
If you’re anything like me, you’re black and realizing that not a lot of black people come on the race. If you’re anything like me again, you’re probably saying to yourself, ‘What am I going to do with my hair???’ (insert face of distress here). Here are a few things I have learned while being on the race so far and having extremely curly hair that doesn’t hold moisture well. Also this will probably update once we go to Asia, but I wanted to share what I’ve learned so far.
1. BRING A HEAD SCARF, AND A HAT.
The first cardinal rule is to bring a head scarf not only for sleep, but also for wearing out Literally saved my life a bunch of times when I didn’t feel like doing my hair, or when I packed all my skirts for ministry. It keeps it cleaner and smelling nice for a little longer. It also protected my scalp from being burned.
2. Wash your hair more often.
I would rinse and moisturize it weekly, but I only washed it every 2 weeks . With all the dirt and fumes swirling around the city streets, my hair smells bad a lot quicker than it does back home, and collects a lot more dirt and leaves than normal. I wash my hair about every 5 days here in Africa. Although Africa is a dry climate, compared to Colorado and Alaska, it’s got a little more moisture in the air, so my hair stays moisturized for about 4 days as opposed to the 2 it does in the US.
3. Bring Tea Tree Oil.
It makes my hair feel really soft and I personally like the smell. It also helps against lice. I know you’re thinking black people don’t get that, but remember you’re in another country and even if you weren’t, it’s best to take preventative steps anyways, because you never know.
4. Coconut oil is available all throughout Africa.
It’s literally everywhere. In street shops, pharmacies, grocery stores, literally everywhere. No issues there. I brought a bottle of my own oil that I like from the US, but I learned that I didn’t have to.
5. Bring a solid amount of conditioner
I brought 1 jar coconut cleansing conditioner by As I am from the US because I LOVE it. It’s month 3 and I’m halfway through it. Also I use a lot of conditioner, since I stopped washing my hair with shampoo (my hair gets really dry so a cleansing conditioner was better for me), so I’m sure you could use less/more just know what you will use and plan accordingly.
6. Aunt Jackie’s is a solid brand.
I got some hair moisturizing cream from a pharmacy and it smells amazing and gives my hair good moisture. I’m not sure if this brand is in the US or not, I don’t actually remember, but it’s a really good substitute for Shea moisture which I use in the US. I brought a jar of Shea moisture, but I bought another jar in Africa since I don’t know if it will be available in Asia.
7. Bring peppermint and rosemary essential oils.
Peppermint is cleansing and Rosemary will help stimulate your hair follicles and promote hair growth. I add both of these and tea tree oil to my conditioner and it definitely makes a difference. Also you can add it to any conditioner you get and it will serve as the cleansing part of your conditioner when you have to buy a new one.
8. You’ll have time to do your hair.
I was really worried that I wouldn’t have the time to twist my whole head before bed because I would be too tired, or I wouldn’t have the space to do it. You will, and you can. Even the first month when we were in the bush, I was able to do my hair and twist it in my tent before falling asleep.
9. You can still get your hair braided/twisted.
Remember if you’re going to Africa that you will DEFINITELY see somewhere to get your hair done. The shops in very rural areas of Africa sold braid hair. I saw a family that lived in a grass/mud hut braiding each others hair. Trust me if you want your hair done in Africa, it can happen. This is Africa for goodness sake. The motherland. EVERYONE knows how to braid, and you’ll get it done in half the time.
10. Bring headbands, or cute clips.
This is very much optional but it’s basically to say, if you do that stuff at home, you’re still going to want to on the race. I left my gorgeous white and pink headband at home thinking I wouldn’t want it and boy was I wrong. I love putting fun stuff in my hair, so if you do it home, or even if you think about it, I would bring it. You can always drop it if you don’t end up using it, and I’m sure a squad mate would take it off your hands.
Thanks for reading, and if nothing else I hope this gave you a good laugh if not some help if you’re considering the race, or were just curious. Until next time!
Love,
Alisha
