Posted in Hair, Hair Archive | Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
My mom straightened my thick, curly hair as a child, and when she got pregnant again, she “prayed for a boy” so she wouldn’t have 2 girls’ heads of “crazy” hair to deal with. (She had my TWIN brothers instead, so be careful what you ask for folks). My freshman year in college, I realized that I could no longer afford to go to the salon, or spend $50 every two weeks on relaxers kits, like Dark and Lovely. So I decided on the BC (big chop) my freshman year of college. I’ll never forget the way my parents went from happy to “what the?!” as I tore off my hat in the airport when they picked me up for winter break.
then
Trust me. I got a LOT of questions, being that it wasn’t really in style yet for a Black woman to wear her hair short, and Zhane wasn’t out yet, (did I just date myself?) I had a great hairdresser at the time, who showed me how to style my hair as the new growth came in. I kept waiting for something crazy to happen but it didn’t. And by the time I graduated, I was a regular at the barbershop and the envy of most of the men there, because I had WAVES. 
16 years later, I decided to grow my hair out. I work in a creative enough field that I was able to wear head wraps for a whole year. (I realize most people can’t do that). My new hair was very healthy but being that I hadn’t had to “do” my hair for 16 years, I was at a total loss as to what to do with it. I’d never had bradied extensions, a weave, locs or even a wig (unless it was in a school play).
I also really liked my hair.
And thus began my crazy, obsessed, product-junkie-laden journey.The first thing I had to learn when I grew my hair out is that the whole concept of “black hair” and “white hair” is a myth. Don’t get me wrong, we definitely have different grades of hair. But just think about how many different complexions people of African descent have, those there are probably just as many different types and grades of hair. Basically all “black hair” is varying degrees of kinky, curly, or wavy hair. Even if you straighten your hair, I’m referring only to your real, virgin hair. Hair typing has been made popular lately (I’ll go into this in more detail in a later post), and is classified by type by numbers 1-4 and letters abc. I have curly 4a/4b hair with a little 3b thrown in on the sides (just to make me crazy). For those of you not sure what your hair type is click here. As I did more research on the web and in books, I realized that most of the products that I was using were wrong for either my hair type or my health or BOTH.
I am now much more comfortable with my natural hair now and in turn, I’m more comfortable with ME.
now
So stay tuned. In the coming weeks, I’ll share with you how I take care of my hair without breaking the bank
…or killing myself.
- Savvy
About Savvy Brown
I believe being healthy doesn't have to be complicated, being green can be easy and being broke isn't an option!
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Source: Uploaded by user via Savvy on Pinterest
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I love this blog! I can’t wait to read more. I’ve wanted to start one myself but the task seemed so daunting. I’ll happily read yours instead, and be able to keep in touch with you at the same time. Great stuff.
I’ve been a product junky myself, always looking for better, cheaper, and FEWER products to keep my kinks and curls in check. It’s amazing how many new products are out there these days! When I did the big chop, 10 years ago or so, there was next to nothing. Scratch that. There was nothing. Now there are tons of products out there; some good, some bad. Most pretty expensive and most VERY hard to find in San Francisco. I expect you have a much easier time in NYC. Ricky’s carries a lot. I have to trek to Oakland…
Lately my favorite product by far is Kinky Curly Curling Custard. It costs $30 for the large tub, but it works like a dream and gets me to my long held dream–second day hair! Best of all, the ingredients are very few and all natural. I know that several Whole Foods stores carry it. I’m campaigning to get it carried in my local Whole Foods. It’s been a long fight.
Keep it up, Dear Friend. I can’t wait to read more. Bring on the home made cleaning supplies and hair product reviews!
Big love,
Chris
Yaay! i’m glad you stopped by. I’ve got homemade hair stuff for ya too! Kinky Curly IS great, but there are some cheaper alternatives. I’ll post ‘em soon
Hey!!
LOVED this- fabo! I headed right over to naturallycurly.com to discover my hair type- very interesting. I’m still trying to decide whether I’m a 3b or a 4a though!
I’ll see what publicity I can muster up for you in the UK!
Love this site- one question, how much creative talent can one person have?! Well done you!
–George. xox
P.S. I’m following you now on twitter! (creativequeenhq)
Aww thanks Georgina! I miss you! Check some of the links on the right, there are tons of styles and info there too. I’m actually going to review some of Anita Grant’s products soon, and she’s out there in the UK.
I love your story!
You look gorgeous and naturaly suits you well.
Unlike you, my family was very open to my TWA. They didn’t know I was going to do it either, but my mom just loves it!
@JenellyBean Good for you! Support really helps. I also didn’t have any website or blogs to look at so you’re REALLY lucky!
Great story!