By now we have enough insight now to know that there are a lot of healthy hair practices relaxed ladies too can adopt to make sure that their hair and scalps remain healthy even when using a chemical relaxer.
The natural hair movement can be seen as a positive thing for women who choose to relax because some of the knowledge that we have gained about our natural tresses are easily transferable and as a result absently beneficial.
The point is, there is value in speaking your mind, you can see that just from the difference we have made so far.
So if you choose to relax your hair and you think that relaxer kits should come with better instructions, additional products to protect your hair in the kits, more rigorous testing to confirm safety or even more work in terms of promoting healthy relaxed hair then by all means get on camera, hop on instagram, twitter or your own blog and just say so.
Don’t forget to demand that your stylist gets educated about healthy hair practices while relaxing your hair. You don’t have to bring a bunch of books to your hair appointment, but don’t settle for mediocrity either, let them know that you are aware of what your hair needs and you will accept nothing less.
On the small business side of things there is something to be proud of because this is where sales are really progressing, the best part about it is that for our small business’s the focus has always been quality of the product even if the price tag is a little higher than a traditionally ‘black product’.
Hopefully this never changes because that is what the consumer wants, a quality product that takes care of our hair. If you create natural hair products and have made a business out of it, by all means let your voice be heard, drive sales using social media and meet up’s, spend some money on advertising on our favorite blogs and do not hesitate to visit forums to see what us girls really need.
Additionally even though this is not very evident yet, there might be a niche for a natural hair company to create products geared towards relaxed hair as well. The same rules apply, listen to your customer and capture a portion of the market that is starting to get ignored; hey relaxed girls need love too!
With that said the goal remains solid, healthy hair by any means necessary whether you are relaxed or natural. Now that mainstream media is watching, there is no better time than the present to demand that the products and education we receive is the utmost best.
prieta says
my hair is about 3 inches what can I do to my hair.
Tamakia Herd says
Ha! Now the weave sales need to drop!!!
Sarah Adejo says
true that…lol
Tannel George says
very tru… I HATE, I tell you HATE a weave, I have never put one, nor do I want to,
ViKtoria Mee says
but in africaaaa still very highh
Brytni CarZelle says
Education is key
Hrh Manye Korkor Darlyn says
Time to love your own hair
Evette Howard says
Same price in TEXAS
Mieshel Jett says
Now we need our own bss…
BiscuitBunny says
I think it’s great that more women are being convinced that they can wear their own hair without worrying about societal image standards from their family/friends/ colleagues etc. I am natural and have been since 2011 but for me, I have found that I have really looked to specific product lines or manufacturers for help. I use only a few products: a no paraben shampoo (very cheap £2 by Inecto), a conditioner (Tresemme Platinum which I mix with my essential oil mix), a moisturiser (Profectiv does the job, has a lot of essential oils in, lasts a long time). For curly/textured styles I mix a supermarket hair gel with whatever curly pudding I can find, usually cheap. My oil mix is clear castor oil, tea tree oil, and a sweet smelling oil for kids by one of the hair brands (I forget which).
So I haven’t really looked to the manufacturers for star products that will help me with my hair. As long as I can deep condition well, moisturise and oil, styling is my biggest challenge (esp. with these different lengths all over my head). Overall though, I think it’s great that manufacturers are looking into natural hair as a serious market. However, there are a lot of high price swindle ‘natural products’ out there. I always read the label, to ensure I’m not being cheated into buying something that is just cream with a bit of oil etc…
BiscuitBunny says
*haven’t really
Natasha Scott says
It is time for us to embrace our natural beauty.
Kerimah Rogers says
Sorry I still relax mine….not all of us care to go natural
Keira Bell says
Relaxer sales may have dropped but the same people in the “relaxer business” are same ones making bank off products for natural hair as well so technically they aren’t really losing anything in that sense. But at least now we have a number on the effect of the choice to relax. #naturalhairRocks! 🙂
Nicole Ivy says
That’s Great!
Muriel Oduro says
The price has to drop as more people go natrual. … lets see how or if that affects the weave business. .. on the other hand hair conditioning products n creams will continue to sell well.
Shevonn Avery says
I dont think their needs to be a drop in the weave industry just because more people are embracing their national hair! Ive been natural almost 3 yrs and about twice a year I like to switch up my look. Instead of damaging my hair with heat, why not get weave and play around with that? Not to mention weave (if don’t right) can be a great protective style!
Sophiagoodazz Mcgibbon says
About time overdue
Lisa Merdynes says
Weave prices will not be affected.
Kendall Flewellen says
I knew it! Just rows of perm boxes available lol
Elaine Tellmesomethinggood says
Weave and relaxer forever. …never going natural again…..
Bryan New Orleans Baly says
It’s a start.
Danaya Paige says
Who cares
Theresa Loscocco says
It’s about time!!
Geraldine Anneni says
some of the business savvy people are trying to cash on the natural hair bandwagon by coming out with new products for natural hair. One of the reasons i do this natural hair thing is to save money and time, and that’s exactly what I am doing while my hair is growing longer and healthier. Thank God for youtube! Make your own natural products!
Mimi Janvier says
Well that not everywhere lol definitely not in Canada .
I still use it and love it.
Kerimah Rogers says
Me too
MEshell Green says
That’s good but it the same makers of relaxers that is making so-called natural products now.
Kemirah Godwin says
I highly doubt this, I feel like this is just another article to make naturals feel supreme over relaxed hair. But honestly who cares who is relaxed or natural? I feel as long as the hair is healthy what is the big deal? All natural hair isn’t healthy and all relaxed hair isn’t healthy. Things change so much first it was you are natural if you Dont wear weave you just wear your own hair. No it is chemical and no chemical. I feel like it should be no completion between hair, to each your own.
Kerimah Rogers says
THANK YOU Kemirah! I don’t care for natural! I still relax mine!
Mimi Janvier says
Agreed, only in the states they would have hair texture debate
Tasha Harris says
I relax my hair and I’m fine with it. I don’t relax it every month but my hair is thick and it makes my head hurt to comb it. It doesn’t make you less of a person or less of black women by perming your hair. Some women need weave due to health reason like chemotherapy, thyroid diseases, or Alopecia Areata.
Valerie Johnson says
I agree my hair is very thick as well…I wish I did have some wash and go hair…
Brittney Holland says
Thank you Tasha! I’m relaxed too and I’m proud of my long hair.
Chanté Robyn Ross says
um this is my problem. Naturals celebrating the beauty of their natural hair always make relaxed girls feel like theres some kinda hating going on. WE rejoice over this why? because we are happy that more black women can enjoy and embrace their natural hair. Black woman tend to be very insecure and to see women enjoying what they were naturally born with is a joy. We are not saying that all women who relax their hair are wrong o unhealthy. no. You must admit a large percentage of relaxed women wear their hair straight all the time because they are ashamed of their natural hair and are against most of the perks of the race. Not all of course. Some people just love having straight hair and thats THEIR CHOICE. Its just time for those who have been afraid or hiding behind wat society deems “acceptable” to come out and love themselves regardless. Relaxed or natural black women simply need to support and encourage each other to be strong in a society that tears us down each day. Once you and your hair is healthy i see no problem. Alot of people are misunderstanding this post and need to re-evaluate the way they look at it. Stay blessed!
Kerimah Rogers says
I still relax. It’s what works and what is convenient for ME. My natural hair grows in SUPER THICK and it’s hard to deal with. I don’t have 2-3 hours a day to dedicate to fooling with my natural hair. It’s a headache.
Mimi Janvier says
I relax and color and love it . Summer I leave my hair out and during winter I have a “hat” aka wig or braids to protect it from the cold and hot.
This natural / relax debate is ridiculous blk ppl always have something to debate
Cee Reign says
Cool
Valerie Johnson says
I really hope black people will be the ones creating and making money from these new products…
Tameika Toorie says
Great article. It used to be so hard to find organic hair care products and now they’re everywhere! Gives me such pride to see black women rock their natural hair texture.
Leslie Hutchinson says
that is great
Shatina Goodwin says
We argue over stupid stuff….
Tamakia Herd says
I agree to disagree
Kerimah Rogers says
Yeah we do. Do white women create pages like this and debate over their different hair types???
Andrea MoonPearl Banks says
Keira Bell. So true. Black faces on the product doesn’t mean it’s from us.
Andrea MoonPearl Banks says
Natural and loving it.
Candace M. Chambers says
**DISCLAIMER : Do what works for you** …The companies are realizing a lot of women are waking up so they go back to the ” lab ” and make products for natural hair. Chemicals are chemicals and will cause damage over time because it alters the natural state of your hair. I have compared my hair over the years and saw a major difference. Mind you I was faithful with my trim and relaxer every 8 weeks. ( I know everyone is different but I thought that worked for me..or so I thought) Im so glad I did the big chop. My hair is SO much healthier, growing fast!, and THICKER. I dont want anything on my scalp anymore that can eat through a coke can… i.e. having to ” base ” your scalp down so it wont get burned/damaged from chemicals. And dont let a little get on your ear by mistake…the next day it will be red, irritated and/or chemically burnt.
LaNyé Savanah says
Tiffany Spencer The natural movement is takin over! =)
Alisa Edwin says
Nope will keep relaxing hair.
Kerimah Rogers says
Me too Alisa
Princess Elvin-Lewis says
I’m off the creamy crack for good I hope!!
Jessica Williams says
Love my relaxer. You can still have healthy hair using a relaxer. Its all about how you treat your hair bottom line. If natural works best for you then do it.
Maya Woodall says
Don’t call it a come back!
Shelita Brown says
Yessss I’m happy I knew sales was down notice on sale now yayyyyyy lovin my hair!!
Nyela Akuoko says
Im loving this!
Va InmyownWorld says
Ayyyayaayy
Yacasta Ford says
Awesome!
Raquel Lovez Art'class says
Gabrielle Dixson
Raquel Lovez Art'class says
I feel like you’re natural as long as you wear your real hair
Linda Herring says
Yessssssss! For my ladies embracing our textures and saving our scalps
April R. Miller says
I’M NEVER GIVING UP THE CREME CRACK !!
La Tosha Walls says
Just did the big chop. Going natural from relaxed. But ultimately do what’s best for your hair and what your comfortable with. Not placing judgement.
Shanece Kornegay says
I’m transitioning to natural and then I’m doing the big chop! I’m so excited!!! ^-^
Estefani Rodriguez says
Lmfaooooooo
Ni-Ni Henderson says
Good. Let the deep discounts begin for my relaxers and price gouging continue for “natural” products at will. So far that’s what I see happening when I go down the product lines.
Maybell Lena Killion says
No, natural is without a relaxer, chemical. Jesus!
Middle Child says
Gooooooooooooooooooooood!!!!
Middle Child says
I think that some of us are getting lost in translation. Certain sisters are always quick to be dismissive about a relaxer when the reality is that is really has nothing to do with a relaxer. I dont’ delight in telling anyone how to do their hair but let’s face it or rather for those of us that care to admit it, we have been taught to feel a certain way about our hair. I would never attack or question someone’s level of blackness due in part ot whether they have a relaxer in their hair or not, I would just like to see that sisters are not subscribing to the notion that somehow our hair is inferior. And that is what some many sisters keep dismissing. I don’t care how you choose to do your hair i care that another black women has a healthy sense of self.
Lindsay A. Hackney says
I’m so glad I’m off the crack. It’s definitely not worth the anxiety and the scabs and the fact that it may have been seeping into my brain! I love straight hair but the natural revolution is here. If U like it straight #putawigonit
Sädio Kanté says
Yass !
Marla Booker says
My grandmother used to say 30 yrs ago “those chemical are getting in your brain, its not good for you… We finally get it now. No relaxer for me anymore!!
Kerimah Rogers says
Ya’ll are brave to do the big chop…..sorry not for me….
Gigi Robinson says
No more creamy crack
Gigi Robinson says
Me carol daughter elixir oil good for you last 3 months or longer
Celina Millian says
Amen Chanté Robyn Ross
Middy Fuller says
Yes thank goodness…. When black women who relax their hair pass away medical examiner’s find a layer of buildup under their scalps from the relaxers seeping into the hair folicals …
Ann says
This is a damn lie. What a disgusting comment. You sound ignorant.
Elisabeth Ayoola says
I’m natural, but if I can decide to perm tomorrow and then big chop agin in 6 months. With that being said, to each irs own. The most important thing is how we take care of our hair. If the prices drop, then good for those who are still relaxing, less money to spend 🙂 The sad part is that we always find something to divide us…first it was this light skin vs black skin, and now is natural vs. Relaxed…. stop segregating each other and find something more supportive to trend!
Elisabeth Ayoola says
(*big chop again, *Each their own)
Tabitha Henderson says
Who cares if you relax your hair ,or go natural. It not a big deal.