It encouraged me to see the different businesses and how they were and made me feel empowered to start taking the needed steps in my own entrepreneual endeavors. We had signed up to go to a free seminar to well versed and caring Natural Hair stylist who owns the The Way of Life Hair Salon. She started out the discussion, by shattering myths and sterotypes about the culture, the minsconceptions and textures of African American hair. Some of her points included:
- Kinky/nappy hair is not an insult when someone calls your hair that. It is kinky/nappy but society made it seem like it was a negative, but in truth that is the texture of your hair.
- Kinky/nappy hair is not bad hair. Good hair is healthy hair no matter what the texture
- Straightening natural hair with hot combs, flat irons will eventually alter the texture of your hair where you will lose your curl pattern. The more course your hair is it will take longer, the finer your hair is it will happen more quickly, but all in all heat will damage your natural curl pattern. She gave an example of one of her clients who was natural for 7 years, and she had to straighten her hair because her friend wanted everyone's hair to be alike in the wedding. After the wedding, her hair did not revert back to her natural curl. You put your hair at risk each time you apply this heat, because it could be that last time to alter your curl pattern, and to start over, you must cut it.
- Transitional styles that are better for your hair are roller sets, straw sets, but those only work best when there is minimal new growth. When new growth is longer braids, sew in's etc.
- Having two textures on your head, the new growth and the permed hair can cause problems, but it depends on each individual case. Some people can transistion in this manner for a short or long time. But eventually if you do not cut off the permed hair, your hair will start breaking off on its on since those to two textures are so extreme.
- Tension styles such as wearing headbands, scarfs, etc. to pull hair back can also alter the curl pattern and not allow reversion. Once again once the curls have been altered, you have to cut and start again to get the proper reversion to occur.
- A texturizer is a perm! Don't be fooled!
- When getting braid/twist extensions, you should not have to pop an asprin or advil due to the tension and stress on your hairline, that the braider may be imposing. The hair follicles are popped out and you can see the evidence in many people who get tight braiding.
Most of the above tips I already knew about, but the one below shocked me I had never heard of it
- When your hair is permed/processed it is common practice to trim 6-8 weeks, due to all the heat, manipulation, processing etc. But for natural hair due to the hair not being processed and manipulated as such trims are needed every 6 months to a year! *wow*
After her seminar, we looked at more vendors and talked with some. It was fun going around and getting an impression of the vendors. Most were there and at the point in their business that they want it to be full time, etc. just ready to push it to the next level. I also was able to meet Elaine Johnson, her and her family were featured on Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition. They have an fabulous story and her and her husband specilaize in counseling and empowring singles, married people and help with parenting.
It was empowering and motivating, can't wait for the next one!
