Being on a college campus that’s typically populated by Caucasian people, it’s a great feeling to see women embracing their natural hair and showing off their hairs versatility. The natural hair movement is rapidly spreading and I hope that soon enough women of color will be able to wear their hair in the workforce with no judgments. There is a common misconception about natural hair in the workforce; statements have been made that “natural hair is unprofessional”, “dirty or raggedy looking” or even “distracting.”
For those who don’t know it takes a lot of strength and courage for women to fully embrace who they are and rock their NATURAL assets that God has blessed them with. They’re a lot of different ways we can style our hair once we learn how to manipulate it properly. If you’re looking for more ways to appreciate your hair, here are a couple of styles you can try.
- Heatless Curls
- The Bantu Knot Out
- The Side-Swept Braid
- The Classic Pompadour
- The Pineapple
- The Frohawk
- Twist out /braid out
- Full Afro
Here are a couple of divas on my college campus rocking their tresses…
Carlene
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been fully natural for 1 year and half now, but I did transition for about a year, so you can say it’s been roughly 2 and a half years.
Why did you decide to be natural?
Honestly, I always say that I went natural by default lol because I didn’t plan on doing it. When I came to SUNY Cortland, I couldn’t manage my relaxed hair and so it started to shed, which led to my decision to go natural. There are good hair days and very bad hair days, as expected lol but so far it’s been an exciting and emotional adventure.
What are your favorite hair products?
My favorite products are Camille Rose Naturals, Jamaican Castor Oil, Eco styler Gel, Palmers protein pack, Carol’s daughter cleansing conditioner and a few others.
What is your go to hairstyle?
My favorite hairstyle is a flat twist out! It is definitely my go to for every occasion.
What tips would you give to other naturals?
Best tip: Patience is key!! Everyone natural knows that this journey to growing your hair back all over again can be exhilarating, but also very frustrating. So, one thing God is growing in me through this process is a ton of patience. As the saying goes ” Good things take time.”
Nyasia
How long have you been natural?
I have been natural going on 3 years.
Why did you decide to be natural?
I choose to be natural because I wanted my hair to be healthier. From the chemical treatments my scalp began to be more sensitive. I did my big chop in January 2013. I completely shave my head and I honestly felt happier and relieved.
Have you seen any changes?
After a year passed I had a lot of growth. A year later I cut my hair once again. I like the short look, but now I plan to cut less and grow more.
What is your go to hairstyle?
My go to hairstyle is Bantu Knots. This is the best protective hairstyle for my kinky hair because it protects my ends.
What is your favorite hair product?
My favorite hair products are Shea moisture’s curl enhancing smoothie and Basic’s Carbon Tea Tree shampoo and deep conditioner.
Kenya
What tips would you give to other naturals?
Never get discouraged with your hair. Have patience, your hair has a lot to offer as long as you take the time to offer the care it deserves. In the couple of years of being natural I have learn various things about my hair. There is more than one texture, As well as the limits and the possibilities of styles I can do. Ultimately the best decision I made and I wish I have the sense to have done it while I was in high school.
Aminah
How long have you been natural?
For about two and half years
What is your hair type?
I have 4b hair.
What is your go to hairstyle?
Bantu knots and twists out
Lydia
How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural for 10 months now. Since January 26th 2015. I big chopped. Cut off all my relaxed hair to just the recent new growth. My hair was really short.
When I went to college it was hard to take care of my relaxed hair because I didn’t have my usual hair dresser. And I’d been thinking about cutting it off even before then because I wanted to see what my natural hair looked like.
What is your favorite hair product?
African oyl (yes not “oil”)
What is your go to hairstyle?
Two strand twist out. My hair’s short so I can’t do much else with it. I tend to pin back the sides. But recently it’s gotten longer so I pin back the whole front. And brush down my edges
What tips would you give to other naturals?
Try to find what works for you. Definitely see what products you hairs responds to and how. Try different things out. Watch videos to get ideas but products other people swear by probably won’t be what works for you. So research hair types. Like porous vs non porous. 4c vs 4b etc.
And don’t forget WATERRRRR!!! It’s great for your hair. Seriously Cowash every 3-5 days. It’s great!! Keeps your hair soft. (That might be harder to do for people with longer hair.) Also STAY AWAY FROM SHAMPOOS!! It seriously dries your hair out. I’ve used shampoo on my hair only twice since I went natural. But then again my hair is short so dirt rinses away easier.
I always thought of them as a “home” hairstyle. I personally would wear them only to create another style, but not as a style itself. I wouldn’t look cute wearing them out in the streets, as others do.
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