At the 2012 Oscars, Viola Davis made headlines for ditching the wig and rocking her natural afro on the red carpet. This was a pivotal moment as she made a powerful statement that broke Hollywood’s norms and beauty standards. However, this moment is not unique. There have been many celebrities who followed suit in her footsteps, proudly showcasing and embracing their natural hair to the public eye. One example is Lupita Nyong’o, who wore her natural short afro hair on the cover of Essence magazine, showing her pride in her Kenyan heritage. Solange Knowles also followed the same path when she used her natural hair to symbolize her identity in 2016, showcasing different styles for her natural hair.
Joining the natural hair movement is a powerful decision that empowers you with many styling options. Collaborating with top-tier hair care professionals who understand your hair's natural texture is crucial to realizing this potential.
Understanding Natural Hair and Its Needs
Women with natural hair understand the struggle of caring for and styling it. Natural hair comes in various textures, from loose curls to tight coils, and as such, it is divided into different categories.
A type 3 hair features defined and springy curls. They can be loose or tight. Meanwhile, the type 4 hair features dense, kinky textures. There are more sub-categories under the type 4 hair classification, such as those with soft and spongy hair, to those with zigzag patterns.
Due to the diverse curl types, each has unique needs. Understanding your specific curl type is
key to effectively styling it, empowering you with the knowledge to care for your hair.
Natural hair, being more fragile and drier, requires gentle handling and styling to minimize stress on the strands. This approach, coupled with proper hydration, is essential for maintaining the health of your natural hair.
Protective styling techniques and manipulation combine to prevent damage to natural hair as you style it. However, not all salons in Brooklyn are equipped to handle the complex needs of natural hair. Textured and natural hair requires specialized knowledge and experience, which not all hairstylists are trained for. Therefore, finding a Brooklyn hair salon that understands the challenges of caring for and styling natural hair is crucial to maintaining long-term hair health. You need this to maintain confidence in showcasing your natural hair.
What to Look for in a Brooklyn Hair Salon for Natural Hair
Choosing a Brooklyn hair salon specializing in natural hair care is the first step to confidently embracing your hair. However, you must look beyond the trendy Instagram hairstyles and techniques. You must evaluate the salon based on their professional hairstylists' quality, experience, and training. They must be knowledgeable and experienced with curly, kinky, and coily hair types. There is a science behind these different curl patterns, shrinkage, and porosity. Specific styling techniques could lead to breakage and irreversible damage without adequate knowledge.
The best Brooklyn hair salons for natural hair must also use products designed for natural hair. These hairstylists rely on their knowledge and training to care for these specific hair types, but ultimately, their products bring results. As mentioned, natural hair is prone to dryness, so these salons use sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoos and conditioners.
Choose products made with natural oils and butters, like avocado, jojoba, and shea butter. These natural ingredients are milder and gentler without causing harmful product buildup and are good sources of natural hydration for your strands.
Next, the best hair salons in Brooklyn for natural hair prioritize scalp health and hair education. Since natural hair types vary widely, they must inform clients about their hair care and styling needs. This includes understanding the curl types and patterns and the best products to match their texture, lifestyle, and long-term hair goals. Moreover, these hairstylists want to educate their clients about caring for their natural hair between appointments to foster independence and prolong the results of their salon visits.
These benefits are made possible with personalized consultations. These Brooklyn hair salons specializing in natural hair do not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they take time to assess each client’s needs for the best results.
Styling Tips for Natural Hair
Despite the challenges of caring for and styling natural hair, they are versatile. You can explore countless styles to showcase the beauty of your hair’s texture.
Braids and Twist-Outs
Braiding and twisting natural hair is a great way to stretch out the strands, prevent shrinkage, and enhance definition. It is also an excellent style for reducing tangles.
Afros
If you want a bold and expressive style, you can wear your hair in an afro. It is an excellent style for letting your strands breathe without much manipulation.
Protective Styles
Protective styles of natural hair protect it against over-manipulation and environmental factors. If you’re looking for low-maintenance styles, choose box braids, cornrows, updos, and Bantu knots for your natural hair.
Additional Styling Tips for Natural Hair
No matter which hairstyle you choose for your natural hair, the most important tip is to keep it hydrated. Use a leave-in conditioner or a hydration spritz to keep the curls soft and well-defined.
Keep heat styling to a minimum. If you must use heat tools, always use a heat protection spray first. Limit the use of heat in your daily styling, such as blow drying and straightening.
Comb your hair with a detangling comb while it is still damp. This styling technique prevents hair breakage.
For additional protection of your natural hair strands, wear a satin scarf or bonnet over your head. You can also invest in a satin pillowcase. These steps prevent friction on your strands during sleep and help retain moisture.
When all else fails, you can use the wash-and-go technique. This technique allows you to embrace your natural curls and texture without over-reliance on styling products and tools.
