From pomades to weaves, the buzz surrounding African American ladies’ hair continues to grow. Celebrity hairstyles fuel the fashion debate about natural hair as more and more women begin to embrace their roots, swapping their chemicals for more natural products.
For black women, natural hair simply means that it has not been processed or chemically altered through the use of products designed to straighten, soften, or cause it to relax. Smooth, straight hair has been in vogue for years, but this trend is starting to reverse.
Products, wigs, and weaves make up a more than $1 billion industry revolving around African American hair. Fashion, politics, and personal preference are behind this push to go natural.
From 2010 to 2011, the number of women who admitted that they do not use any type of chemical relaxer on their hair increased by 10percent. Over the past five years, relaxer kit sales have taken a 17 percent hit. These numbers may not seem so large now, but give it a few more years, and the market may shift entirely.
Numbers like these have caused hair product manufacturers to give ear to what the women want. Companies will have to begin developing products that cater to this expanding market of naturalists. Already, several companies, such as Soft-Sheen Carson, have taken advantage of this trend and introduced some new hair care products that meet the needs of this growing population. This change will be beneficial for smaller companies who specialize in natural hair care.
Chemical relaxers have been shown to damage hair, leaving it dry and lifeless. Constant heat from irons, dryers, and pressing combs leaks to breakage. Braids that are too tight not only cause headaches but also may lead to hair loss. Weaves and hair extensions that make use of heat and glue are extremely harmful to hair’s health. Natural oil is essential, while rubbing oil on the scalp can actually clog pores and lead to hair health issues. Spritzed hairstyles that leave hair feeling crunchy and stiff are losing popularity. Women are rebelling against the looks and styles that do more harm than good, as they look for ways to boost hair’s health and strength.
A definite shift can be observed in the African American community, as women want to go as natural as possible. For those who want to tame their mane without the use of harmful chemical products, dozens of books, blogs, and websites, including YouTube, offer advice on hair care as well as natural styling tips.
The celebrities may be the most prominent faces of this trend, but black women everywhere are taking their hair back to its natural roots and embracing its unique style.
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