Natural Hair Care Secrets and Tips (Own Your Power Radio)

In the latest episode of Own Your Power Radio, I had the pleasure of interviewing my childhood friend Milan J who is a well-known natural hairstylist in Maryland. She shared so much valuable tips and we had a lot of laughs as well. I’ve been natural since 1999 and I’m so happy I made the shift. Here are some of the most popular tips I’ve learned over the years.

Caring for Black natural hair requires a thoughtful approach to maintain its health and vibrancy. Here are the top 5 tips:

Moisturize Regularly: Natural hair tends to be dry because its curl pattern makes it difficult for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft. Use water-based leave-in conditioners, oils like coconut or jojoba, and butters like shea butter to lock in moisture. Deep condition your hair weekly for maximum hydration.
Use Gentle Detangling Methods: To prevent breakage, use wide-tooth combs or your fingers to detangle your hair when it’s damp and coated with conditioner. Detangle in sections to avoid stress on the strands.
Protective Styling: Hairstyles like braids, twists, or buns help protect the hair from environmental damage and breakage. Avoid styles that pull too tightly at the scalp to prevent hair loss and thinning.
Limit Heat and Chemicals: Excessive heat styling and chemical treatments can damage the hair’s natural structure. If you must use heat, apply a heat protectant and keep the temperature on the lower side.
Sleep with Protection: Use a satin or silk scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase to reduce friction while sleeping. This helps prevent breakage and moisture loss, keeping your hair healthy and manageable.

Tune in to hear the full show to hear all of Milan’s advice. Take notes!

When I went natural, I didn’t even make the connection with relaxers causing any issues with my health. In 2008, I had a huge FIBROID removed and it was growing for years. Recently there have been more studies connecting the dots and many lawsuits coming out against to companies making these damaging beauty products.

The connection between perms, relaxers, and health issues like fibroids and certain cancers has been studied in recent years, and while research is ongoing, here are some key facts that have emerged:

Chemical Exposure: Hair relaxers and perms often contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates. These chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones, potentially increasing the risk of hormone-related conditions like fibroids and certain cancers, including breast cancer.
Increased Risk of Uterine Fibroids: Studies, particularly from the National Institutes of Health, have shown that Black women who use chemical hair relaxers frequently are more likely to develop uterine fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, and their development has been linked to chemical exposure from hair products.
Breast Cancer Links: A 2019 study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that women who used hair dyes and chemical relaxers frequently had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The risk was particularly higher among Black women, possibly due to differences in the type and use of products marketed to them.
Scalp Absorption: The scalp is highly absorbent, and when chemicals from relaxers or perms come into contact with it, they can enter the bloodstream. This direct exposure, especially when combined with burns or irritation from these products, may lead to higher absorption of harmful toxins.
Long-Term Exposure Concerns: Women who begin using perms and relaxers at a younger age and over prolonged periods face a cumulative risk. The longer and more frequently a person is exposed to these chemicals, the greater the potential for adverse health effects, including fibroids and cancers.

These studies are still evolving, but the evidence has prompted a shift toward more natural hair care practices among many women. If you haven’t gone natural yet, maybe some of this information will get you thinking about making the change. You’ll be happy you did!

Listen to these episodes about FIBROIDS HERE: