Monday, February 13, 2012

Curly Car Time Chronicles Ep 3: Black v White Hair Products

5 comments:

  1. Interesting topic. I wanted to say that I am so proud of you and the path you have chosen. In listening to your post, I wonder how I would approach the subject at hand. Is there a difference between black/white hair care products? I am no hair guru, so this is just my methodology on answering the question. I think i would first look to see if there is a fundamental difference between black/white hair. If so, which products/chemicals would be best for black hair; i.e., which products will give black hair the desired texture and health necessary to promote healthy hair growth. Next, I would look to see the effects of these chemicals on the black body (taking the stance that the body of Afrikan people is different from the body of European people - melanin). I know that the body absorbs chemicals through hair folicles. Any chemical, at any dose, that is absorbed into the bloodstream and may be harmful to the body, cannot promote healthy hair. Healthy body = healthy hair. I would also look into other possibilities for healthy hair growth; e.g., food, radiation, sun (or lack of), etc. As stated above, I am no hair guru, but I am proud to see that you are exploring this area of our development. Good luck on your journey. Keep up the good work.
    Ase O.

    Sundiata B. Ture

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    1. Thank you Mr. Ture! I like your methodology. In response, some of the fundamental differences between black and white hair lie in the inherent dryness of African hair due to the natural oils from the scalp having a difficult time making it down to the ends of our strands because of all the kinks and curls. Also, our strands tend to be slightly finer than Caucasian strands on average, which makes them slightly weaker due to the fact that there isn't as much coverage (natural protection) from the cuticle layer. This isn't to say a Caucasian person can't have finer hair than a Black person, just a general rule. I like that you pointed out that hair follicles absorb chemicals. This is something most people don't think about, and is one of the main reasons I'll never relax my hair again. Thank you for commenting and the encouragement. I'll definitely keep it up! :)

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  2. Greetings,

    I was introduced to your vlog by my husband, Mr. Ture. I wanted to personally thank you for creating a space to share with others your “natural hair” journey. My journey began about 10 years ago. I too came into the understanding of the damage relaxers cause, not only to my hair, but my entire body. My husband played a significant role in opening my eyes to the importance of knowing what I put in and on my body. As women we strive to be and look our best. I chose to loc my hair because I didn’t want to sacrifice my health for “beauty”. Beautiful is what we are naturally. With health as one of the motivating factors in my decision to be naturally me, the ingredients of the products I use are of the utmost importance. Before categorizing a product as Black or white we must first determine whether the product promotes optimal health or the contrary. Please Read the Label, know what these chemicals are and their effects on the body. Your hair may look shinier and feel softer from these mainstream products purchased at a drug, hair supply store, even health food stores. However, would you be as pleased with the results if you found that many of the ingredients in the products have the potential to cause cancer and other health issues? With so many resources at our finger tips we owe it to ourselves to be informed consumers. If you are interested, below are a few resources that may prove useful. I wish you much success with your vlog and your journey. Be well! Hafeeza Ture

    www.ewg.org Environmental Working Group (to learn more about each particular ingredient)
    http://fabulocs.com/index.html (natural loc butter & intense moisturizer, Fabulocs is a Black owned Natural Hair salon in the DC Metro area with superior products and services)
    The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel (easy read with great resources)

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    1. Thank you so much, Mrs. Ture. I totally agree with you. The positive short term results arent worth long term damging effects. I actually make my own hair dressing with shea butter and a few natural oils. I like knowing exactly what i'm putting in my hair. I'm looking into more natural cleansing and conditioning options as well. Thank you for the websites, I'll definitely look into them. Many blessings to you and your family. :-)

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