The Non-Black's Introduction to Black Womens' Natural Hair

It has been like a tsunami, completely engulfing the black community. It isn't like the black consciousness movement of the 1960's and 70's but it's more of a black pride thing. The wet wave of pride has left many black women wet with interest and wanting to embrace their natural hair. A lot of women claim health benefits in doing so too. Oh, what is natural hair?




Natural black hair is the hair that naturally grows on a black woman's head. It is free from the altering chemical processes (usually the application of a creamy, harsh and dangerous relaxer) that are commonly used to achieve straighter or straight styles.





The risks and dangers of this chemical relaxer include:

• Chemical scalp burns
• Possible permanent hair loss or alopecia.
• Scalp Irritation
• Dry, brittle hair. Not everyone's hair responds in the same way.
• I can't help but wonder how much of this chemical is absorbed by the skin. Heck, I am weary of anything that I have to do an allergy test for before using... including some hair dyes.

Keeping one's hair natural reduces those risks. I will admit, I love to play with different styles and colors, but now that that is mostly out of my system and I've pretty much done everything but a jerry-curl, I think I'm ready to resume my healthy hair journey (which includes no relaxers).

Apart from chemical relaxers, some everyday hair and beauty products have different levels of risks too. As such, many women of all ethnic backgrounds are now not only going natural with their diet but also with their beauty products. To find out the level of safety risk to your health and the health of the environment, check out cosmeticdatabase.com.