The Benefits of Natural Hair for African-American Women

Back in the 1970's, Afros were everywhere on African-Americans. Even some White people took advantage of this trend and permed their hair into ultra-curly coifs. It led directly into the 1980's era of Big Hair. Eventually, many African-American women conformed to the relaxed styles of the day and natural hair was hard to find.

In the 1990's, there seemed to be a shift back to natural trends: in skincare, foods, and hair. Black women began to embrace their natural locks once again and a new era of natural hair was ushered in.

Afros were no longer seen as the only style possible. Suddenly, braids, twists, locks (also known as "dreadlocks") and cornrows became popular. Once women began to see that they had options-many of them-they took full advantage. A lot of women hadn't seen their hair in its natural state since childhood, when mothers considered hair-straightening almost as a rite of passage from girlhood to young womanhood. As a result, they weren't quite sure how to treat their own hair. Some would try natural hair as a fad, then go back to relaxed hair, which they felt more comfortable with. Still, enough women stuck with it (through the awkward grow-out phases, through some mean-spirited comments from family and strangers alike) to bring naturally kinky hair to the forefront of the style arena.

What are the benefits to getting rid of chemically-altered hair and embracing your natural texture?

Saving money

Maintaining relaxed hair, which is best done by a professional-especially for services such as touching up new growth-is costly. Touch-ups and relaxers average $50-$150. Since hair grows an average of ½ inch per month and many women feel they need touch-ups at least every six weeks, that's at least $400 per year (perhaps as much as $1300) that's invested in this service alone. Natural hair requires no chemicals, so your savings are instantaneous once you stop relaxing.

Saving time