Monica Millner's Blog: Kinky Hair Diva

I saw a meme today about how black naturals react to a stranger trying to touch their hair. The woman was wearing a big fluffy afro - the kind of Afro that garners attention and inspires awe. I wore an Afro for years. I was the queen of the steam-n-go afro! Yes, steam is the afro refresher if your hair is kinky. Anyone with kinky hair knows (or in my case tried, failed and now knows) that a wash-n-go is NOT for kinky textured hair. However, a good steam with your favorite light product will awaken your fluffy in less than 10 minutes.

Anyway, so I get the feeling of not wanting to be petted like a fluffy cat by a stranger in public. This is a popular sentiment shared by many naturals. "No, you can not touch my hair!"

I once made a joke, that I would charge the space invaders $10 each to touch my hair. Some people are so curious and have no access to natural black women; that they just might pay me, and I might let them.


On the flip side, I get why someone would want to grab a big ole hand full of a beautiful fluffy Afro that smells like peppermint and lavender. They are so shocked to see how stunning we are when we unleash our afros. There is a reason slave captors shaved our heads or why slavers required we cover our heads. Our hair is unique and beautiful and we are the only people on this planet with this texture. So to break a people, you take away their culture, their god, and their beauty.

Black women have hid their natural hair for so long that people are just in awe of our appearance once our beauty is released.

So although, I understand the desire to touch what looks like a halo of fluffy cotton candy – no one (even if paid) wants to be petted or stroked like a pet. Maybe an option for you curious touchy folks is to get some friends who wear afros or dreadlocks.

Kinky Hair Diva

I love dreadlocks (aka locks). They are low maintenance, stylish and beautiful. However, sometimes your dreadlocks can feel dry or maybe your scalp will itch. I've found four great remedies that will moisten your locks, alleviate itchy scalp; while not causing excessive build-up.

STEAMY LOCKS
First, a steamer is my favorite tool to use on my natural hair. I used the steamer when I wore an afro and now on my dreadlocks. The steamer is the lazy girl’s best grooming tool.

I prefer a handheld steamer because it’s easy to use and portable. Fill the reservoir; wait a few minutes, then steam. Be sure to get the ends with the end goal of saturating each individual lock with steam. The steam feels good on your scalp and your style will be renewed.

As a bonus, the steam will help release tangled new growth (sometimes making your locks stick together), minimize frizz and of course - no build-up. If you do not have a steamer, you can always steam your locks in the shower.

MISTY LOCKS
The next best moisturizer for dreadlocks is misting your locks. You can use plain water or get them wet in the shower. You do not need to mist your locks daily. Mist only when needed. I prefer to add nutrients to my water by adding oils to my spray bottle.

Another version is to mist your dreadlocks with an herbal tea and essential oil mixture. For example, adding rosemary and lavender oil to an herbal green tea is a great nutrient rich drink for misting your hair.

Also, there are a number of commercial natural misting products that will also work well on your dreadlocks.

Remember to use natural products and use only when needed. If you prefer to mist everyday, use either plain water or herbal tea – these will not add build up to your dreadlocks.

GLYCERIN ROCKS ON DREADLOCKS
Glycerin is a great product for dreadlocks as long as you use vegetable glycerin. Heritage makes lavender or rose water and glycerin spray that is good for dry dreadlocks. It is a natural spray, but you only need a light mist and not necessarily everyday. I really love this spray for my dreadlocks and plan to make a DIY version. If you shop around, you will find various dreadlock sprays that will help retain your hair’s moisture.

The misting sprays that include glycerin allow the scalp to absorb the added nutrients. Just make sure they are water based, include natural oils and are as natural as possible. Remember glycerin and oil will cause build-up so use sparingly and as needed.

CLEAN LOCKS
Don't forget that how you clean your dreadlocks can also determine if they retain moisture. Avoid shampoos with sulfates and other harsh chemicals. There are many natural shampoos that will work well on your dreadlocks.

Another option is to make your own shampoo. For example, coconut milk shampoo is easy to make and will keep your dreadlocks soft and healthy.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a great alternative to shampooing your locks or can also work as a conditioning cleanser. The product is all natural and cleans the locks without stripping them of moisture. I have washed my dreadlocks with herb infused ACV, which takes several days to make, but is a great alternative to shampoos. I also make a rinse that includes water, oils and a splash of ACV which is a great natural rinse after a coconut milk shampoo. You want to shop for conditioners or rinses that are not only natural but also include ingredients that will add and seal in moisture.

OILY LOCKS
Last but not least, oil is a great softener and gives the hair nutrients. My favorites are avocado, olive and coconut oil; all are great options for all hair types. You can oil your dreadlocks while wet to seal in moisture. You can add coconut oil to your DIY shampoo.

You can give yourself a hot oil treatment using an electric warming cap or a body heat warming plastic cap. Remember, you do not need a lot of product for dreadlocks, use sparingly and as needed.

Dreadlocks are very low maintenance, but they still need to be pampered and maintained, based on the style you desire.

Please comment on how you keep your dreadlocks moisturized and fabulous.

Feel free to ask a question regarding this article or your personal hair care regime.

Kinky Hair Diva
#afrolove #naturalhair