I have been reading the most fascinating book on the history of black hair. It’s called “Hair Story” by Ayana Byrd and Lori Tharps. The book begins with the history of black hair starting from the slave days in Africa. When the slaves were captured, their heads were immediately shaved. For hygiene yes, but also to show them who was boss. While on the plantations in the South, the slaves had to use scarfs and head coverings because they were not given the right hair tools (ie combs) or hair products (palm oil was seriously lacking in the US).
I have learned about the political statements the afro represented. Did you know the Jheri Curl was actually invented by a white farmer? How about Madame C.J. Walker, whose method of hair culture made her the first female millionaire.
Hair is very important to the black culture and after reading this book, I understand why.
As a white mother of a black baby, I feel it’s very important to educate myself in issues that she will one day face. Hair care and its appearance is a big one my friends! Read the book. You’ll learn a lot!
So as I continue into this world of hair care, I’ve stumbled upon a few products (bless you Liz!!!). We began with the organic hair care product called, “It’s a Curl.” Wonderfully smelling stuff. Desta’s new hair growing in after her IV issues is now coarse and dry. This product isn’t working so well for that.
Next on the list, Carol’s Daughter hair milk and Tui leave in conditioner. It’s expensive. I won’t lie. I think my hair is going to have to go gray if I am going to continue paying for these products for her hair. It’s amazing. It smells wonderful and her hair has the cutest, moist little curls. They haven’t dried out yet.
My vote right now is Carol’s Daughter. As Desta’s hair continues to grow, we’ll have to open a bank account just to take care of it. By the way, did you know a housewife invented and patented the weave? I wonder if all this hair care will produce a patent worthy hair care product for us. We’ll see!
Catch me in a few years when I have to do braids and beads. I think I’ll be visiting an experienced hair dresser for that one. Anyone living in Colorado Springs who knows a great hair dresser who specializes in black hair, send me their name! I’ll need it!
Here’s a picture of Desta’s sweet curls. I love them!
I was born in Jos, Nigeria many years ago. I spent the next nineteen years living in Liberia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
most (but not all) ET hair is not too hard to manage. Keep it moisturized and conditioned and you’re halfway there. Don’t pay a hairdresser what you can learn to do yourself. Get “It’s All Godd Hair” at Amazon or the library–probably the only book you’ll ever need. You’ll be able to do her hair, don’t fret!
oops–meant to say “It’s All Good Hair”
Thanks for the book recommendation! I use “Hot Six Oil” by African Royale on Grace. It’s all natural and not very expensive. Her hair is so incredibly thick…at the salon they told me to start relaxing it–even though she’s not even four yet. I was reluctant at first but now it’s so much easier to deal with! However, I doubt you’ll have that problem with Desta. But it is really nice to live in a country where it’s very reasonable to have a salon do her hair!
Is this the same book that talks about what people call “Good” African-American hair (permed…or as we would call it, relaxed) had to do with slave owners wanting the slaves with the hair closest to caucasian hair in the house, etc.? I heard about it on Tyra. No, I don’t watch Tyra, haha. But I turned on the TV and Tyra was on and I saw they were talking about “Black Hair” so I thought I would at least give it a listen in case I learned something. It was rather informative and I want to sit down and read the book.
Don’t know a hairdresser – but would be happy to give you a lesson when her hair is longer!
Glad to see you are all recovered and healthy!!
melody, Michelle Birgy from Vanguard has a beautiful black daughter who is about 7 and she gets her hair done in braids and beads. I don’t think I have her info but I will get it for you. Desta is such a beauty Virginia johnston
Melodie, we use Tui and Hair Milk in Micah’s hair – it’s GREAT! The hair milk we bough in May 09 is still half full so although it’s expensive, it’s long-lasting. The leave-in conditioner goes ore quickly – we’re almost done with bottle #2. Sephora sells these if you ahve a store near you.
This book is definitely on our list for Winnie. Our last updates showed a little messy, unkempt hair do
So we are planning to take her to a beauty shop that can give her the do she deserves 