Berkeley Parents Network: African American Hair

Berkeley Parents Network

African American Hair

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Beauty & Fitness > Hair Care & Styling > African American Hair

9 year old hates her frizzy/thick african hair

Jan. 2003

My 9 year old daughter has very frizzy/thick african hair. She is also allergic to almost all hair products, and her neck gets red, raw and itchy when used. She hates her hair and worries constantly about it, but is also terrified of having it braided, twisted, etc. because it hurts her so much. Any ideas of how to overcome the pain fear factor to get her feeling better about her hair/self? She sometimes sees kids with tight dangling twists and likes that alot. Any recommendations of a sensitive hair braider? -A mom in need of advice/help

Is your daughter of African descent or African-American? I get the feeling that she may be and you may be of another racial background. If she is, I think it is very important that you take steps immediately to make her love her hair instead of hating it. There are many issues in the African-American community regarding women and their hair. It may be that many of the people around her have hair quite different from hers and that she has come to think this is more beautiful than hers because she is the only one different. There are books that you can find on this subject (just do a search online) that can help you understand the reasons behind it and also you can find books for children that can help them love their different but special and beautiful hair type. I am an African American woman and for YEARS I had my hair chemically straightened. For the past 2+ years I wear it in it's natural state (super curly/frizzy) and I love it. I think it's more versatile and natural. Usually with this type of hair you have to use some product that contains oil. I personally use Kemi Oil (located at beauty supply stores and possibly Sally's Beauty Supply) which is made of essential oils. I shampoo and condition my hair, comb it out then do not touch it once I'm out of the shower except to put the oil in my hands and pat it through my hair. This leaves the curls intact without frizz. There are also some other options but I don't know how allergic she is. Maybe you can use natural shea butter (Berkeley flea market at Bart Station). As far as braiding is concerned, if she's allergic those braids and twists involve adding either human or synthetic hair that can cause allergic reactions. If her hair is long enough you can find someone to twist her natural hair into many small twists all over her head which looks cute and is a natural style. Email me if I can be more help, but even if you don't please, please get help so she can love herself including her hair.

Color for African American Hair

January 2003

Can anyone out there recommend a good colorist that works on african american hair? Location is not an issue. Thank you. cd

For the last 5 or so years, I have been getting my hair cut, colored, texturized and occasionally highlighted by Stacy Curns at The Right Angle salon in Oakland. I think it's on Forest Ave., at the intersection with College. The number is (510) 420- 8447. There are two Stacys at the salon; follow the voicemail prompt to get Stacy Curns' voicemail. Stacy is excellent! She is on time, your appointment time is yours alone, and you don't have to spend the whole day in the salon. She's probably not the least expensive, but she's worth it! Tell her Noel sent you. Noel

Ron Pernell Hair Studios 415-543-5201 Ron is the best. He is a good person with a fun Studio. He may be a little pricey but, he is worth it. Good Luck Markel

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