I’ve had a long, non-linear relationship with my hair since I was young. As my parents never allowed my hair to be exposed to any chemicals, be it perms or dyed hair, I found myself engaging with the natural hair community whether I wanted to or not…and Most of the time I didn’t. I don’t know if it was the bullying I endured in elementary school or the three-hour Sunday laundry day that made me want to hide under my bed, but my relationship with my hair has always been an interesting one.
There has never been a time when I felt more passionate about my hair than in the summer. On pool days, while all my straight-haired friends were able to jump right in and come out with their hair completely intact, my hair is usually hidden inside a hat or spread all over my face. It was pasted on. I perceived my hair as ugly, unruly, and unmanageable. But somewhere between high school and attending an HBCU, I learned to embrace the curls I was blessed with. Still, summer continued to be an opportunity for me to choose a protective style, keep my hair in a ponytail for 90 days straight (which I don’t recommend), or simply avoid pools and beaches altogether.
But when I became a mother, I realized that I wanted my daughters to love their natural hair and understand that their hair is their crown because they are queens. But you couldn’t instill it in them without first instilling it in yourself. So after many summers of sporting buns and ponytails, this summer I decided to love my natural hair in all its glory and potential.
This year we will be releasing “Hot Curl Summer”. Here’s how I embrace my natural hair and my tried-and-true tips for tackling natural hair care for summer.
1. Invest in hair products to keep your hair healthy
Maintaining naturally curly hair involves more than just spending time. It also comes with a significant financial burden. Between buying products, scheduling trims, and getting the tools you need, you can easily spend $2,000 to $3,000 a year on your hair alone. The main reason for this investment is that you will need to try out different products to find what works best for your hair, taking into account factors such as porosity, moisture levels, and curl pattern. I’ve researched everything from affordable drugstore hair care products to high-end celebrity-purchased lines, and my results have been mixed.
After years of trial and error, I finally settled on a formula that worked for my hair. But this season, we’re shifting our focus to natural hair care for summer. It means evolving from mere survival to reliably growing hair, especially under the scorching 100-degree Texas sun.
After hours of research and taking inventory of the hair care products and tools I already own, here are some of my favorite products that keep my hair healthy and full all summer long.
Amazon | Camille Rose
Summer heat can make your hair feel sweaty and heavy, but a good cleanser will leave your hair and scalp feeling fresh and ready for any hairstyle or new product. This clarifying shampoo not only leaves your hair squeaky clean, but it also smells like a spa.
Amazon | Camille Rose
Hair tends to dry out especially in the summer, so a styling cream that locks in moisture and keeps your hair manageable is essential. This whipped butter gel not only makes hair styling easy, but also keeps your curls moisturized and defined.
pattern
One of my favorite summer hairstyles is the wash and go. This style requires a certain level of skill, as it involves taking a shower, combing your hair, and adding conditioner. However, it is perfect for maintaining your natural hair care for the summer. This conditioner is the perfect summer staple when you want to wash your hair, define curls, and moisturize without adding extra products.
Basque & Whisk
I’ve been experimenting with different types of edge control to smooth my hair. Too much shine can cause your hair to become dry and flaky, or the heat of the sun can make your hair unmanageable. This edge control is really designed to keep your hair smooth without making your curls crisp. This is a great product if you want a slicked-back ponytail or want to lay down your baby hair.
Amazon | Miel Organic
I think summer is the best season for hair care. I don’t know what summer is, but it feels like my hair grows five times faster when I’m sitting by the pool with a margarita and relaxing. I use this rosemary mint oil after washing my hair, when I want to add some extra shine, or just to moisturize. I still use it because it was effective when I was concerned about postpartum hair loss!
me as I am
Sometimes you don’t have time to wash your hair and all you need is a brush and cream to restore your curls. This double buttercream smells amazing and acts as a moisturizer and styling agent in one. It’s the perfect product to apply on the go and when transitioning from a playdate to a night out with mom friends.
TPH by Taraji
You don’t want your hair to become heavy in the summer. This cream gives your curls the volume, moisture and definition they need while keeping them bouncy and light. This is one of the few celebrity lines that I can say is definitely not overhyped or overpriced.
2. Explore different ways to style your hair
During the summer, I’m usually a gorgeous girl with a ponytail. But this summer, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone of on-the-go hairstyles. I try out different styles that not only make me feel beautiful but also add a little fun to my look. Just because my hair doesn’t fit the typical image of “summer hairstyles” found on Pinterest doesn’t mean there aren’t countless creators, videos, and inspiration exploring summer styling and natural hair care. there is no.
From Bantu knots to wash and gos, I’m always amazed at the versatility of my natural hair. While it may have been intimidating at first, I’ve found lots of resources to help you learn hairstyles that not only show off your natural hair beauty, but also keep your hair healthy. As Black women, we are often told to cover up or change our hair, as if it’s something to be ashamed of. But I am determined to feel confident and affirmed no matter how I wear my hair. Because there is beauty in every curl and twist on the top of your head.
I don’t feel like I need to tame my curls because they can literally do anything, whether it’s straight one day or box braided the next…it makes me feel magical. Masu.
Source: ColorJoy Stock
3. Actually go into the water…any hairstyle
I don’t think I could have spent a Texas summer without getting in the water at least five times. Whether I’m attending my toddler’s summer birthday pool party or joining my mom friends in a rooftop pool cabana, water always finds me whether I’m actively looking for it or not. It seems there are. And the truth is, I love swimming and being in the water, especially when I have it all to myself. But there’s something about having curls stuck all over your face and not having a hair cabinet handy to touch them up once they’re dry that sends waves of anxiety crashing through me.
I realized that much of this anxiety stemmed from my fear of not feeling “beautiful” when I got out of the water. But after several years of therapy and my strong desire for my daughters to embrace their hair without any qualms, I feel like the Little Mermaid, even if the end result isn’t so perfect. I made a conscious decision to get out of the water. Organize it the way you want.
Final thoughts on embracing your natural hair this summer
What’s your biggest tip for enjoying your curls this summer? Just do it. While it’s common to look at yourself in the mirror as a new mom and feel more attractive or confident, you’re learning to embrace every part of yourself, including your curls and quirks. After all, this body, these curls and all these little nuances brought my children into the world. And you know what? My curls are one of my husband’s favorites. So whether it’s up or down, styled or natural, I realize every day that they are uniquely designed for me and that they are truly special. Embracing your curls isn’t just about looking good, it’s also about breaking a generational curse. It’s about reclaiming the fact that my curls are a standard of beauty, and that I am also a standard of beauty.
5 Easy Hairstyles for Black Moms on the Go
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