…to you, to winter, to natural hair again…hi there! Welcome to my first post on the new blog where I will talk about my various interests: style, culture and hair to name a few. This blog is for international women, how they adapt in different cultures and the beauty views and secrets we learn and adopt. Hope you enjoy…
This time of year is usually reserved for traveling, cold weather and yes, a little holiday stress. No one wants to deal with dry hair on top of that. As a new naturalista, I’m learning how my hair (dubbed Angela Davis by my newspaper man) and I can survive it all. I’ve only lived in the States four years and never experienced Fall/ Winter with natural hair. You can read about my transition journey on naturallycurly.com. (I’ll transfer those posts over here eventually). Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
If you’re traveling for the holidays, you know there’s nowhere drier than an air cabin. My personal survival tools: a spray bottle (no larger than 3 oz of course) full of water & olive oil (EVOO) and a stylish satin scarf. You can pretend you’re a celebrity jet-setter with the scarf around your head and some cool shades. The scarf will protect your hair from drying out, the water will moisturize your hair while the oil seals it in. Also, if you rock a ‘fro like me, it’s going to get a bit squished. The water will help you re-style it so it looks fresh when you land.
For general winter survival, try some satin-lined hats like the ones available on HatSoMe. Great for warmth (I’m Trinidadian. I hate the cold) and protection and saves you the step of wrapping a scarf on your head before you put the hat on. These days, my winter moisture routine consists of a spritz of the water/EVOO, some coconut oil, warmed and melted in my shower, Shea Moisture Curl enhancing smoothie (use SPARINGLY. This stuff can get greasy) and my favourite gel, Kinky-curly curling custard. This combo leaves my hair feeling soft. But everyone’s routine is different. My curl type is 3c- which means curls roughly the circumference of a pencil- with pretty low porosity (more on that next time). My weekly deep conditioner of choice these days is Greek yoghurt mixed with EVOO. It’s soothing and balancing for your scalp and gives hair shine, moisture and protein. I read about yoghurt on naturally curly and lipstick masala and honestly, it’s the only thing that keeps my dry, itchy scalp under control (that plus a little coconut oil). Nap85 warns that greek yoghurt on the scalp will leave an indelible smell but it hasn’t bothered me in the least. Also, if your scalp is dry, I would avoid the Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) she uses in her recipe because the acetic acid will dry your scalp out.
In keeping with my old blog’s tradition, I want to end this post by honouring a curly and for this post I have chosen Julia Sarr-Jamois, editor of Wonderland Magazine whose style, looks and stunning ‘fro have been my obsession since I saw her in September Vogue.
Julia Sarr-Jamois
Ciao from “Angela” and me! xox Daria
P.S. As a style bonus I have to reveal a winter fashion secret: Cuddl Duds. Warmer than stockings and thinner than thermos so you can rock your skinniest jeans no matter how cold.
thecaribbeancurly 