Natural hair has been a huge trend over the last five years. Celebrities like Alicia Keys, Solange Knowles and Janelle Monae have learned to embrace their natural curls inspiring women around the world. Although lots of women are interested in going natural, many are scared that they will be unable to maintain their natural hair, defined as hair that’s not altered with chemicals or other straightening methods.
To offer women tips on caring for their natural hair and embracing their natural curl pattern, NSU senior Noushka Belizaire, communication studies major, will host Cupcakes, Candy and Curls, a free event on Nov. 23, noon to 3 p.m., in the Rosenthal Student Center, Room 200.
Attendees will be able to buy a $5 “swag bag” filled with samples of natural hair care products. CurlKit, Agape Gems, Aeliecia Jewelry and other companies will offer prizes and free cupcakes and candy will be served. Guests will also be able to meet Candi Janoki, whose YouTube videos about natural hair care on her channel NaturallyCandi have attracted more than 2.5 million views.
Belizare said the event will focus on the topic of “curl love.”
“We strive to teach women of all ages, whether natural or considering to go natural, that all of our curls are beautifully different,” she said. “If you were to take a look into a kaleidoscope, you will see an array of shapes, colors and sizes. Our curls are exactly the same, an array of differences, but a lovely picture all together.”
Many women decide to go natural because they are unhappy with the harsh damage relaxers have done to their hair. Chemically straightening any type of hair is a harmful process, as its strips the hair of natural oils and can permanently damage the scalp and hair if left on for too long.
Rose Paul, a senior biology major who recently decided to go natural, said she was tired of using chemicals.
“I got a really bad perm once and it almost pulled all of my hair out,” Paul said. “I was practically rocking a mullet.”
Paul believes she can learn a lot from the event.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting other people and building a natural hair community around me,” Paul said.
Belizaire said girls begin relaxing their hair from a young age simply because they are unsure on how to take care of their hair type. Without proper care, it’s difficult for African-American women to maintain a healthy head of hair. Fortunately, social media sites and blogs have made information about natural hair care more available.
Evadney Petgrave, junior computer science major, said social media sites have helped her maintain her natural hair.
“YouTube and Instagram are like the Holy Land for ‘naturalistas,’” said Petgrave. “YouTube is my best friend; I learn everything off of YouTube.”
There are two ways to go from having relaxed hair to natural hair: the “big chop” and “transitioning.” The big chop is cutting all the hair off, while transitioning is slowly growing the relaxed hair out.
Belizaire has been rocking her natural hair for the last three years and admits that transitioning is a long journey, supporting the saying, “natural hair journey.” Belizaire opted for the transitional method and she recently cut off the last remaining bits of her relaxed hair in January 2012. With the help of braids and other styles, she was able to grow all her relaxed hair out.
Belizaire said she is looking forward to hosting the event to promote self-confidence in women, as hair has a lot do with how people view themselves.
Petgrave said, “I feel so confident when I rock my fro — the bigger, the better. After I eliminated chemicals from my hair, it motivated me to eliminate chemicals from the rest of my body. I’ve become so much healthier.”
This will be the first of many events Belizaire plans to host. She is also planning a panel discussion of men to share their thoughts and opinions on natural hair. She plans to create an NSU organization named Kaleidoscopic Kurls.
The event is students, along with the general public. To RSVP, visit kkurls.eventbrite.com.
