Design Essentials Natural gathered more than 50 curly Brooklynites and NYC Naturalistas at Gillian Garcia Artistry in Brooklyn, NY on March 19th for Curls & Conversations NYC. A lively and interactive discussion about all things hair, Curls & Conversations NYC was hosted by YouTube sensation and blogger Jenell Stewart of Kinky Curly Coily Me! and Ketlie Hyacinthe, a Design Essentials Master Educator.
New York marked the third stop for Curls & Conversations, a series of intimate discussions created to open dialogue among women throughout the country about their natural hair journeys while introducing Design Essentials Natural products to naturalistas since the brand’s national retail expansion into Sally Beauty Supply Stores and Walgreens. Along with previous stops in Houston and Atlanta, each city along the Curls & Conversations tour has revealed something new about women and their attitudes towards natural hair as well as their experiences. Here’s what we learned in New York: I Did It for Me!
Many attendees didn’t tell their close friends, families or significant others they were going natural beforehand. What He Thinks One attendee was told by her then boyfriend that being natural took her “down a couple of notches.” Another attendee’s husband stated that “he didn’t marry that” when referring to her natural hair. Men like natural hair, but particularly have a problem with the afro hair style (no hair manipulation like twists, a true natural hair style). When approached by men, naturalistas are regarded more respectfully. Some stated men now addressed them by saying, “Hi, my queen or beautiful sista.” It Takes Time Natural Hair is not easier to manage, it takes more time and care than relaxed hair. It’s quite common for curly girls to have a designated “Wash Day” where they Pre-poo their hair (pre shampoo, a deep nourishing and conditioning treatment used before washing hair to add moisture). It’s Good For You Being natural creates a sense of self-confidence and an unspoken sisterhood, one attendee chased down a fellow natural to tell her how much she loved her hair.
Natural hair is translating to other parts of many women’s lives and making them conscious of the ingredients they consume and use on their bodies. Working out has now become more of a priority. Natural Girls Love A Good Cocktail Mixing avocado, olive oil, mango butter and coconut oil make for great moisturizers. Mix Design Essentials Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Curl Enhancing Mousse for body and shine.
