Taliah Waajid, in many circles, is known as the natural hair guru. With over 25 years experience in the beauty business, the author, owner of Braids, Weaves & Things Inc. and founder of Black Earth Products is a strong believer in hair education and has been at the forefront of the natural hair revolution. The healthy hair advocate talks with rolling out about her upcoming natural hair show, why women of color prefer to sport their natural hair over relaxed hair, and the importance of stylists being educated on the subject. –yvette caslin
Based on your experience, why are black women opting to wear their hair natural or chemical free?
Black women are more exposed to information on styling and caring for chemical-free hair. Black women now know that they have another choice for hair care that is healthier and can also be versatile. Once a woman learns how to care for her hair in it’s natural, chemical-free state, she feels a sense of freedom to live life without worrying about the damage and upkeep of relaxing her hair.
Why is it important to offer workshops on a regular basis to hair artisans?
Stylists need education on natural hair to be in a position to service the millions of women and men that are wearing their hair natural. Natural hairstyling and hair care is new to many hairstylists. For years, stylists have steered away from learning these techniques, not believing that the demand would be so large for natural hair care. A significant number of clients have interests in going natural and many have taken that step. Stylists are losing — and will continue to lose clients — if they do not educate themselves on the techniques for servicing and styling natural hair.
In Georgia, are natural hair care stylists required to be licensed?
The answer to this question is not clear. A judge ruled in 1998 that no license was needed for braiding and [styling] natural hair. Since then, they have been trying to put a law in place to make it illegal to do these services without a license.
What can attendees expect at the Taaliah Waajid Presents World Natural Hair & Beauty Show on Sept. 10-11, 2011?
Attendees can expect to have a great time while being offered free workshops on natural hair, healthy lifestyles and business. There will also be music, entertainment, natural hair competitions, a children’s corner, wellness way and so much more. We will have “The Big Chop — Or Not,” where six people will go natural. Three of them will have their relaxed hair cut off, live, onstage. Stylists will demonstrate, on the other three, styles for going natural without cutting off their hair. We will be announcing a model call for those interested in going natural who want to participate in “The Big Chop.”
Where did you get the inspiration to offer workshops and really promote natural hair care?
I have been a natural hair stylist for most of my life and have always shared with my clients and others the benefits of not using relaxers in their hair. … I taught stylists, nationally, on my healthy-hair techniques for braiding and natural hair care. I wanted to offer a forum where a group of natural hair stylists and consumers would come together to learn more about natural hair. We started out offering two or three basic workshops for natural hair care. Now the World Natural Hair show offers over 20 workshops for consumers and professionals. … We even offer workshops on starting a natural hair care business.
