Anissa's Hair Story

My hair has been relaxed ever since I can remember.  As a teenager, you name it, I tried it. From brown, bronze, black, yellow (not gold), blond and even that fiery red Elmo color (not done purposely), you name a color and I probably had it.  I have permed, dyed and fried my hair countless times. My last perm was in October 15, 2011 and my coloring which included stripping my hair from black to go bronze was on October 17, 2011. Yes, you read correctly, 2 days later. Needless to say I was not taking care of my hair and not giving it the care it craved for.  I ended up with hair that was so rubbery it wouldn’t even lay flat anymore. The perm did nothing for it and it stretched like a rubber band. My hair color was great, the style was a short Halle Berry cut which I received tons of compliments on but little did they know the hell I was putting my hair through for that “look”.  I was frustrated, and so was my hair. 

As I got older, I felt the need to live a more natural, healthy lifestyle. I started eating better and making healthier choices when grocery shopping, but yet, I was still abusing my hair. I always felt the “want” to go natural but because I work in corporate America for a CEO I was terrified of how I would be perceived.  I struggled with this for exactly two weeks. On October 21st while on my way to a ladies night gathering, I stopped at the barbershop for a shape up. I sat and waited my turn.  I sat in the barber chair and he turned the clippers on to give me my regular shape up and I simply said, “cut it all off”. He was taken aback and asked me three times if I was sure. I told him I was positive and he proceeded to cut my hair down to about ¼ inch. As all the men in the barbershop stared at me as if I was crazy for cutting off my “beautiful” hair, I smiled knowing and most importantly feeling, that I was doing the right thing. I made it to the get together that night and received rave reviews on my new look. I absolutely loved it. I felt what I have heard some other naturals say…freedom! I think that is the best word to describe it.

It was like making a new friend. I was meeting my natural hair for the first time all over again. It saddens me that a lot of black women will not even know their hairs beauty and full potential because it is so chemically abused.  I love the feel, the look, the compliments and even more so I LOVE welcoming water to my hair! Water is now my hair’s friend! No more putting on a shower cap and running from the steam as to not mess up my perfectly fried hair! I now use all natural products such as essential oils, shea butter and most importantly…water. My hair is thankful and so I am.

PS: If you’re wondering about work, I received mixed reviews. My manager, the CEO stared at me for a few seconds and then went into her office. That means  she did not like it….quite OK, I love it and that’s what matters!

We're Inspired By...Chime

Meet Chime, Hair Fabulous (Part 2)

Get more insight into Chime’s hair regime. Find out if she takes vitamins to get and maintain her healthy hair? Plus, learn the 5 things she just can’t live out in Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Chime.

Read more: We're Inspired By...Chime

We're Inspired By...Chime

Meet Chime, Hair Fabulous

Witty, funny and charming are some of the words we like to use to describe Chime. BlackHairDiaries has been following this young hair diva on YouTube and had to do an exclusive interview with her. Did you see the pictures of her hair? We wanted to know how she went from permed and damaged to long luscious healthy locks. Check out Part 1 of our exclusive interview with Chime.

Read more: We're Inspired By...Chime

We're Inspired By...Karen Mitchell, Entrepreneur

Hair Goddess

BlackHairDiaries.com had the opportunity to chat with entrepreneur Karen Mitchell, the owner of the successful salon and hair company True Indian Hair. This Jamaican-born beauty gives us the inside story on hair, finding success and more in this exclusive interview.  Read on…

Read more: We're Inspired By...Karen Mitchell, Entrepreneur

Tionna Smalls' Views On Weaves, Wigs and Her Real Hair

Bold, confident and real are words that can describe "What Chilli Wants" relationship guru Tionna Smalls.

This rising star, who has been making a name for herself for years as a former columnist for Gawker, author of "Girl, Get Your Mind Right!", on radio and now TV personality. BlackHairDiaries.com had the pleasure to interview this funny and down-to-earth woman about her love of wigs and weaves and the importance of taking care of your natural hair and protecting it from damage.

Read more: Tionna Smalls' Views On Weaves, Wigs and Her Real Hair

Hair Question of the Day

Your Hair Questions Answered

Q: The weather is warm and I want a low maintenance hairstyle and I'm thinking about braiding my hair. My question is, does braiding your hair helps it grow?

BHD: Braiding your hair is a great low maintenance protective hairstyle. With braids, your hair get a rest from heat and many harsh styling products. However, it's still very very important to keep your hair moisturized.

As far as, growing your hair; remember your hair is always growing. The key is to keep your hair healthy and strong. Braids can aid in growing your hair if its done correctly and not too tight. The benefit of braids is that your hair is allowed to rest in its natural state.

Don't be alarmed when you take out your braids and you see a decent amount of hair on your comb. Remember your hair sheds daily and this is just a build up of daily shedding over time.

So, we at BlackHairDiaries say, go for that cute braid hairstyle this summer and check out our gallery for Braid Styles for inspiration.