Why the natural hair movement is slowing down among black women

Over the past few years, the natural hair movement has taken the African-American community by storm. Women are ditching chemicals and heat in favor of embracing their natural hair texture. However, it seems like the momentum may be slowing down. According to a recent survey, only 60% of black women say they wear their hair naturally, down from 77% in 2014. 

But it seems like the momentum of this movement may be slowing down. A new study suggests that black women are again turning to relaxers to straighten their hair. In fact, 30% of respondents said they had relaxed their hair in the last year, compared to 22% in 2010.

So what's behind this shift? Here are a few possible explanations.

In recent years, the natural hair movement has gained traction among black women embracing curly, kinky, and coily hair textures.

In recent years, the natural hair movement has gained unprecedented momentum among black women. This has seen an embrace of their naturally kinky, curly, and coily hair textures. It is noteworthy that this movement is rooted in a political mission to reclaim control of how black women present themselves and influence perceptions around classism, race, femininity, and sexuality. This trend has resulted in increased acceptance of individual beauty and the embracing of one’s heritage - which had often been discouraged in favor of more 'European' standards. This appreciation for diverse textures is indicative of progress toward true racial equality.

However, a new study shows that the number of black women returning to chemical relaxers is on the rise.

While recent national studies have offered promising insights into the shifting beauty standards currently embraced by African-American women, a new study shows that an increasing number are returning to chemical relaxers. This apparent step backward comes as many fashion and beauty influencers and celebrities have touted going natural as the key to greater acceptance of afro-textured hair. The renewed interest in chemical relaxers is certainly causing concern, as these products are known to cause follicle damage and scalp irritation. Scientists hope to uncover the motivations driving black women to return to chemical treatments and carefully examine all potential health risks associated with using them.

While the natural hair movement may slow down among black women, it is still an essential part of celebrating black beauty and identity.

The natural hair movement has become considerably less popular in recent years, yet its impact remains profound. It isn't just about the aesthetic but also about a newfound sense of empowerment and identity for many black women. By embracing their natural selves without altering them with chemicals and other styling products, they feel more connected to their heritage, culture, and native roots. While it might be seen as an ephemeral trend by some, many still refer to the movement as a source of pride that resonates within their community. It indicates greater strides in self-acceptance and celebration of all shades of beauty - an idea that transcends time, space, and generations.

The natural hair movement has been an essential part of celebrating black beauty and identity for many years. However, a new study shows that the number of black women returning to chemical relaxers is on the rise. There are several reasons why this trend is occurring, including the time and effort required to maintain natural hair, as well as the lack of representation of natural hair in the media and popular culture. While the natural hair movement may slow down among black women, it is still an important part of celebrating black beauty and identity.

Saw palmetto is a natural extract that has been shown to have a variety of benefits for black women's hair. It helps to block DHT, which can help to reduce natural hair loss and promote natural hair growth. In this blog post, we will discuss the scientific evidence behind the benefits of saw palmetto for black women's natural hair. We will also look at some of the best ways to use saw palmetto for maximum results!

Saw palmetto is a natural extract that comes from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree. This tree is native to the southeastern United States, and the extract has been used for centuries by Native Americans for a variety of purposes. Saw palmetto is rich in fatty acids and phytosterols, which are thought to contribute to its beneficial effects on black natural hair.

One of the key benefits of saw palmetto for black women's natural hair is its ability to block DHT. DHT is a hormone that plays a role in hair loss. When levels of DHT are too high, they can bind to receptors in the scalp, causing miniaturization of the hair follicles. This leads to thinning hair and eventually hair loss.

Saw palmetto has been shown to block the binding of DHT to receptors in the scalp, which can help to prevent hair loss. In one study, saw palmetto was found to be as effective as finasteride, a medication used to treat natural hair loss, in reducing DHT levels (Baldwin 2015). 

Rice Water For Natural Hair 

In addition to its ability to reduce hair loss, saw palmetto is also thought to promote hair growth. One study found that saw palmetto extract increased the number of hairs in a group of women with thinning hair (Tsuboi 2009). Another study found that saw palmetto oil improved hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia, a type of hair loss (Lee 2010).

So, how can you use saw palmetto to get the best results for your natural hair? There are a few different ways. You can take saw palmetto supplements, use saw palmetto oil on your scalp, or even make your own saw palmetto shampoo!

If you decide to take saw palmetto supplements, look for a product that contains at least 85% fatty acids and sterols. capsules per day. If you are using saw palmetto oil on your scalp, apply it to the affected areas once or twice daily. You can also add a few drops of saw palmetto oil to your regular shampoo for an extra boost!

Saw palmetto is a safe and effective natural treatment for hair loss. If you are looking for a way to improve your hair health, give saw palmetto a try!

What are Conditioners? Hair conditioners are applied after shampooing to restore moisture and protein back into the hair shaft. Although, unless a conditioner contains small enough compounds or humectants, very little of it will actually enter into the hair shaft. This is why it is important to read the labels on your conditioner to make sure your not just […]

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My hair had been really dry and since I had run out of my deep conditioner, I think my hair was having withdrawals. Well, I stumbled upon a blog where a woman was talking about oil rinsing and how it had given her hair shine and moisture. She showed before and after pics of her […]

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Part 1: Water is perhaps not a moisturiser?

To kick start the moisture bumper issue this week, I must go through some basics. First let me remind you about the structure of hair (skip to the diagram if you wish!). 

1. Hair has two main layers. First an external thin layer called the cuticle that protects an inner shaft known as the cortex. 
2. Hair is made up from protein known as keratin. Water can and does bind to this protein. 
3. Hair in the cortex can gain and lose water. 

So now on to the main feature........water is not a moisturiser at least not on its own. Take a moment to digest that statement, I am not saying water is useless, I am saying though that it may not be as useful in plain form. I have looked at multiple studies of moisturisation of skin and hair, it is clear that both will take up water but both will also lose water. The 'losing' part is the key to my previous statement. In fact water is sometimes used as a control (meaning if you are testing a moisturiser and want to compare its effect to no moisturiser, you spray the skin/hair with water and compare that to skin/hair with moisturiser). 

The question is what happens when you add water to hair? Well instead of writing a detailed narrative, I thought I might just make some drawings. In short, hair can take up water but it cannot hold on to the water if left in the same environment as before. Hair will lose any 'excess' water to balance itself with its environment. 



Therefore if you simply spray hair with water and nothing more the additional water to the hair will eventually evaporate and you are back at square one.