Amazing how the OGs understand that these were never ‘rules’ to begin. They’re part of the discussion and experimentation within the natural hair community. No more no less.
As an elder the best thing today is the availability of products. I agree with her all these rituals are not necessary. Yes for fingers and wide tooth comes.
@@ljsc1265 I’ve enjoyed simplifying my routine over the years. Finger detangling and combs add too much time for me. I prefer paddle brushes without the ball tips.
Honestly, washing my hair more frequently has helped cut down on tangles. It used to take me an hour or more and now only 15-30 minutes since I wash every 5-7 days. Also, the crown of my head used to be hell to comb, and now it’s so much easier.
This is exactly what I do. I have fine natural hair so it gets into knots and tangles. I wash weekly and I deep condition once a month. It definitely helps ease on the knots.
🙌🙌As someone reaching her 11th year natural--Thank you SO MUCH! 🥳👏👏This video was NEEDED chile! There are so many stylists now shaming us natural hair vets for how we did our hair back then...but WHERE WERE THEY?! Where were the companies, products and stylist with natural hair knowledge? 👀All we had was stylists that made us cry/didn't want to touch our hair, and a little "ethnic hair care" section at Walmart with Luster's Pink oil and $60 Ms. Jessies buttercreme. That's it. 💯We went to youtube & blogs and had to learn ourselves. We had to make our products OURSELVES. We had to go through that Trial by Fire phase because nobody taught us. I watched YOUR videos because it was the first time I ever had any blueprint of how to do my hair.😁 I showed your "best twisout ever" vid to my fam, and big chopped the next day. Over time, experience gives you skill, and my rules have relaxed alot too because I understand my hair now. But please know....your videos inspired SO MANY to take that leap into natural hair. Thank you for your contribution, Whit👏
So true. I love my water and grease. They always told us to comb or brush from ends to the root but I ended up with a lot of fairy knots. Now, I detangle the ends and brush from roots to end and minimal fairy knots.
This is emotional. I'm an OG natural. I went natural pre-TH-cam. I've been following original blogs like BGLH, your channel Mahogany Curls etc,. Watching y'all grow and help us grow has been fun. Many of us were teens at the time. We've come such a long and successful way! YAY US, YAY Black women, YAY to the NHC *crying and throwing up*😂 🎉🎉🎉
I just made a new batch of kimmaytube DIY conditioner and it is still my favorite conditioner. She was so knowledgeabke and helpful in our natural journeys.
Agree! I feel emotional and proud of the journey. I’m 14 years natural and Whitney is right - it was a DESERT before. It’s cool to make fun of DIY or “extra” naturals now but we were trying to figure it out when black hair stylists and product lines were not interested in meeting our needs.
I have gotten many, many compliments over the years about my natural hair. I totally appreciate them, but I've had a lot of people say to me, "I wish more Black women would embrace their natural hair." I'm like, no, no, nope, we're not doing that. It took me YEARS to figure this out, and not everyone has the time or ability to invest like that. Plus, I am grateful for the healthy options we now have. We do what works for us and I can't imagine doing anything else but being natural because its been such a rewarding process. But what I'm changing is not putting down other people's choices because we all need to do what we choose. It has been such a journey and I literally started it... has it been 11 years? with Naptural85 watching videos on my bedroom floor learning how to flat twist? Wow! So we all have to start somewhere.
Yep. Not all of us is an emotional journey. I started in college cause I just didn't trust anyone with my hair and end up liking the freedom to just move anywhere and not worry about taking care of my hair
@cetriya's Art n Comics Channel exactly! I started because I had a relaxer that was so bad that it cause burns on my scalp. I still remember telling the woman, at the salon, how was burning and she just dismissed me and said it's supposed to burn. I was too scared to speak up for myself and ended up with damage that still affects parts of my hair. I still have trust issues so I make sure that if no one else can do it, I can do my own hair and keep it healthy.
I think because more of us have embraced it, our kids won’t have to have a “journey” to learn how to do our hair at its most natural. It feels like we have all the options now.
I'm sorry that you had to go through that. Same thing happened with me, but my mom was doing my hair when l was little, who also said it was supposed to burn. It was horrible. So glad we are well past this, now. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve always noticed throughout my life how other people always want to police what black women do to their hair 🤦🏽♀️ now that I’m natural I don’t care what anyone else thinks about my hair, I actually feel free.
Summary 1 washing hair once a month 2 air drying/ not using heat 3 no bleaching/ dying hair 4 pre shampooing 5 LONG wash day 6 finger detangle ( for some) 7 hair oils( for some) 8 over board and difficult hairstyles 9 professional hair care products, no home-made products 10 no trimming 11 not touching the hair 12 a structured routine 12 not simplifying everything
I don’t follow the “dirty hair grows better”/ “don’t use shampoo often because it ruins your hair” rule…. My scalp gets dry and flaky and washing/regularly oiling it helps keep it moisturized. I love your shampoo and oil for locs! Keep up the good work Whitney!
"We're not on our own anymore." 🎯 This is really it because knowing that we've learned techniques & have products that make starting over a much faster, easier process allows us to fully explore the versatility of our hair! Natural wigs and edges have TRULY changed the game too!
@@deepoellnitz I made my own half/headband wig with afro weave from the bargain bin....Now I can't even find Marleyhair in London....smh....I'm nearly 42 and most of the time my edges were never laid...but they still touch my eyebrows! My trichologists do not like edge control..it smothers your follicles stunting growth and dries out your fine baby hairs causing them to break off...that's why we as a community have bald edges.
I agree with 7:50. We are here today because of efforts by Natural Hair community (and, for me, Natural Hair TH-camrs) yesterday. I don't trash any of the trends because it was all a part of learning, and honestly, I have adopted bits and pieces of them all and use those bits and pieces when needed.
Girl, when you said “Can we make ‘wash day’ a ‘wash hour?’ “ I was like…. YES LORD!!! It’s beautiful that we now have so many resources to figure out how to care for our hair if we were never taught, and all of that was based on the trial and error of other, like you said. My wash day IS like an hour now. A good portion of that is finding the right technique for YOUR hair, sticking with it, and using the right products for your hair (thank God for your line, because it’s made wash day miraculously short for me, and my hair is doing well). I think we got so hardcore with “rules” because, like you said, there weren’t a lot of options. The “rules” didn’t take into account things like all of the different textures that can exist on one head, and what happens when you age, and the needs of your hair change. Like you said, though, we were doing the best we can with what we had to work with (which was the yogurt in the fridge), and I’m so thankful that there is more research about all of this. It’ll only get better from here. I enjoyed this video.
Amen, to different textures on one head! I swear I have three textures on mine. Yes, also to wash hour. Sometimes I would dread wash day so much I would talk myself out of doing it.
There's a reason you're an OG in this shit. I've followed you for years and you were definitely one of the main reasons I chose to go natural. You've done so much for Black Women and Girls, I don't think you realize how impactful you really have been, are, and continue to be. I wish you more and more success than you can handle lol
And let's point out that it was the type 4 people who pioneered the majority of the trial and error research that gave us the knowledge that we have now. Type 2 and type 3 people benefit from this and we owe that to our type 4 brothers and sisters. I in particular am very thankful because I can make my curls look better than they ever have, and it has given us all the confidence to wear our hair natural and no longer allow society's perceptions about waves, curls, and coils being wild, inappropriate, and unacceptable 🙂
"Screw the rules, I want blue hair!" Is what I said two years ago when I decided to bleach my own hair. Obviously it damaged my hair, but i did my research and retained most of my curl pattern. At that end of the day, having "perfectly" natural hair wasn’t giving me the joy and expression that I get from dyeing my hair the colors of the rainbow.
Thank you for this comment. I haven't thought about what brings me joy specifically when it comes to my hair...I just thought about being natural just to not have chemicals in my hair but never what brings me JOY.... Love that. Thank u❤
How did you take care of your hair? I’m dealing with the ramifications of dying and bleaching my hair so many times where breakage is happening, my hair grows but my ends always break off
@@mts4428 I’ve loved my natural hair and the journey way more after dying my hair. I was able to actually see all the kinks and coils and even basic twists. Each strand was so defined and popping and I was excited to do my hair now. I’m type 4 hair texture but in the very front and back I have looser texture and so that part went last. I didn’t hold onto anything that was messed up. Always trimmed right after I bleached my hair. Usually the only time I trimmed to be honest. Helped with depression too. Helped with being an introvert and having myself and my dog with matching hair color and cute styles and not caring about edges or sleekness like how I was raised to as a young child in church etc. I just love the journey now!!
I sort of said screw the rules to my trichologists horror but I'm tired of maintaining long super healthy hair. I got bleach highlights today from my long term stylist who I trust not to wreck my hair. He use Aveda and Olaplex and my curls are intact and enhanced and beautiful. Next month we going to be cutting and cutting for a bald tapered mohawk cut.. Then for autumn/fall I will throw some twist extensions in it for 12 weeks. I plan to shampoo and deep condition every week and moisturize every day but I need to stop obsessing over my ends and length and damage and just live my life.
You are so correct!! I hate the comments ragging on the old hair care practices. The new gains came off the backs of the old. 99% of us type 4 girls had no idea how to grow, thicken and protect our natural hair without the lessons of the OGs like yourself. Thank you sis, you guys are true pioneers ❤
Sometimes, it’s not the product. It’s the application. I had a stylist who was so good, she had the growing hand. She moved away and I was devastated. Twenty plus years later and I am still devastated. I had to learn to cope because most other stylists just weren’t as good, as caring, as willing as she was. I have LOVED my hair journey. It was about so much more than hair. It was about self-discovery.
Right, the products are only TOOLS. The products only work properly if you use them correctly, and the way you care for you hair. This should be common sense...
I FINALLY shaved all my hair off! Talk about FREEDOM!🙌🏾💖🙌🏾 Feels absolutely AMAZING!! Been wanting to start my short hair journey from scratch. Just kept being lazy bout it.🙄 I am SO OVER long hair! This journey will be super simple. The way i like it!💖😁
It's nice to hear an OG talk about this. So many of the people I followed from 2009 through 2017 are gone now. Sometimes I feel the disconnect between the journey and where we are now. As you inferred, it was a process and we learned a great deal from it. It was due to that journey that we have the products and the tools that are available to us today. The corporate world took note. Anyway, thank you for covering this topic.
Products now are 100% better than 10 years ago. Now I just use the Melanin Haircare line. The ingredients are great. I only add other products when needed.
I so agree with you Whitney! We did what we could with what we had including knowledge and products. Bravo to you and everyone who researched and researched to make it an easier tried and true process for washing and styling our curls and coils.
It’s amazing how things have changed. I started going natural in high school. My biggest critic was my mom and now she’s fully natural. Be you and be confident! It always works out for you.
You changed the hair care industry! Major brands took the recipes and combinations you spent hours researching in the early days. I’ve been perm free since Jan 2010 and your channel helped me soooo much. I appreciate you Whitney❤❤
I’m back using grease lol 🤷🏽♀️ I said eff the rules a while ago 😂 my hair likes blue magic, pink lotion and mane & tail detangling spray.. that’s my old go to that I’ve decided to revisit as an adult 💯
My daughter couldn't keep moisture longer than a day. I started using grease, and it has helped a lot. I like to put smaller size two strand twists in her hair. Only using water and grease, her hair stays moist for days.
Once I started getting my hair flat-ironed (in the winter time, mainly so I can wear hats), I’ve noticed less breakage and longer hair. So I’ve been keeping my hair in a straight style.
Yes Whitney you said it best. We have options and everyone should respect the process that got us to this place, (stylists included in my opinion!). I have paid and learnt from the professionals but it also helped me to better understand my personal hair and appreciate the techniques and suggestions of influencers. Now I understand my hair and pay attention to it, I simply do what works for me period!
I definitely agree with you. We did what we had to back in the day. I was right in the kitchen mixing my concoctions by Whitney many years ago. You and African Export helped me keep he hair on my head. These days I keep it simple. I cleanse, condition and style once a week. We have so many great product options now. I no longer use raw oils or butters. I do use products formulated with oils lower in the ingredient list. I don't prepoo or have all day wash days. I sit under my hooded dryer every wash day. I don't fear heat damage. I grew up with straightening combs. I'm 62 and don't want anyone near my head, neck or ears with a flat iron.
I no longer need 150 products. I've been natural for 10 years now. It took me 7 years to embrace my hair and the other 3 to understand it lol. I can do a twist out but im definitely a wash n go natural. Loved this video! Your big chopped video saved me from relaxing my hair back in 2015.
Hearing you speak about the natural hair community and "what we use to do back in the day" gives me chills because you really helped shape the current and future generations of Black girls and Black women in terms of natural hair care knowledge. You will always reign supreme Whitney!! Thank you 🥰
Whitney dropping some gems! I definitely think this video was much needed as a lot of TH-camrs are making videos about the “failing” natural hair community and I’m like it didn’t fail it Evolved….. like change is good we learned and we can now teach the younger generation ❤❤❤❤
I have a great routine now and I’m so happy lol. I went from 5hrs wash days to 2hrs! I don’t use combs/brushes anymore, so I only finger detangle. My breakage/fallout is reduced dramatically. I Keep it simple w/ 2 or 3 product lines (yours included 😉❤️) and no oils to keep my scalp at bay. You are really the pioneer and are doing God’s work 🙏🏽❤️
I’ve been following your journey since 2012. You and Mahogany Curls got me started when I wanted to stop wearing silk presses. ( I’ve actually been natural since 2002). Thank you both for your commitment to embracing and wearing our natural texture. We all walked so our future daughters can fly!!
Can I say, thank you for acknowledging me and my comment. I have been following you since i started my journey (I was at least 11 years old and I'm 24 now). Not saying that I try super hard to get noticed but you are someone I have looked to when it came to my natural hair.
😭🥰🥲 Aw! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts NaTaysia!! 🤗🤗 And wow! Thank you for hanging with me all these years!! I’m so happy you were able to start your journey at 11! That’s amazing!! 🙌🏾❤️❤️❤️
I love how you point out that we don’t have to bash how we used to do things. It was all trial and error. We have access to more options and more education on hair care. The past paved the way for the present and I am sure it will continue to get better!
We’re getting older, our needs are changing, and I love that we now have more options thanks to the work of OGs like you, Whitney. That said, I’m especially happy about using heat. I’m in medschool now, so every second I save doing my hair matters
I watch Withneys videos since 2013 and I’ve learned so much!! The natural hair community was such an awakening to information that never really existed. I get very nostalgic looking back 🖤✨
I'm so glad that you made this video! There are so many videos out there saying that the natural hair movement failed and things like that. I completely disagree! I see so many young girls and women with natural hair. Even if they wear wigs and weaves, they are natural. I think that as you said, we had to do so much trial and error because there were barely any products and tools for us. But now, we can wash and style our hair with so many options that it has made it easier to love our natural hair.
I have to cut my hair more because of your products moisturizing my hair so well and it grows fast. I now realize I don’t like wet hair down my back and shoulders. I have realized since using your products I can blow dry more often.
I agree with this 💯 percent. People would ask me what I do to my hair and I was always at the minimum and I was looked at like I was crazy like, 'you don't pre-poo, you use heat, you don't use heavy moisturizers, and a million products you don't deep condition for 24 hours then get back in the shower'.......uh no. I shampoo, condition, blowdry and use a light heat if I wanted on heat styling tools. My hair doesn't have to look like a straight lace wig every single day and its ok. ❤❤❤
I don’t use heat at all because of the time it takes. I told myself my hair grows in tight small coils and that’s ok. I’m glad to hear you accept you hair not being super straight always too. 😊
Thanks to you, I have learned so much about my hair! I am so relieved to know I’m not the only one letting go of the “old rules”. I love Melanin products and the the diy products.
Ive always had a simple routine. Twice a month pre poo. Every week i wash & condition, moisture & seal. Love me some ayurvedic deep treatments once a month. Yesterday my hair wash lifted & colored after 12 years, i love it!!
I love how you wish to honor all traditions- both the old and new…. Hair care has come a long way. No need to shade anyone during the journey. Blessings ❤
🎉 I appreciate this video so much! It’s bcuz of YOU & other natural hair videos that helped our culture & self-esteem move in a much more positive direction. We’ve now gotten more comfortable with our curls, happy with the ‘imperfect’ wash n go, allowing our own hair to breath….& that’s all from the work & years of you all experimenting for those of us who were too scared, didn’t have the time or resources to attempt styling our natural hair. Thankfully most of us are comfortable in & unapologetic about our natural hair now; WE’VE COLLECTIVELY CHANGED THE GLOBAL DEFINITION & STANDARD OF “Beauty”, especially in advertisements…All because these types of videos back in the day!!! I’ll end with there will be a new technology platform that will render TH-cam obsolete. But I so hope in 15-20 years the new generation will have all these videos as history of what truly changed our culture in more ways than just hair care rules. From the type 4 to type 3c, which curls were ‘better’ or ‘easier’…Your beautiful hair is just that, just beautiful & just hair.
It’s so crazy how I went natural 14 years ago and I’ve watched your videos in all that time and now I’ve come to value you as one of the old school TH-camrs who was there in the trenches sharing knowledge. I definitely agree with your pov that we shouldn’t knock what we had to do in order to get to where we are now. I’m glad to see you are still here from those early days. I be looking for the girlies I started out watching just for that, the experience, and some of us have gone off the map, so I appreciate how far you’ve come and how much you continue to do for the community as a whole ❤
Had it not been for you and others, we wouldn't have the knowledge and products we have today. As with everything else, the "industry" saw money to be made and then they came checking for us. I see how big Olive is now and I've been rocking with you for a long time. So happy for all your success and thank you for what you've done for us.
I had a relatively simple routine since going natural in 2017. I no longer prepoo. I learned so much about my hair such as this year, I learn that don't need to deep condition for 30 mins with a cap...5 mins amd it soft and fabulous. 30 mins and its rough and hard. I also just found a good leave in conditioner...like just today. I also started using heat...I started blow drying my hair this year and I found that I can wear my hair in a low bun without much tension.
Great vid! I love your thoughts on not putting down the old ways because the OG hair blogs and forums we used to use before youtube truly helped lay the foundation for the natural hair community. I have been natural for the last 20 years and I have seen the evolution of the natural hair community. If it wasn't for black women going natural and starting these communication communities we would not have the brands on the market we have today. We single handedly created a need to be filled in the marketplace. It is through our shared knowledge and trial and error that we are thriving now...So let's always give respect to the journey that got us here today! 🙏🏽🦋
I don’t prepoo, I don’t blow dry or flat iron my hair, I only do wash and goes, love my gray so no color, I don’t refresh, I don’t oil my scalp or hair. I wash my hair twice a week as I work out 4 days a week so it’s never tangled . I love my hair, my technique and my hair’s condition.
I’ve been doing twist outs every 1-2 weeks for years and love the routine and look. Grateful for your channel being such an integral resource on my journey. ❤
It’s insane that we didn’t have any information back in the day. If melanated people ruled the world things would be so different. To state the obvious. 😅 Thanks for all you do for us ❤
What has helped me maintain my long healthy wavy/curly hair is oil treatments, wash, condition, my detangle brush, leave in spray, protective styles, a satin hair scarf/bonnet, satin pillow case, trim when needed, & leave my hair alone. Happy healthy hair journey to everyone! 💚💚💚
It it wasn’t for you, my hair wouldn’t be nearly as healthy, I wouldn’t understand my hair and I couldn’t help my daughter! So, thank you for all you have done and all the work you did!!! You’re amazing ❤
I think what a lot of people overlooked is that we had natural hair styles for decades before it became a community. Of course there were not the amount of products available so people used what they could. I had natural hair in the 1970’s and used home made products rather than much of the expensive stuff available today that’s not as natural as we are led to believe. My Mom used Aloe Vera and Shea butter on our hair for years without issue. My sister now in her 60’s has always had natural hair and just uses 2 products, she washes her hair once a week and has never done a wash DAY. I agree regarding trial and error but what annoys me is the idea that we didn’t know how to care for our hair before the natural hair movement came along it’s just not true yes we learned more . What DID happen is more awareness and social media had a big part to play in that, more products became available. At the end of the day do what suits you but I appreciate many content creators because if it wasn’t for you we would still be struggling to find products to suit us.
Yes! I really don’t like when people talk bad about the former methods of the natural hair movement. Like chill, we were just trying to figure it out! 😆 And i think we did well considering the barriers to information.
Been natural for 20 years and yes, we didn’t have any idea what to do with our natural texture. Nobody I knew had natural hair besides my aunt with locs. My hair fell out last year due to health issues and now that it’s grown back in I’m doing wash and go’s for real. I literally spend 2minutes putting in products, go get dressed and do my makeup and leave the house with wet/damp twa bc I don’t care. I was obsessed with definition and coiling every curl before now I’m just happy to have hair. But it’s funny bc when it dries I have a million little curls that will form on their own. It’s still trial and error and that’s okay.
thanks whitney, I still use your aloe vera and oil mix as an every 2-3days staple. Thanks for all those years of insight. Your are the best in natural haircare
I’ve always been natural, so my trial and error came before TH-cam. In fact I’ve had locs for 15 years. With that, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching everyone’s natural hair journey. I even combed out the ends of my locs to enjoy the spirals and be in camaraderie.
Whitney......I just saw this video after not having a full wash day for 2 weeks and I just finished using all your products and as long as I have these everything is soo simple!! The prepoo with oil on my damp hair, the slip with some leave in! Simple twists for me was the key I've past my goals now thank you for my wash hour😂❤❤
I absolutely agree with what you're saying about the evolution of the natural hair community. We started with a lot of experimenting because we had very little knowledge, products and professional services options. Now, I'm really glad that there are more products, more methods and more stylists out there that we can select. My hope for the future of the natural hair community is to keep increasing our options and knowledge and make this knowledge more accessible (as in less confusing lol).
I absolutely agree with the trial & error phase that we had to learn from; we wouldn't be here if we didn't take the time to learn how to love & care for our hair. Knowledge is power; however, wisdom is precious & when coupled together, we create sustainability.
Im glad that everyone has found a routine. Wish that was the case for me. My ends tends to coil up really bad and I can’t get in-front of it before my hair breaks off and needing a trim every 6wks. **sigh** now my hair is the shortest it’s been in years
Not that I have the answer but my hair kept doing that so I cut the oil and increased the water. Basically I was sealing out the moisture with the oil which made my hair dry and my ends rough. I hope you find what works for you soon.
Hey Whit, now that we’ve gone through all that, can you do a video about what we SHOULD be doing for hair growth lol. I am working on growing my hair back healthy and strong after 3 kids and postpartum hair loss (and breakage 😢). Help a sista out 🙏🏾
Coming from a family of naturals I think "less is best" was something I was fortunate to always know. Although I saw the many things that the ladies in the natural hair community tried I didn't find them to be necessary for my hair. I stuck with doing my hair one to two times a week and doing twisted updos, and WnG's. I used to use either Paul Mitchell The Conditioner or Mane N Tail as my leave-in and L.A. Looks gel for my WnG. None of which were made specifically for our hair but they worked. Once in a while I would use a cholestrol deep conditioner. In 2008 I watched a video that Str8 Isis, an OG who is no longer on YT, did using Kinky-Curly so I thought I would try it. It changed my WnG game forever and I still use it today in addition to some of the other great botanical gels that have come out thanks to the many ladies like Whit who were doing trial and error.
I'm so glad you emphasized that the "rules" we've grown out of were out of utmost caution and no longer apply *because* the landscape has changed so much! There really was nothing for us even 10-15 years ago. I occasionally encounter people getting mean on the internet over rules and practices, but it was like yesterday that everything from drugstore to salon would leave you dry and crispy, we were just all on som "I'ma do my best wit what I got!"
I appreciate you for at first in your journey, you were giving great insight into how to maintain our own natural hair journeys, but extra kudos to you for actually becoming a PROFESSIONAL in hair care and styling so now whatever advice you give I take it as WORD IS BOND because you seem to be a professional stylist who is honest and sympathetic to us struggling and thriving naturals out here. Please keep informing us TH-camrs because I see alot of natural hair influencers have moved onto tiktok and instagram and not really informing the TH-camrs much anymore who have made them who they are and gotten them to their success, and remember, there are alot of older TH-camrs such as myself who only watch TH-cam advice on hair care. To me, it never gets old but the influencers are the ones tired of giving content on THIS platform. Most who view you here, appreciate you! Keep coming back as often as you can because WE NEED YOU!😁
I remember watching old videos where you used to be so worried about losing strands of hair when styling, taking down twists etc, I was like 😳😐😐 is it that serious?! 😯😅 It’s good to see you a bit more relaxed about things and having more fun, enjoying your hair! Even playing with it in this vid, I love it! 🫶🏾🧡
I’m just sitting here proud knowing I lived through the natural hair discovery era. I get to tell my little girls when r older about this. I get to teach them all we have taught each other. I’m just baffled and honored. Just wow.
Love this conversation! It’s been a while and so much trial and error, my routine really works so all I have to do is be consistent and maintain what works Washing in twists, finding ambunu as a detangler, using ingredients like carrot, avocado, fenugreek, olive and avocado oil, stretching with and without heat...hair is flourishing, routine is everything. Natural hair is enjoyable now 😍❤️
Blow drying /stretching my hair has minimize tangling , knots and breakage. I remember it was taboo to use any heat in the natural community 😅. I keep my hair stretched majority of the time now.
All of this! It has helped my hair and scalp get so much better!! Sooo much trial and error so it has been fun learning honestly. My new rules for myself 😊 1. Wash weekly 2. No more pre pooing 3. Saturate hair for 3-5 minutes then smooth in shampoo really well 4. No more deep conditioning weekly (unless i need a treatment) & detangle only with conditioner in with my Felicia leatherwood brush while adding water 5. No leave in conditioner 6. Botanical products for my wash n go on wet hair for the most part 7. No oil or creams anymore 8. Heat to set style 🎉
Washing my hair and deep conditioning weekly now for over 1yr now. It's a 'wash hour' rather than a 'wash day' thanks to a heating cap and your shampoo. I refuse to spend a whole day tending to my hair, i got things to do!.My hair loves this regimen. Consistency is truly key.
I Iike what you said. Naptural... "Don't rag on the old ways... they got us where we are today...." -----And --sound practices are good even now to establish a good hair regimen.
I have been natural since 2009. I researched and followed rules, made up my own and then I tossed most of them aside. I don't really do heat still because I always found straight hair boring for me. I am considering color but I want to see if have the patience to up my maintenance. I already had locs down my back and loose hair down my back again. I think that you should have fun with your hair and enjoy it. Let others do the same. I am team oils, butters and herbs 🎉🎉
For some of us post- perming veterans, all we could do was try and watch the younger generation bloom under best hair care practices through trial and error. I accept my thin gray hair and I keep it in a head scarf, because I can. I tried, rice water, henna, amla, fenugreek, moringa, mint and the list goes on as well as at least 5 different "natural product lines and still my hair is thin and gray. Acceptance is not giving up, acceptance is understanding what will change and what was meant to be for you.
The process for finding out what products works for your particular hair type can take years. I started out using products with silcones, protein, coconut etc because that's what I saw on TH-cam. Although I wasn't using them all at the same time they were all bad for me. What I slowly learned was to find out my hair's porosity level and read the ingredients on the bottles and jars. That has made a big difference in my hair journey.
You are the OG. I have watched every video you ever made. I grew up in a predominately white country and there are no black hair products and very few black women. YOU gave me the courage to go natural and learn about my hair for the first time in my late 20s. I have been on this journey for 10 years and you are my role model. Always honest, giving, and have created a beautiful community. I will always support you and your great products. Thank you!!!!
I went back to hair grease.😯..yes old old skool blue magic🤣. As a kid that was the only product that was added to many hair after washing and I had healthy thick long hair. Allot of the natural oils just didn't cut it for me as a sealant. So now I add a leave in and then use grease to seal my hair.... been doing this for 2 years and I noticed growth, health. No breakage, no tangles and moisture for days👌🤎
Hi Whitney. I’ve been following you for a LONG LONG time. Since before Olivia was born even. I’ve always enjoyed your videos. When I first began following, I was not new to that natural hair journey. I returned to natural in 1996. However, I had been mostly wearing my hair in protective styles with very few breaks so when I started watching all the natural hair videos around that time, it was for advice and guidance on how to keep moisture in my hair and style it. This video had me nodding my head in agreement to several things mentioned. It is a lot of trial and error and in the in I’ve found that simplicity is best for my hair when I am not in a protective style. ❤️💫✨
(Also please do more FAQ/answer questions and tip type videos! They are a lot easier to film and edit (I'm an editor) and I just love seeing your face and want to do literally everything you do.) 1. GOD I love you. Been with you since the beginning and have bought every product you've made. You revived my hair and my want to grow it to waist length. Everything you say is law to me. That damn $400 hair dryer is making its way to my studio apartment as we speak along with a Felicia Leatherwood brush. I can't tell you how many people I recommend to you. You're a goddess, icon, inspiration and friend in my head! 2. SIS, IS THIS A PERM ROD SET!? DROP THE VIDEO!!!! Did you use your hooded dryer for this? I been trying to figure out a way to get perm rods to both come out defined AND stay for longer than 2 hours and 17 minutes cause them damn juices and berries aint doin it. Okay lemme actually watch the video now. 3. DROP DAT DAYUUUM SILK PRESS VIDEO ALREADYYYYY
I don't follow combing from the ends to the roots.- I got a lot of fairy knots. It was hard to reach the crown( 4a type hair low porosity hair. Instead, I detangle the ends and then comb or brush from root to end. No more fairy knots and crown is much easier. I love my water and grease during the summertime. I keep my hair straight during the wintertime with a hot brush( it gives it is nicer blowout). I rarely use any products; I do use blue magic grease. And a hair lotion when I straighten my hair. I wash and condition with Pantene. Before I wash, I do an onion water /oil mask or whole yogurt mask. I was "no heat natural" at first but my hair is much healthier and I am retaining my length by stretching and using some heat.
Good products. I did my wash n go with Melanin Hair Care. Shampoo, deep conditioner, leave-in. My styler was Miche. Now waiting on stylers from you. My hair is so moisturized.
Washing more often has def been a time saver for me. I love volume so I don't put a bunch of products in small sections for my wash & go's and I rarely use styling tools to detangle 🥰
YAS! I hope you enjoy it! 🙏🏾🥰 if you want to see the other comments, I also posted on my IG and YT community page if you have access! There’s lots of great comments under the posts! ❤️
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Amazing how the OGs understand that these were never ‘rules’ to begin. They’re part of the discussion and experimentation within the natural hair community. No more no less.
THIS PART 👏🏿👏🏿
As an elder the best thing today is the availability of products. I agree with her all these rituals are not necessary. Yes for fingers and wide tooth comes.
@@ljsc1265
I’ve enjoyed simplifying my routine over the years. Finger detangling and combs add too much time for me. I prefer paddle brushes without the ball tips.
@@LBellatrixSo true!
Sooo true!!! 😆💯
Honestly, washing my hair more frequently has helped cut down on tangles. It used to take me an hour or more and now only 15-30 minutes since I wash every 5-7 days. Also, the crown of my head used to be hell to comb, and now it’s so much easier.
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I had a similar experience. I don't need to clarify because I don't have as much build up.
Same here! I wash weekly as well! It’s been a huge game changer
Funny I was just thinking I need to wash my hair more frequently because it gets tangled
This is exactly what I do. I have fine natural hair so it gets into knots and tangles. I wash weekly and I deep condition once a month. It definitely helps ease on the knots.
🙌🙌As someone reaching her 11th year natural--Thank you SO MUCH! 🥳👏👏This video was NEEDED chile! There are so many stylists now shaming us natural hair vets for how we did our hair back then...but WHERE WERE THEY?! Where were the companies, products and stylist with natural hair knowledge? 👀All we had was stylists that made us cry/didn't want to touch our hair, and a little "ethnic hair care" section at Walmart with Luster's Pink oil and $60 Ms. Jessies buttercreme. That's it. 💯We went to youtube & blogs and had to learn ourselves. We had to make our products OURSELVES. We had to go through that Trial by Fire phase because nobody taught us.
I watched YOUR videos because it was the first time I ever had any blueprint of how to do my hair.😁 I showed your "best twisout ever" vid to my fam, and big chopped the next day. Over time, experience gives you skill, and my rules have relaxed alot too because I understand my hair now. But please know....your videos inspired SO MANY to take that leap into natural hair. Thank you for your contribution, Whit👏
This right here! This is EVERYTHING!! I 100% agree!!!!! ❤❤❤
🎉😂Girl… You Didn’t Lie About A Thing!!! 🎉
You gave me flashbacks to when I would go to a stylist and they told me they wouldn’t do my natural hair. Happened more than once.
So true. I love my water and grease. They always told us to comb or brush from ends to the root but I ended up with a lot of fairy knots. Now, I detangle the ends and brush from roots to end and minimal fairy knots.
👏🏾
This is emotional. I'm an OG natural. I went natural pre-TH-cam. I've been following original blogs like BGLH, your channel Mahogany Curls etc,. Watching y'all grow and help us grow has been fun. Many of us were teens at the time. We've come such a long and successful way! YAY US, YAY Black women, YAY to the NHC *crying and throwing up*😂 🎉🎉🎉
Member kimmaytube too?
@@yezmirsheppard-halika6892 I remember her! Wow! Is she still around? I need to look...
I just made a new batch of kimmaytube DIY conditioner and it is still my favorite conditioner. She was so knowledgeabke and helpful in our natural journeys.
Agree! I feel emotional and proud of the journey. I’m 14 years natural and Whitney is right - it was a DESERT before. It’s cool to make fun of DIY or “extra” naturals now but we were trying to figure it out when black hair stylists and product lines were not interested in meeting our needs.
I have gotten many, many compliments over the years about my natural hair. I totally appreciate them, but I've had a lot of people say to me, "I wish more Black women would embrace their natural hair." I'm like, no, no, nope, we're not doing that. It took me YEARS to figure this out, and not everyone has the time or ability to invest like that. Plus, I am grateful for the healthy options we now have. We do what works for us and I can't imagine doing anything else but being natural because its been such a rewarding process. But what I'm changing is not putting down other people's choices because we all need to do what we choose. It has been such a journey and I literally started it... has it been 11 years? with Naptural85 watching videos on my bedroom floor learning how to flat twist? Wow! So we all have to start somewhere.
Yep. Not all of us is an emotional journey. I started in college cause I just didn't trust anyone with my hair and end up liking the freedom to just move anywhere and not worry about taking care of my hair
@cetriya's Art n Comics Channel exactly! I started because I had a relaxer that was so bad that it cause burns on my scalp. I still remember telling the woman, at the salon, how was burning and she just dismissed me and said it's supposed to burn. I was too scared to speak up for myself and ended up with damage that still affects parts of my hair. I still have trust issues so I make sure that if no one else can do it, I can do my own hair and keep it healthy.
I think because more of us have embraced it, our kids won’t have to have a “journey” to learn how to do our hair at its most natural. It feels like we have all the options now.
I'm sorry that you had to go through that. Same thing happened with me, but my mom was doing my hair when l was little, who also said it was supposed to burn. It was horrible. So glad we are well past this, now. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve always noticed throughout my life how other people always want to police what black women do to their hair 🤦🏽♀️ now that I’m natural I don’t care what anyone else thinks about my hair, I actually feel free.
Summary
1 washing hair once a month
2 air drying/ not using heat
3 no bleaching/ dying hair
4 pre shampooing
5 LONG wash day
6 finger detangle ( for some)
7 hair oils( for some)
8 over board and difficult hairstyles
9 professional hair care products, no home-made products
10 no trimming
11 not touching the hair
12 a structured routine
12 not simplifying everything
Thank you.
Yes! Thank you!
Thank you 🙌🏽
Thanks this video was way too long and unclear
I can’t do #1 😬
I don’t follow the “dirty hair grows better”/ “don’t use shampoo often because it ruins your hair” rule….
My scalp gets dry and flaky and washing/regularly oiling it helps keep it moisturized. I love your shampoo and oil for locs! Keep up the good work Whitney!
"We're not on our own anymore." 🎯 This is really it because knowing that we've learned techniques & have products that make starting over a much faster, easier process allows us to fully explore the versatility of our hair! Natural wigs and edges have TRULY changed the game too!
IKR! When wigs & hair pieces look like our natural hair, you know we have ARRIVED! Definitely trendsetters.
@@deepoellnitz I made my own half/headband wig with afro weave from the bargain bin....Now I can't even find Marleyhair in London....smh....I'm nearly 42 and most of the time my edges were never laid...but they still touch my eyebrows! My trichologists do not like edge control..it smothers your follicles stunting growth and dries out your fine baby hairs causing them to break off...that's why we as a community have bald edges.
I agree with 7:50. We are here today because of efforts by Natural Hair community (and, for me, Natural Hair TH-camrs) yesterday. I don't trash any of the trends because it was all a part of learning, and honestly, I have adopted bits and pieces of them all and use those bits and pieces when needed.
Well said ❤
Girl, when you said “Can we make ‘wash day’ a ‘wash hour?’ “ I was like…. YES LORD!!! It’s beautiful that we now have so many resources to figure out how to care for our hair if we were never taught, and all of that was based on the trial and error of other, like you said. My wash day IS like an hour now. A good portion of that is finding the right technique for YOUR hair, sticking with it, and using the right products for your hair (thank God for your line, because it’s made wash day miraculously short for me, and my hair is doing well).
I think we got so hardcore with “rules” because, like you said, there weren’t a lot of options. The “rules” didn’t take into account things like all of the different textures that can exist on one head, and what happens when you age, and the needs of your hair change. Like you said, though, we were doing the best we can with what we had to work with (which was the yogurt in the fridge), and I’m so thankful that there is more research about all of this. It’ll only get better from here. I enjoyed this video.
Amen, to different textures on one head! I swear I have three textures on mine. Yes, also to wash hour. Sometimes I would dread wash day so much I would talk myself out of doing it.
There's a reason you're an OG in this shit. I've followed you for years and you were definitely one of the main reasons I chose to go natural. You've done so much for Black Women and Girls, I don't think you realize how impactful you really have been, are, and continue to be. I wish you more and more success than you can handle lol
This!
Yes!
And let's point out that it was the type 4 people who pioneered the majority of the trial and error research that gave us the knowledge that we have now. Type 2 and type 3 people benefit from this and we owe that to our type 4 brothers and sisters. I in particular am very thankful because I can make my curls look better than they ever have, and it has given us all the confidence to wear our hair natural and no longer allow society's perceptions about waves, curls, and coils being wild, inappropriate, and unacceptable 🙂
FACTS!
Thank you for this.
LOVE your commentary! ❤
Thank you for this comment from one 4c hair senior citizen.
@@MsMatt919 the truth needs to be stated 😉
I totally miss the good ole days of the first "Natural hair community" on youtube 😊 definately was a lot of fun and learning experience
"Screw the rules, I want blue hair!" Is what I said two years ago when I decided to bleach my own hair. Obviously it damaged my hair, but i did my research and retained most of my curl pattern. At that end of the day, having "perfectly" natural hair wasn’t giving me the joy and expression that I get from dyeing my hair the colors of the rainbow.
Thank you for this comment. I haven't thought about what brings me joy specifically when it comes to my hair...I just thought about being natural just to not have chemicals in my hair but never what brings me JOY.... Love that. Thank u❤
Right! I don't follow trends!
How did you take care of your hair? I’m dealing with the ramifications of dying and bleaching my hair so many times where breakage is happening, my hair grows but my ends always break off
@@mts4428 I’ve loved my natural hair and the journey way more after dying my hair. I was able to actually see all the kinks and coils and even basic twists. Each strand was so defined and popping and I was excited to do my hair now. I’m type 4 hair texture but in the very front and back I have looser texture and so that part went last. I didn’t hold onto anything that was messed up. Always trimmed right after I bleached my hair. Usually the only time I trimmed to be honest. Helped with depression too. Helped with being an introvert and having myself and my dog with matching hair color and cute styles and not caring about edges or sleekness like how I was raised to as a young child in church etc. I just love the journey now!!
I sort of said screw the rules to my trichologists horror but I'm tired of maintaining long super healthy hair. I got bleach highlights today from my long term stylist who I trust not to wreck my hair. He use Aveda and Olaplex and my curls are intact and enhanced and beautiful. Next month we going to be cutting and cutting for a bald tapered mohawk cut.. Then for autumn/fall I will throw some twist extensions in it for 12 weeks. I plan to shampoo and deep condition every week and moisturize every day but I need to stop obsessing over my ends and length and damage and just live my life.
You are so correct!! I hate the comments ragging on the old hair care practices. The new gains came off the backs of the old. 99% of us type 4 girls had no idea how to grow, thicken and protect our natural hair without the lessons of the OGs like yourself. Thank you sis, you guys are true pioneers ❤
Sometimes, it’s not the product. It’s the application. I had a stylist who was so good, she had the growing hand. She moved away and I was devastated. Twenty plus years later and I am still devastated. I had to learn to cope because most other stylists just weren’t as good, as caring, as willing as she was.
I have LOVED my hair journey. It was about so much more than hair. It was about self-discovery.
So true! I use VO5 shampoo and conditioner cut the oil and increased the water. My fro is so soft,dense ,growing and shiny.
Right, the products are only TOOLS.
The products only work properly if you use them correctly, and the way you care for you hair. This should be common sense...
I FINALLY shaved all my hair off! Talk about FREEDOM!🙌🏾💖🙌🏾 Feels absolutely AMAZING!! Been wanting to start my short hair journey from scratch. Just kept being lazy bout it.🙄 I am SO OVER long hair! This journey will be super simple. The way i like it!💖😁
It's nice to hear an OG talk about this. So many of the people I followed from 2009 through 2017 are gone now. Sometimes I feel the disconnect between the journey and where we are now. As you inferred, it was a process and we learned a great deal from it. It was due to that journey that we have the products and the tools that are available to us today. The corporate world took note. Anyway, thank you for covering this topic.
This is the only girl I always come back to. Been here since 2012. Helped me and my daughters grow our hair waist length multiple times ❤
Products now are 100% better than 10 years ago. Now I just use the Melanin Haircare line. The ingredients are great. I only add other products when needed.
I so agree with you Whitney! We did what we could with what we had including knowledge and products. Bravo to you and everyone who researched and researched to make it an easier tried and true process for washing and styling our curls and coils.
It’s amazing how things have changed. I started going natural in high school. My biggest critic was my mom and now she’s fully natural. Be you and be confident! It always works out for you.
You changed the hair care industry! Major brands took the recipes and combinations you spent hours researching in the early days. I’ve been perm free since Jan 2010 and your channel helped me soooo much. I appreciate you Whitney❤❤
I’m back using grease lol 🤷🏽♀️ I said eff the rules a while ago 😂 my hair likes blue magic, pink lotion and mane & tail detangling spray.. that’s my old go to that I’ve decided to revisit as an adult 💯
Same
Yep. I just went and picked up 2 jars for the girls. That hair was getting too dry too fast after the leave in.
My daughter couldn't keep moisture longer than a day. I started using grease, and it has helped a lot. I like to put smaller size two strand twists in her hair. Only using water and grease, her hair stays moist for days.
OG Pink Lotion 🤣🤣🤣
I always use my Blue magic grease with my natural hair.
Once I started getting my hair flat-ironed (in the winter time, mainly so I can wear hats), I’ve noticed less breakage and longer hair. So I’ve been keeping my hair in a straight style.
Yes Whitney you said it best. We have options and everyone should respect the process that got us to this place, (stylists included in my opinion!). I have paid and learnt from the professionals but it also helped me to better understand my personal hair and appreciate the techniques and suggestions of influencers. Now I understand my hair and pay attention to it, I simply do what works for me period!
I definitely agree with you. We did what we had to back in the day. I was right in the kitchen mixing my concoctions by Whitney many years ago. You and African Export helped me keep he hair on my head. These days I keep it simple. I cleanse, condition and style once a week. We have so many great product options now.
I no longer use raw oils or butters. I do use products formulated with oils lower in the ingredient list. I don't prepoo or have all day wash days. I sit under my hooded dryer every wash day.
I don't fear heat damage. I grew up with straightening combs. I'm 62 and don't want anyone near my head, neck or ears with a flat iron.
I no longer need 150 products. I've been natural for 10 years now. It took me 7 years to embrace my hair and the other 3 to understand it lol. I can do a twist out but im definitely a wash n go natural. Loved this video! Your big chopped video saved me from relaxing my hair back in 2015.
With everything you say, I am thinking "SAME!!!!"that's why I love you❤
Lol like right!!!
Hearing you speak about the natural hair community and "what we use to do back in the day" gives me chills because you really helped shape the current and future generations of Black girls and Black women in terms of natural hair care knowledge. You will always reign supreme Whitney!! Thank you 🥰
Whitney dropping some gems! I definitely think this video was much needed as a lot of TH-camrs are making videos about the “failing” natural hair community and I’m like it didn’t fail it Evolved….. like change is good we learned and we can now teach the younger generation ❤❤❤❤
I have a great routine now and I’m so happy lol. I went from 5hrs wash days to 2hrs! I don’t use combs/brushes anymore, so I only finger detangle. My breakage/fallout is reduced dramatically. I Keep it simple w/ 2 or 3 product lines (yours included 😉❤️) and no oils to keep my scalp at bay. You are really the pioneer and are doing God’s work 🙏🏽❤️
Yes! I noticed combs/brushes rip my hair out. I only finger detangle unless I'm about to get braids.
I’ve been following your journey since 2012. You and Mahogany Curls got me started when I wanted to stop wearing silk presses. ( I’ve actually been natural since 2002). Thank you both for your commitment to embracing and wearing our natural texture. We all walked so our future daughters can fly!!
It’s always a pleasure when you treat us to a surprise video! Keep glowing, Queen! 😍😍😍
XO! 🤗🙏🏾 Thank you so much for watching!! 🥰❤️❤️❤️
What to use for short hair that graying, my hair is so dry. Help😢
Can I say, thank you for acknowledging me and my comment. I have been following you since i started my journey (I was at least 11 years old and I'm 24 now). Not saying that I try super hard to get noticed but you are someone I have looked to when it came to my natural hair.
😭🥰🥲 Aw! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts NaTaysia!! 🤗🤗 And wow! Thank you for hanging with me all these years!! I’m so happy you were able to start your journey at 11! That’s amazing!! 🙌🏾❤️❤️❤️
@@Naptural85 Thanks! You and Faye in the City are women I refer to and that I recommend to others. 😊
I love how you point out that we don’t have to bash how we used to do things. It was all trial and error. We have access to more options and more education on hair care. The past paved the way for the present and I am sure it will continue to get better!
We’re getting older, our needs are changing, and I love that we now have more options thanks to the work of OGs like you, Whitney. That said, I’m especially happy about using heat. I’m in medschool now, so every second I save doing my hair matters
@sportster832 - Congrats! What hairstyles are your go-tos in med school? I can’t imagine having the time for hours long styling sessions.
Yes ! We all figured it out together and have overcome a major hump as a community. And we are all beautiful!
I watch Withneys videos since 2013 and I’ve learned so much!!
The natural hair community was such an awakening to information that never really existed. I get very nostalgic looking back 🖤✨
I’m still figuring out my hair and it’s been 9 years 🥲 pray for me y’all 😅
I feel you girl…its been 4 years for me and still confusing 😅😢
Thank you!!
For the Positivity!!
We needed this
No no shaming for processes that got us to loving and embracing our natural tresses.❤❤❤
I'm so glad that you made this video! There are so many videos out there saying that the natural hair movement failed and things like that. I completely disagree! I see so many young girls and women with natural hair. Even if they wear wigs and weaves, they are natural. I think that as you said, we had to do so much trial and error because there were barely any products and tools for us. But now, we can wash and style our hair with so many options that it has made it easier to love our natural hair.
Blow drying my hair every month (cool to low heat) really changed up my hair journey and helped with my length
I have to cut my hair more because of your products moisturizing my hair so well and it grows fast. I now realize I don’t like wet hair down my back and shoulders. I have realized since using your products I can blow dry more often.
Wash day used to literally take me all day. 3 years ago I got tired and ended up getting SisterLocks. I love hair freedom! No more wash days!!
THANK YOU! and i need all the other OG's to come through and correct the narrative! Tell the girls what cosmetology school taught you! It's about time
“Is the problem the DIY products, or is the problem people doing things themselves at home, hmm?”…❤️Love that coming from a professional hair stylist!
I agree with this 💯 percent. People would ask me what I do to my hair and I was always at the minimum and I was looked at like I was crazy like, 'you don't pre-poo, you use heat, you don't use heavy moisturizers, and a million products you don't deep condition for 24 hours then get back in the shower'.......uh no. I shampoo, condition, blowdry and use a light heat if I wanted on heat styling tools. My hair doesn't have to look like a straight lace wig every single day and its ok. ❤❤❤
I don’t use heat at all because of the time it takes. I told myself my hair grows in tight small coils and that’s ok. I’m glad to hear you accept you hair not being super straight always too. 😊
Thank you!!! I’m not going for the flat straight stiff wig look either.. it seemed…that seems so 90s to me😅
Thanks to you, I have learned so much about my hair! I am so relieved to know I’m not the only one letting go of the “old rules”. I love Melanin products and the the diy products.
Ive always had a simple routine.
Twice a month pre poo. Every week i wash & condition, moisture & seal. Love me some ayurvedic deep treatments once a month.
Yesterday my hair wash lifted & colored after 12 years, i love it!!
I love how you wish to honor all traditions- both the old and new…. Hair care has come a long way. No need to shade anyone during the journey. Blessings ❤
🎉 I appreciate this video so much! It’s bcuz of YOU & other natural hair videos that helped our culture & self-esteem move in a much more positive direction. We’ve now gotten more comfortable with our curls, happy with the ‘imperfect’ wash n go, allowing our own hair to breath….& that’s all from the work & years of you all experimenting for those of us who were too scared, didn’t have the time or resources to attempt styling our natural hair. Thankfully most of us are comfortable in & unapologetic about our natural hair now; WE’VE COLLECTIVELY CHANGED THE GLOBAL DEFINITION & STANDARD OF “Beauty”, especially in advertisements…All because these types of videos back in the day!!!
I’ll end with there will be a new technology platform that will render TH-cam obsolete. But I so hope in 15-20 years the new generation will have all these videos as history of what truly changed our culture in more ways than just hair care rules. From the type 4 to type 3c, which curls were ‘better’ or ‘easier’…Your beautiful hair is just that, just beautiful & just hair.
It’s so crazy how I went natural 14 years ago and I’ve watched your videos in all that time and now I’ve come to value you as one of the old school TH-camrs who was there in the trenches sharing knowledge. I definitely agree with your pov that we shouldn’t knock what we had to do in order to get to where we are now. I’m glad to see you are still here from those early days. I be looking for the girlies I started out watching just for that, the experience, and some of us have gone off the map, so I appreciate how far you’ve come and how much you continue to do for the community as a whole ❤
Had it not been for you and others, we wouldn't have the knowledge and products we have today. As with everything else, the "industry" saw money to be made and then they came checking for us. I see how big Olive is now and I've been rocking with you for a long time. So happy for all your success and thank you for what you've done for us.
I had a relatively simple routine since going natural in 2017. I no longer prepoo. I learned so much about my hair such as this year, I learn that don't need to deep condition for 30 mins with a cap...5 mins amd it soft and fabulous. 30 mins and its rough and hard. I also just found a good leave in conditioner...like just today. I also started using heat...I started blow drying my hair this year and I found that I can wear my hair in a low bun without much tension.
The natural hair community of circa 2011-2013ish really helped me to learn how to be natural. Those tips shared were good tips.
Great vid! I love your thoughts on not putting down the old ways because the OG hair blogs and forums we used to use before youtube truly helped lay the foundation for the natural hair community. I have been natural for the last 20 years and I have seen the evolution of the natural hair community. If it wasn't for black women going natural and starting these communication communities we would not have the brands on the market we have today. We single handedly created a need to be filled in the marketplace. It is through our shared knowledge and trial and error that we are thriving now...So let's always give respect to the journey that got us here today! 🙏🏽🦋
I don’t prepoo, I don’t blow dry or flat iron my hair, I only do wash and goes, love my gray so no color, I don’t refresh, I don’t oil my scalp or hair. I wash my hair twice a week as I work out 4 days a week so it’s never tangled . I love my hair, my technique and my hair’s condition.
I’ve been doing twist outs every 1-2 weeks for years and love the routine and look. Grateful for your channel being such an integral resource on my journey. ❤
It’s insane that we didn’t have any information back in the day. If melanated people ruled the world things would be so different. To state the obvious. 😅 Thanks for all you do for us ❤
Right on! 💯
What has helped me maintain my long healthy wavy/curly hair is oil treatments, wash, condition, my detangle brush, leave in spray, protective styles, a satin hair scarf/bonnet, satin pillow case, trim when needed, & leave my hair alone. Happy healthy hair journey to everyone! 💚💚💚
It it wasn’t for you, my hair wouldn’t be nearly as healthy, I wouldn’t understand my hair and I couldn’t help my daughter! So, thank you for all you have done and all the work you did!!! You’re amazing ❤
I think what a lot of people overlooked is that we had natural hair styles for decades before it became a community. Of course there were not the amount of products available so people used what they could. I had natural hair in the 1970’s and used home made products rather than much of the expensive stuff available today that’s not as natural as we are led to believe. My Mom used Aloe Vera and Shea butter on our hair for years without issue. My sister now in her 60’s has always had natural hair and just uses 2 products, she washes her hair once a week and has never done a wash DAY. I agree regarding trial and error but what annoys me is the idea that we didn’t know how to care for our hair before the natural hair movement came along it’s just not true yes we learned more . What DID happen is more awareness and social media had a big part to play in that, more products became available. At the end of the day do what suits you but I appreciate many content creators because if it wasn’t for you we would still be struggling to find products to suit us.
Yes! I really don’t like when people talk bad about the former methods of the natural hair movement. Like chill, we were just trying to figure it out! 😆 And i think we did well considering the barriers to information.
Yes my grandmother and her blue magic and press and curl had her and my mom at bra strap.🤷🏾♀️
Been natural for 20 years and yes, we didn’t have any idea what to do with our natural texture. Nobody I knew had natural hair besides my aunt with locs. My hair fell out last year due to health issues and now that it’s grown back in I’m doing wash and go’s for real. I literally spend 2minutes putting in products, go get dressed and do my makeup and leave the house with wet/damp twa bc I don’t care. I was obsessed with definition and coiling every curl before now I’m just happy to have hair. But it’s funny bc when it dries I have a million little curls that will form on their own. It’s still trial and error and that’s okay.
thanks whitney, I still use your aloe vera and oil mix as an every 2-3days staple. Thanks for all those years of insight. Your are the best in natural haircare
I’ve always been natural, so my trial and error came before TH-cam. In fact I’ve had locs for 15 years. With that, I have thoroughly enjoyed watching everyone’s natural hair journey. I even combed out the ends of my locs to enjoy the spirals and be in camaraderie.
Whitney......I just saw this video after not having a full wash day for 2 weeks and I just finished using all your products and as long as I have these everything is soo simple!! The prepoo with oil on my damp hair, the slip with some leave in! Simple twists for me was the key I've past my goals now thank you for my wash hour😂❤❤
I absolutely agree with what you're saying about the evolution of the natural hair community. We started with a lot of experimenting because we had very little knowledge, products and professional services options. Now, I'm really glad that there are more products, more methods and more stylists out there that we can select. My hope for the future of the natural hair community is to keep increasing our options and knowledge and make this knowledge more accessible (as in less confusing lol).
I absolutely agree with the trial & error phase that we had to learn from; we wouldn't be here if we didn't take the time to learn how to love & care for our hair. Knowledge is power; however, wisdom is precious & when coupled together, we create sustainability.
Awesome reflection by someone who has always been a leader in the movement
You are just awesome. Grandma of 7 have been watching you since 2011. I have learned sooooo much from you. KUDOS WHITNEY!!!
Im glad that everyone has found a routine. Wish that was the case for me. My ends tends to coil up really bad and I can’t get in-front of it before my hair breaks off and needing a trim every 6wks. **sigh** now my hair is the shortest it’s been in years
Not that I have the answer but my hair kept doing that so I cut the oil and increased the water. Basically I was sealing out the moisture with the oil which made my hair dry and my ends rough. I hope you find what works for you soon.
Hey Whit, now that we’ve gone through all that, can you do a video about what we SHOULD be doing for hair growth lol. I am working on growing my hair back healthy and strong after 3 kids and postpartum hair loss (and breakage 😢). Help a sista out 🙏🏾
Heck I wash my hair in the sink now, cos I hated spending for ever in the shower lol. Cuts my time A LOT!❤
Coming from a family of naturals I think "less is best" was something I was fortunate to always know. Although I saw the many things that the ladies in the natural hair community tried I didn't find them to be necessary for my hair. I stuck with doing my hair one to two times a week and doing twisted updos, and WnG's. I used to use either Paul Mitchell The Conditioner or Mane N Tail as my leave-in and L.A. Looks gel for my WnG. None of which were made specifically for our hair but they worked. Once in a while I would use a cholestrol deep conditioner. In 2008 I watched a video that Str8 Isis, an OG who is no longer on YT, did using Kinky-Curly so I thought I would try it. It changed my WnG game forever and I still use it today in addition to some of the other great botanical gels that have come out thanks to the many ladies like Whit who were doing trial and error.
I'm so glad you emphasized that the "rules" we've grown out of were out of utmost caution and no longer apply *because* the landscape has changed so much! There really was nothing for us even 10-15 years ago. I occasionally encounter people getting mean on the internet over rules and practices, but it was like yesterday that everything from drugstore to salon would leave you dry and crispy, we were just all on som "I'ma do my best wit what I got!"
I appreciate you for at first in your journey, you were giving great insight into how to maintain our own natural hair journeys, but extra kudos to you for actually becoming a PROFESSIONAL in hair care and styling so now whatever advice you give I take it as WORD IS BOND because you seem to be a professional stylist who is honest and sympathetic to us struggling and thriving naturals out here. Please keep informing us TH-camrs because I see alot of natural hair influencers have moved onto tiktok and instagram and not really informing the TH-camrs much anymore who have made them who they are and gotten them to their success, and remember, there are alot of older TH-camrs such as myself who only watch TH-cam advice on hair care. To me, it never gets old but the influencers are the ones tired of giving content on THIS platform. Most who view you here, appreciate you! Keep coming back as often as you can because WE NEED YOU!😁
I remember watching old videos where you used to be so worried about losing strands of hair when styling, taking down twists etc, I was like 😳😐😐 is it that serious?! 😯😅 It’s good to see you a bit more relaxed about things and having more fun, enjoying your hair! Even playing with it in this vid, I love it! 🫶🏾🧡
I still do pre pooing. It just makes my wash day soooo much easier.
This was the comment I was looking for 😭 cause I’m not gonna give it up
Im in trial and error for this very thing this week. I don’t know if I’m psychologically attached or what. My shampoo has oil in it 🤷🏾♀️
I’m just sitting here proud knowing I lived through the natural hair discovery era. I get to tell my little girls when r older about this. I get to teach them all we have taught each other. I’m just baffled and honored. Just wow.
You continue to enlighten me and my hair is now butt length, keep up the community moving work Queen!
Love this conversation! It’s been a while and so much trial and error, my routine really works so all I have to do is be consistent and maintain what works
Washing in twists, finding ambunu as a detangler, using ingredients like carrot, avocado, fenugreek, olive and avocado oil, stretching with and without heat...hair is flourishing, routine is everything. Natural hair is enjoyable now 😍❤️
I haven’t used oils in 6yrs. But we all do what works for our hair, lifestyle and environment. I get my hair trimmed every 3-4mos.
Blow drying /stretching my hair has minimize tangling , knots and breakage. I remember it was taboo to use any heat in the natural community 😅. I keep my hair stretched majority of the time now.
All of this! It has helped my hair and scalp get so much better!! Sooo much trial and error so it has been fun learning honestly. My new rules for myself 😊
1. Wash weekly
2. No more pre pooing
3. Saturate hair for 3-5 minutes then smooth in shampoo really well
4. No more deep conditioning weekly (unless i need a treatment) & detangle only with conditioner in with my Felicia leatherwood brush while adding water
5. No leave in conditioner
6. Botanical products for my wash n go on wet hair for the most part
7. No oil or creams anymore
8. Heat to set style 🎉
Washing my hair and deep conditioning weekly now for over 1yr now. It's a 'wash hour' rather than a 'wash day' thanks to a heating cap and your shampoo. I refuse to spend a whole day tending to my hair, i got things to do!.My hair loves this regimen. Consistency is truly key.
I Iike what you said. Naptural... "Don't rag on the old ways... they got us where we are today...." -----And --sound practices are good even now to establish a good hair regimen.
I have been natural since 2009. I researched and followed rules, made up my own and then I tossed most of them aside. I don't really do heat still because I always found straight hair boring for me. I am considering color but I want to see if have the patience to up my maintenance. I already had locs down my back and loose hair down my back again. I think that you should have fun with your hair and enjoy it. Let others do the same. I am team oils, butters and herbs 🎉🎉
For some of us post- perming veterans, all we could do was try and watch the younger generation bloom under best hair care practices through trial and error. I accept my thin gray hair and I keep it in a head scarf, because I can. I tried, rice water, henna, amla, fenugreek, moringa, mint and the list goes on as well as at least 5 different "natural product lines and still my hair is thin and gray. Acceptance is not giving up, acceptance is understanding what will change and what was meant to be for you.
The process for finding out what products works for your particular hair type can take years. I started out using products with silcones, protein, coconut etc because that's what I saw on TH-cam. Although I wasn't using them all at the same time they were all bad for me. What I slowly learned was to find out my hair's porosity level and read the ingredients on the bottles and jars. That has made a big difference in my hair journey.
You are the OG. I have watched every video you ever made. I grew up in a predominately white country and there are no black hair products and very few black women. YOU gave me the courage to go natural and learn about my hair for the first time in my late 20s. I have been on this journey for 10 years and you are my role model. Always honest, giving, and have created a beautiful community. I will always support you and your great products. Thank you!!!!
I went back to hair grease.😯..yes old old skool blue magic🤣. As a kid that was the only product that was added to many hair after washing and I had healthy thick long hair. Allot of the natural oils just didn't cut it for me as a sealant. So now I add a leave in and then use grease to seal my hair.... been doing this for 2 years and I noticed growth, health. No breakage, no tangles and moisture for days👌🤎
Hi Whitney.
I’ve been following you for a LONG LONG time. Since before Olivia was born even. I’ve always enjoyed your videos. When I first began following, I was not new to that natural hair journey. I returned to natural in 1996. However, I had been mostly wearing my hair in protective styles with very few breaks so when I started watching all the natural hair videos around that time, it was for advice and guidance on how to keep moisture in my hair and style it. This video had me nodding my head in agreement to several things mentioned. It is a lot of trial and error and in the in I’ve found that simplicity is best for my hair when I am not in a protective style.
❤️💫✨
(Also please do more FAQ/answer questions and tip type videos! They are a lot easier to film and edit (I'm an editor) and I just love seeing your face and want to do literally everything you do.)
1. GOD I love you. Been with you since the beginning and have bought every product you've made. You revived my hair and my want to grow it to waist length. Everything you say is law to me. That damn $400 hair dryer is making its way to my studio apartment as we speak along with a Felicia Leatherwood brush. I can't tell you how many people I recommend to you. You're a goddess, icon, inspiration and friend in my head!
2. SIS, IS THIS A PERM ROD SET!? DROP THE VIDEO!!!! Did you use your hooded dryer for this? I been trying to figure out a way to get perm rods to both come out defined AND stay for longer than 2 hours and 17 minutes cause them damn juices and berries aint doin it. Okay lemme actually watch the video now.
3. DROP DAT DAYUUUM SILK PRESS VIDEO ALREADYYYYY
You were one of my first. I've definitely grown and don't care anymore. Good job. I wish you a blessed life.
I don't follow combing from the ends to the roots.- I got a lot of fairy knots. It was hard to reach the crown( 4a type hair low porosity hair. Instead, I detangle the ends and then comb or brush from root to end. No more fairy knots and crown is much easier. I love my water and grease during the summertime. I keep my hair straight during the wintertime with a hot brush( it gives it is nicer blowout). I rarely use any products; I do use blue magic grease. And a hair lotion when I straighten my hair. I wash and condition with Pantene. Before I wash, I do an onion water /oil mask or whole yogurt mask. I was "no heat natural" at first but my hair is much healthier and I am retaining my length by stretching and using some heat.
Good products. I did my wash n go with Melanin Hair Care. Shampoo, deep conditioner, leave-in. My styler was Miche. Now waiting on stylers from you. My hair is so moisturized.
Washing more often has def been a time saver for me. I love volume so I don't put a bunch of products in small sections for my wash & go's and I rarely use styling tools to detangle 🥰
Yes!!!!!
All ready for this topic.
I don’t have TikTok so this will do.
YAS! I hope you enjoy it! 🙏🏾🥰 if you want to see the other comments, I also posted on my IG and YT community page if you have access! There’s lots of great comments under the posts! ❤️
Love this video, but I’m still struggling with heat! I need a tutorial on safely straightening my hair 😅