Discovering My Hair Identity
PT. 1 of DISCOVERING MY HAIR IDENTITY SERIES
Understanding the complexity of my natural hair is comparable to being in a deeply committed relationship. You’re constantly trying to understand the needs of your partner while trying to preserve your peace of mind. You may even take a break in the form of a clean cut or an emotionally “protective” hairstyle. In the end though, you always find your way back to each other because you know you’re meant to be together. I’m at a point now where I am intentionally taking the time to reconnect and educate myself about my hair on a deeper level. What makes this journey that I am about to embark upon even more special is that I’ve found a partner to help me discover my hair identity. 4th Ave Market is the largest Black owned online store, in the U.S., for haircare and beauty products for people of color. We’ve teamed up to create this video series titled, “Discovering My Hair Identity,” that will demonstrate the process and structure of learning about my hair type and will ultimately help me find the right products to use. 4th Ave Market will generously offer a wide selection of brands and products that will hopefully bring about the best hair of my life. You can watch the first video of the series below!
4th Ave Market
Let me start by giving you some background behind the inspirational 4th Ave Market. Founded by young entrepreneurs, 4th Ave Market aims to put the needs of the Black community at the forefront. The company’s mission is to connect consumers with manufacturers to significantly increase access to an array of products that serve all types of textured and curly hair. In creating this platform, 4th Ave Market is able to invest in the brands that serve the unmet haircare and beauty needs for this community. The inspiration behind this brand stems from the name itself.
During Jim Crow era, in Birmingham Alabama, the 4th avenue street was known as the “Black Business District.” This was where 60% of Black owned businesses operated. From grocery stores, banks, salons & barbers, restaurants and so on, these businesses were created to serve and provide for the Black community. In turn, all of the commerce that was generated was being invested back into these businesses which continued to build a financially sustainable community. This same concept is now being replicated today, through 4th Ave Market, by intentionally cultivating a space of commerce that connects both the brands and consumers representing people of color.
My Hair Journey Thus Far
In order for me to authentically start this new journey, I needed to reflect on what the relationship with my hair has been. I can tell you the exact moment I discovered the uniqueness of my hair. I was 5 years old and attending, the first of many predominantly white schools in my future, Viewlands Elementary in Seattle, Washington. Our class was playing the hookie pookie game and the moment we were directed to put our heads in and shake it all about, I realized I had no hair to shake. My hair was stuck to my head in the form of clean braided cornrows. I looked around and began to compare my stationary braids to the flawless and silky strands of my fellow female classmates. I felt embarrassed and only wanted to blend in from there on out.
During the first two years of high school, I made sure my hair was always straightened. Wearing my natural hair to school was something I never entertained. Little did I know I was about to have another transformational experience with my natural hair, this time for the better. I was 16 years old and as a spirit day activity, my class had been assigned to dress up from the 1970s. When I thought of whom I could emulate from that era, I immediately pictured Angela Davis. Her hair was a powerful crown that embodied the pride in her natural roots. I believed that I too could craft my hair in the same fashion. Wearing my natural hair for the first time to school was nerve-racking at first but as soon as I walked down the halls I received praise, love, and admiration. From that day on, I didn’t care to straighten or relax my hair. I began to love its natural volume, curls, and frizz.
Since that monumental day, I’ve continued to rock my natural hair for the last 12 years. And while that’s a long time, I can confidently say I still don’t know everything about my hair. I generally know the types of products that I should be using but there is definitely room for improvement. My current routine is quite minimal. I usually stick with a wash-n-go, braids, or the occasional twist-out. I use the Cantu Argan Oil Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream as my wash-n-go product. It’s quite heavy on my hair and doesn’t seem to support it’s natural bounce. When I choose to do a twist-out or braids, I usually use the Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil w/ Hemp Seed Oil. This product definitely moisturizes my hair but again feels quite heavy.
Series Breakdown
Each video will focus on the steps that will build towards the knowledge and understanding of one’s hair type, maintenance routine, the right hairstyles and the right products to use. While the focus of this journey will be on my hair, my objective is to have you, the viewer, follow the same path and formula in order to apply my insights to your own hair journey. With the help of 4th Ave Market, you’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of brands and products that are right for you. In this series I’ll cover the topics listed below that will take everything back to the basics:
· What’s My Hair Type?
· What Ingredients Go with My Hair Type?
· What’s My Haircare Routine?
· What Hairstyles Are Right for My Hair Type?
· Hair Quiz/How Can I Find the Right Products on 4th Ave Market?
I’m excited to begin this journey with you all so be sure to follow along and visit 4thAveMarket.com to find all the beauty and haircare products you need!
And as a bonus, you can use my code: Aida15%off to receive a 15% discount on your purchase!
Ciao!
