Lessons Learned Wearing Summer Locs of Love

Don't Sweat the Summer Hair Stress

By Maniko Barthelemy

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August 20, 2019

 

Decisions! Decisions! Decisions! As much as we love the warmer temperatures, delight in Daylight Saving Time, and smile at the thought of packing away sweaters and boots in exchange for flip flops, maxi dresses, shorts and tank tops, the summer, with all of its benefits, is not all bliss. For many women, the heat and humidity pull them into an unavoidable hair battle.

Whether it's flowing, curly, cut close or reminiscent of Disney's Rapunzel, getting your hair to look and stay summer hot is often a time-consuming and product-demanding reality. What do you when you want to retire hairspray, unplug hair tools, plus keep the lid on chemical straighteners for months?

How do you cut your time in the mirror, care for your hair, keep frizz away, while still being cute and carefree? Ponytails are always a quick remedy! Sure it's a clutch look for a run to the store or perhaps the gym. You could opt for "the big chop," which gives you complete freedom to shake and go.

 

But for me, the perfect solution to the long Louisiana summer and keeping my natural hair healthy was a hairstyle that dates back centuries. Braids are as pragmatic as they are eye-popping and popular. From box braids, traditional cornrows, and lemonade braids, to twists and faux locs, thick, thin or colorful, there's no question, you have options.

Thanks to runways, reality TV and the Internet, there's a virtual plethora of head-turning styles. You can literally find the best look and length for your face and lifestyle.

  Braids blend classic glamour with contemporary charm. 

Once you lock your top looks and find a stylist, remember it is going to take time and your scalp may be tender at least a day or two. The process requires precision, patience, and particular products. On average, you could spend at least 90 minutes sitting in a salon chair. Your stylist meticulously weaves, stretches and connects your natural and synthetic hair, stitch by stitch. Just like weave, it's best to check with your stylist to confirm if you need to buy a specific brand of hair to your appointment.

Gone are the days of braiding hair and burning the ends with a lighter to ensure each braid looks flawless. Most hairstylists use a hot water smoothing technique. The hair is braided nearly to the end and looks frizzy. Section by section, the stylists dips the frizzy tips into extremely hot water. The contact smooths the ends. However, depending on the quality of the synthetic hair's texture, the hair may not do what's expected. To avoid that mistake, always consult your stylist.

Braids, while fascinating, exceptionally flexible and functional, look easy to maintain. Many people mistakenly believe, as I've heard people say, "I'll get braids so I don't have to do anything to my hair." That is a myth. The importance of hair care doesn't disappear. It's low maintenance, not no maintenance.

You have to keep your hair fresh. Washing your braids weekly, moisturizing your hair every two days and wrapping it at night should be part of your regimen. Failing to do so may lead to damage: hair breakage, split ends, dry and brittle hair.

 

The products in the photo below are a few of the brands that work best for my naturally thick texture. When you make your list of products for your regimen, consult again with your hairstylist. Be sure to include a clarifying shampoo, a good detangler and a leave-in conditioner, especially if you're removing your braids on your own.

Expect about an inch of hair growth per month. Consider changing your hairstyle every three to four weeks. It gives your hair a quick breather.

The S-Curl Activator works wonders. I preferred to spray it in my hands and then run my hands through the braids. Expect a light residue on your hands. The Creme of Nature Shine added the sparkle in the sun kiss to my trendy tresses. The Garnier Fructis Style Humidity Control spray minimized fly-away hair. The BB Tropical Roots foam helped separate the ends that sometimes tangled at night, as a result of being wrapped. Anti-itch oil is an item of special note. The first hair oil I used to moisturize my braids horrendously irritated my scalp to the point of me taking allergy medication.

Include a clarifying shampoo on your list, a detangler, and leave-in conditioner.

As much as I loved unplugging the straighteners and putting the chemical perm on pause for weeks, the facts about braids made me fall in love all over again. According to historians, Africans mastered hair-braiding 5,000 years ago. African women, according to experts, often sent secret messages in the strategic patterns of each style. Braids in some tribes signified a person's social and marital status.

What message did your summer look send? How did you enjoy your summer hairstyle?
Feel free to share your tips and a candid photo of your favorite look.