Kari’s Natural Hair Journey: Talking Hair-itage

Compensation was provided by Target via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, Kari Herrera, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

I’m very excited to announce our partnership with Target Style. Over the next few months, I will be sharing my beauty stories and incorporating products from Target into my routine. This month we begin with hair!

This is the fourth article of the series Kari’s Natural Hair Story. For other articles in this series, click here.

“Looking back, I have no idea why, for years, I spent thousands of dollars chemically processing my hair. All the vacations I could’ve taken. All the shoes I could’ve purchased. All the money I could’ve saved.” – Kari’s Natural Hair Journey

I began this series with the intention of sharing weekly, or at least monthly, updates on what’s going on with my natural hair journey. Three years later, and only four article in, I realize it’s obviously more practical to update you only when I actually have something useful to say – specifically, local natural hair salons to recommend (Betty at Panache in Oak Park cuts my hair, by the way) or haircare regimens that are truly working for me. Today, we’re discussing the latter.

When it comes to growth, my hair moves slower than the Eisenhower at 5 p.m. I’ve adjusted to this by sacrificing the length of my dreams for thick, healthy hair instead. Keeping my hair cut short helps my ends stay hydrated and encourages my kinky strands to grow thick and strong.

But short hair can get boring.

For that reason, I love experimenting with weaves, full-units, extensions, you name it I’ll try it. I’ve got a hair closet that could rival Beyoncé’s (not really). Still, for me, straight hair is for fun. Kinky hair is for life.

My Natural Hair-itage

After I went natural for the fiftieth time three years ago, my mom sent me a text: “I saw your hair on Instagram. You need to straighten it. Just my opinion. Love you.”

¯_(ツ)_/¯ O…kay.

Natural hair isn’t something my family does. I get that. They may smile at a girl on the street whose ‘fro reaches for the heavens, but only with the thought that the “style” is cute – for her. I know some of your moms share this same sentiment. Perhaps, they see straight hair as neat and professional. While it certainly can be worn in a way that is refined (I’m a huge fan of a chic top knot, for example) kinky hair, for most of us isn’t a style. It’s actually the way our hair grows out of our head and no one should feel as if they were born looking unrefined and unkempt.

By the way, my mom’s natural now and she looks amazing. Welcome to 2015, mommy!

My Current Hair Care Routine

With the temperature in Chicago steadily dropping, it’s time I start mapping out a strategy for keeping my ends moisturized from now through winter. Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) is a buzzword naturals have been throwing around since it was found to correct the thinning edges of a few famous vloggers. Now, you can find it in SheaMoisture’s new line of haircare products, designed with kinky haired beauties in mind. Target invited me to try the line for myself. This is what I found.

SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Hair Care Collection is a cream heavy line that is working well to lock in the moisture of my course, fine strands. The products are on the heavy side; a little goes a long way here. I’m currently using the styling lotion and leave-in conditioner. I co-wash my hair about every three days. The styling lotion keeps my hair from drying out in between washes. Both creams have the same warm, earthy smell I associate with SheaMoisture’s recipes. I’m a bit of a product junkie, but I can see sticking with this collection through the season.

I’ll keep you posted more frequently on my progress via Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

In the meantime, I’d like to hear about your hair-itage. How do you feel your hair reflects who you are and where you’re from? Hit up Chicagoings on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and in the comments section below with your hair story.

Find your style @TargetStyle!