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

Stand on a corner in Hyde Park, Wicker Park, or the Loop for more than two hours and you’ll start to notice something about the area’s black women. It’s their hair. It’s unrestrained, it’s dreaded, it’s braided, it’s twisted, and it’s unapologetically kinky. Natural hair is well represented in Chicago.

January of last year, I shared with you the story of my transition from relaxed to natural hair. For the uninitiated, by “natural” I’m referring to black hair whose texture has not been altered chemically. The idea of wearing your hair in its natural state, while the only option most people even consider, can be a cause for great anxiety in others. I always considered myself much more progressive than the latter. I was wrong.

A few months after that article was written, I reverted back to twisted extensions, then weaves, then more weaves, then twists again. Was I ashamed to wear my natural texture? No. I was unhappy with the lopsided formation my coiffure adopted as it grew out post big chop. So again I buried my mop under convenient hair extensions.

After damaging my hair (for the millionth time) by wearing for too long hairstyles that are meant to protect the hair if worn in moderation, I came to an alarming conclusion about myself. I am addicted to “protective” styling, specifically braids and weaves.

For some, hair extensions are a great way to give their own hair a break from manipulation for weeks or months at a time. For me and my ultrafine hair, protective styles are a recipe for matted disaster if worn for periods of longer than three weeks. Considering that a hair braiding session can take up to 8 hours, it barely seems worth it for me. Therefore, I’m saying ixnay to the protective yle-stay.

I’ve chopped my hair once again (I know, I know …) and will be logging my routine and progress here on Chicagoings.com monthly.

Wait. This blog is about Chicago, right?

In an effort to stay on theme, I’ll be including hair products manufactured locally into my hair routine. I’ll also continue to post hair inspiration from around the city on my Pinterest board Miracurls.

My September Hair Routine

Products I’m Using

The kind folks over at Crème of Nature hand delivered their new Argan Oil for Curls line of hair products to my front door. Along with an umbrella, t-shirt, and plastic tumbler with straw, the package included four items from their new hair care line.

Pudding Perfection: A curl enhancing cream with a firm hold. Meant for damp hair.

Twirling Custard: A curl defining jelly meant for wet hair. Perfect for wash-n-gos.

Moisturizing Milk Masque: A deep conditioning treatment meant to prevent damage and restore moisture to distressed hair.

Butter-Licious Curls: A lightweight blend of Argan, Shea, and Cocoa butters. Meant for daily rehydration.

Aside from my shampoo and edge gel, I’ll be strictly sticking to the use of these products during the month of September.

My Routine

Wash hair once a week.

Moisturize hair each day using one of the products mentioned above.

Wet, moisturize, and seal hair every 2-3 days.

I’ll keep a diary of my experience and share the results here next month. Feel free to drop your natural hair care advice in the comments below.