Entries by Erika Wade

What Does Natural Hair Mean to Me?

Love the Curls You’re With: My Natural Hair Story Have you ever heard the phrase natural hair ain’t for everybody? Well, if you’re like me, that might’ve made you feel some type of way. The same way you might feel if you get a little disappointed when you’re scrolling through Pinterest and all of the […]

What is the Greenhouse Effect

Achieving one of the newest growth trends in the black hair community might be simpler than you’d imagine. The Greenhouse Effect, named after the popular hydration environments for tropical plants, promises hair growth without the addition of any chemicals, products, or expensive treatments. All you need is a thermal cap, some patience, and a little […]

What is The Big Chop

Truth is, long hair don’t care, but short haired naturals matter too! Recently, with everyone from celebrities to best friends opting to chop relaxed or natural hair off to start a new regimen, there are a lot of common misconceptions about the big chop. We’ve heard everything from warnings of “head shapes” to beliefs that […]

What is the Baggy Method

Moisture might just be a natural girl’s favorite word. Everywhere you look, new techniques and methods pop up to teach us how to get our curls popping and more importantly, to promote healthy hair. But if you’re like most, you’ve tried all the products and methods there are for maintaining luscious and hydrated curls. Or […]

The Politics of Black Hair (An African American Opinion)

Black folks have been under an intense magnifying glass for as long as there has been an American culture. The way we move around the world is constantly judged and criticized, and now, the debate as to whether our lives “matter” has only brought more attention to that judgment. With so much scrutiny, how are […]

What are Corn Rows?

Corn rows, Boxer Braids, or KKW Braids? Technically, all three are the same thing. However, when it comes to black hair, there is a tendency to rename styles that have not only been around for centuries, but styles like corn rows have cultural significance attached to them. Fashion heavy hitters like Alexander McQueen and the […]

What is Natural Hair?

Everyone you ask will have a different answer to “what is natural hair?” To some, being natural just means wearing your natural curly hair. To others, it is an elite community and a complete lifestyle change. No matter how you define it, it is undeniable how much love the natural hair movement has been getting […]