My natural hair journey started during my undergrad at FAMU. At first, I was ashamed that my coils didn’t blend with my extensions throughout college. I opted to wear textured extensions to avoid further heat damage but realized I neglected the hair tucked under my sew-in.
Though my relationship with my hair was toxic, it blossomed into an everlasting relationship throughout my adulthood. Now, I experiment with my coils by ensuring they’re nourished and healthy but not limiting my creativity with my hair. From flat-twists to bone-straight bobs, my hair has been through the ringer but my dedication to protecting my crown outweighs any styling extremities.
My Inspo Before The Styling Process
My stylist, Laura Bedenfield, clips my ends every three months. However, I’m almost to the five-month mark since my last visit. Even though my ends might deserve some “dusting,” I preserve my strands with high-quality products. I was determined to make my hair look like my weekend, so I decided to revitalize my dry, curled silk press with a pressed roller set.
My look is very multidimensional but timeless. I derive inspiration from the mid-to late-1900s to the mid-aughts. Truthfully, my vision for my mane dates back to 70s-inspired hair looks and fantasizing about being a hair model for Kim Kimble. Also, for hairstyles, I cosplay Pam Grier’s Blaxploitation films and relaxer box ads but without the chemicals. I celebrate my hair in all its forms: the good, the bad, and the glory. However, this time, my coils needed some attention and restoration before my next visit.
Wash and Condition Process
I sectioned my hair into three random parts and sprayed it with hot water to activate the Olaplex No.3. I rubbed a quarter-sized amount of the product in my hair and used a wide tooth to distribute the bonding treatment evenly.
I saturated the treatment in my hair for 30 minutes, then hopped in the shower to rinse it off. Before shampooing with the Olaplex No. 4 and Lush’s Fairly Traded Honey cleanser, I combed my hair to avoid tangles. While soaking wet, I split my fro in half and massaged the Olaplex cleanser into my scalp while combing my ends to combat breakage. I rinsed the shampoo out of my head, then lathered another layer of both products for about five minutes.
Afterward, I parted my hair into four even sections and distributed the Olaplex No. 5 conditioner on each part while dousing it with warm water for more slip. I then conditioned my curls for 15 minutes before rinsing out the bonding hydrator.
I submerged the Design Essentials Bamboo & Silk HCO Leave-In Conditioner in my hair to strengthen my strands while soaking wet. Then, I used a microfiber towel to wipe off any access water. Before parting my hair into 16 random twists, I squeezed a quarter-size amount of the Olaplex No. 6 and brushed the leave-in creme on my curls. Lastly, I sprayed the Mizani Thermasmooth Anti-Humidity Spritz to lock in any moisture and protect my hair from further heat damage. I let my hair air dry for two hours. However, I ensured my curls were damp before the blow-drying process.
How I Style My Timeless Rollerset Look
I clipped my hair into one bun, then unraveled and detangled each twist using the Pattern Beauty detangling brush. I set the blow dryer on high heat at low speed for a quicker process while ensuring the heat was evenly distributed. I ran the tool four times throughout each twist until my hair was dry. I opted for a slightly pressed look since I dislike bone-straight tresses. To avoid a reverted fro, I wore my blow out for a day.
Before clipping up my tresses, I preheated the flat iron to 400 degrees (my hair can take heat.) Using a medium-width section, I took a fine tooth comb and followed with the straightener to pass through my strands twice.
Once the flat iron process was done, I used 20 small to large velcro rollers. I randomly took medium-sized sections and rolled my hair clockwise. After rolling my hair, I let it set overnight.
The Take Down
Since my type 4 hair is prone to breakage, I slowly removed the rollers. If one snags, I separate my strands with the tip of my fingers.
After each roller is out, I comb my hair in a “feathered motion” away from my face.
The ability to express creativity while maintaining healthy hair is a liberating part of one’s hair journey. Though I never colored my tresses, I learned a few gems through Verna Meachum’s hair journey.
