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How Keratin Treatments Reconnected Me To My Type 4 Hair
“You’re shaming the ancestors by being ashamed of your hair.”
Intimidating words from a natural hair influencer I scrolled past on Instagram. They’re also a thought process I fully believed well into my late 20s – or so I thought.
My early years at Howard University didn’t agree with my lifestyle. My hair was big, but fine. Long, but not flexible. Workable, yet disobedient. Aside from not having time to bargain with mischievous curls ahead of 8 a.m. classes, the peer pressure was on another level. Howard girls have been known to carry themselves in the best-polished light. We’re changemakers in society, but trendsetters on the regular. It’s a vain, materialistic truth that I’m not ashamed to be proud of. So I questioned, who was I to contradict a century-long stereotype?
Natural hair after keratin treatment Courtesy
For years, I fought against getting a perm. Health concerns aside, it just felt categorically “anti-Black.” On the other hand, I was completely over my 4B hair and the disrespect it came with: constant frizz, never behaving, and never blending with my sew-ins. My frustration became a gateway into damaging habits. For a time, I got sew-ins and resorted to perming my leave out just to avoid the hassle. It was desperate (and embarrassing), but had to be done in order to withhold what an HU woman represented.
Moving to Los Angeles birthed an even more empowered version of myself. If you’ve ever been a Black woman living in LA, you know the standard of beauty is very monolithic. Ironically, the shared resentment we have from being mistreated based on misogyny is also what bonds us. Sometimes, it feels like wearing our type 4 hair loud and proud is a boisterous “F you” to society. Unfortunately, that pride comes with a lot of responsibility.
Keratin treatment
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Black women have an unspoken duty to love themselves no matter what. We side-eye women who wear colored contacts. We categorize women who get BBLs. And people with nose jobs or Botox? Straight to jail. It felt impossible to find a safe place to be vulnerable about any of my physical insecurities. Let’s be real. How can you picture something nicknamed “creamy crack” being socially acceptable? Many will say, “it’s just hair.”
But the conversation is bigger than that. Admitting I didn’t like one of the most obvious things that connected me to my culture was a painful reality to accept. I wasn’t allowed to feel or complain about it. I definitely wasn’t allowed to change it because I’d be “giving into the patriarchy’s standard of beauty,” meaning I didn’t love myself. So I forced myself to suffer through self-consciousness, afraid of displeasing MY people. That was until I heard about keratin treatments.
Applying keratin treatment
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Keratin treatments hit the scene in a very dramatic way. Primarily by people warning consumers about the risks that come with it. Many people don’t acknowledge that keratin is a protein that the body produces naturally. The treatment uses a keratin-based product that produces straighter and/or smoother hair (results vary depending on thickness and length). The formula typically has little to no smell, and rather than getting washed out, like the perming process, it’s sealed in with heat using a blowdryer, followed by several passes with a flat iron.
Call it fate (or TikTok’s algorithm), but the hysteria around it was too intriguing to ignore. A treatment that reduces frizz, adds shine, and can loosen curls with reduced breakage as the cherry on top? It sounded like the hair gods were finally listening. I had to get one.
Monica Jones of Beauty by Monica took me into her chair and under her wing. Though she educated me on the misconceptions behind keratin treatments and brought awareness to formaldehyde chemicals, my only thoughts were, is this actually going to work for me? Is this cheating? Can I still call myself a natural hair girly? Then it hit me. Does any of that really matter?
Hair washed after applying keratin treatment
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My hair is mine to do whatever I choose to do with it. Every crown is unique; no one’s is one size fits all. After the first keratin treatment, my confidence blossomed. Yes, partly because my curls were visibly a level looser and allowed more versatile styles. But also because I evolved as a woman. Every relationship changes as we grow, whether for better or worse. I choose to take control of my relationships including the one with my hair. We got to re-introduce ourselves to each other, allowing a clean slate with more patience and compromise.
I threw away the outside noise that made me question my blackness. Embracing my natural hair was considered “living in my truth,” but ironically, that wasn’t the case for me. I was lying to myself and did more harm mentally with the pressures I adopted. We already face challenges day-to-day that are out of our control. We need to be open-minded to people with basically no "c" hair getting braids because “Black people can’t own a hairstyle.” We have to support non-Black women getting surgery to create the physical attributes Black women naturally have and were once called “ugly” for. We’re to be understanding of people getting spray tans cosplaying as mixed race to be racially ambiguous.
Post Keratin treatment
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Meanwhile, dark-skinned women are still getting blocked from certain nightclubs. For some reason, it’s socially acceptable for other ethnicities to not “live in their truth,” but not Black people. The short end of the stick is constantly handed to us by others with the expectation of just being grateful for an opportunity, acknowledgment, etc. If no one’s going to give us grace, we must grant it to ourselves.
There’s nothing shameful about wanting to change something about ourselves, whether it’s internal or external. Black women are the strongest people on this Earth. And while strength is found in acceptance, it also lives in vulnerability and our unapologetic pursuit of pleasing ourselves before anyone else.
Post Keratin treatment
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
In the vibrant world of travel influencers, Black women are making waves and offering fresh perspectives on globetrotting adventures. And when we say, “Book that trip,” we can’t help but recognize the women who fill our feeds with the inspiration to do so.
These trailblazing travel influencers capture breathtaking destinations and weave powerful narratives of enjoyment, leisure, and joy. From serene beaches to bustling cityscapes, these creators provide a unique lens through which we can experience the beauty and complexity of the world. It’s not just the photos that entice us. It’s the glimpses into local cultures, hidden gems, and the personal growth that comes from the second-hand exploration of new destinations.
Whether you're seeking travel inspiration, practical tips, or a vibrant community to connect with, following these Black women travel influencers will enrich your Instagram feed and ignite your wanderlust.
Jordan Aminah (@thebeautifuljordan)
Jordan is a dynamic travel influencer who stopped our scroll with her solo travel adventures to Juneau, Alaska — ever tried a reindeer hot dog? We love to see Black women try new things and explore the world through a fresh and lively perspective.
@thebeautifuljordan Welcome to Juneau, Capital of Alaska!🇦🇽❄️🦀🏔️ I picked this trip up to try something new and it turned out to be one of my favorite trips ive done so far! Alaska is beyond underrated! A while ago I heard about Tracys King Crab Shack and her world famous deadliest catch crabs. So when I found out we had super long layovers there I decided, imma get some 🦀! I also went whale watching🐳🐋Juneau is one of the best places to whale watch and I had the experience of a lifetime. I will detail this whole layover in another video. Please visit Alaska and add this to your list! #juneaualaska #juneau #tracyskingcrabshack #alaska #flightattendant #layoverdiaries #blacktravel #blacktraveler
Destiny Owusu (@ohwawa_)
Known as “Miss Enjoyment,” Destiny has been gracing our feed with a creative approach to travel and storytelling from London, Mexico, back to NYC.
Gezelle Renee (@gezellerenee)
With an eye for detail and a heart for adventure, Gezelle Renee captivates her followers with stunning photography and insightful travel tips. Her Instagram feed is a vibrant tapestry of global experiences, from Turkey to Thailand, with plenty of moments to add to your Pinterest board.
Skylar Marshai (@skylarmarshai)
If you follow Skylar Marshai, you know that her travel journey and storytelling are nothing short of mesmerizing. From her style to her creative documentation of her adventures, we love to see a Black woman expressing her passion for travel from coast to coast, land to sea, and beyond.
Oyin Edogi (@sweetlikeoyin)
Oyin not only catches flights, but she also puts on the best fits and the flyest makeup routines. Her content is filled with colorful destinations that will inspire you to pack your best looks and see that world.
Chelsea Davis (@chelseadoestravel)
Creator Chelsea Davis has traveled to over 100 countries by the age of 30 and did so through solo travel and making travel a priority. If you need the inspiration to stamp up your passport, she’s your girl.
Dr. N’Dea Bmekween (@bmekween)
TikTok creator Dr. N'Dea Bmekween is a dynamic content creator celebrated for her engaging and relatable videos. Her content captures the wonder of travel while providing helpful tips for aspiring travel influencers and content creators to make a living out of their passion.
@bmekween It’s totally possible to travel for free, you just have to plan and capitalize on these opportunities. If you want to learn my strategy for applying and winning travel scholarships, I teach you the details in my ebook “how to get paid to travel” #freetravel #travelrewards #travelcreditcards #biltrewards #hiltonhonors #scholarships #travelscholarship #paidtravel
Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara)
Ciara quit her job “to travel the world solo,” and now she’s sharing her worldwide exploration through inspiring content for aspiring nomads.
Asiyami Gold (@asiyami_gold)
Asiyami’s seamless blend of travel, fashion, and lifestyle creates a sophisticated and inspiring feed. Add her to your summer travel mood board.
Lee Litumbe (@spiritedpursuit)
Lee Litumbe, the face behind Spirited Pursuit, is dedicated to exploring travel, adventure, and cultural experiences. A must-follow for a digital travel guide!
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