When we think of natural hairstyles, the afro, corn rows, and Bantu knots always come to mind. Looking back to any era that defined black hair, it was often a symbol of identity and power. Yet to date, many still have not realised the beauty of their coils, the spoils resulting from their haircare habits and the diversity of styles that are propelling natural hair to becoming detangled from society’s beauty standards.

For Oprah Williams, owner of ProperlyGuided Natural Hair Care and Beauty Salon, a natural hair grooming haven in the Kingston Corporate Area, “a person’s hair is a gift, a blessing, and to many persons of African descent, it is their crown”. “A lot of black persons have just relearnt about or started accepting their natural selves, and this includes their hair and the hair of others, and so we see more persons seeking more ways to style and take care of their hair,” Williams told Living.

First, it is important to know your texture and curl pattern. There are three main natural textures: wavy, curly, and tightly coiled hair ranging from Type 2 to Type 4. Additionally, there are subtypes – A through to C – that determine the difference between a loose or tight-curl pattern.

Williams handles all and shares her tried-and-true grooming secrets below.

SMALL, TIGHT CURLS

Gabriel Williams’ hair ranges from 4A to 4B, which has small, tight coils, and unlike some curl patterns that start mid-length, the coiled texture begins at the scalp and continues through the end. Finger-coil styles are effective for people with hair ranging from 4A to 4B and small, tight coils. After Gabriel Williams’ hair was cleansed and conditioned with a detangler, a curl jelly and mousse were used to carry out a finger coil style. What is used to define the curls all depends on what enhances them better. Williams does not use a blow-dryer on her hair to highlight her natural curl pattern. A diffuser was used to dry the hair to allow it more flexibility instead of stiff curls.

TIGHTLY PACKED AND DENSE COILS

One known fact about tightly packed and dense is that it is vulnerable to damage from heat tools such as flat irons, blow-dryers, and curling irons. The natural oils in the hair don’t always make it into the body of the hair and can make the hair look and feel drier and even cause shrinkage. Don’t pile on the products to keep it moisturised and neatly in place as it may produce unwanted results. Simple twist-outs don’t…