World Afro Day is this Friday, September 15th, and I couldn’t have been more excited when I found out that there was actually a day set aside to specifically celebrate what is quite possibly my favorite hairstyle to rock of all time:
The Afro.
So to let my coif bask in the minty, buttery goodness of all of my soothing, creamy, voluminous yet calm, awe-inspiring and thought-provoking glow of everything and every one it tells the tale of, I had to share with you the top inspiration for why I rock an afro — pretty much every day. Bonus: at the bottom of this article you will see that I also decided to share with you some of my all-time favorite goodies, made especially for maintaining and replenishing the all-natural beauty and totally undefined intricacy that is the afro.
My afro tells me that I survived.
I was diagnosed with a rare chronic disease in 2011, the same time I stopped using relaxers and started transitioning with wigs and weaves while starting a slew of terrifying medications and underdoing experimental treatments to keep me alive. When I finally took my weave out and revealed natural curls underneath as my new-growth, I was too overjoyed to start a new journey with my hair. I gave myself a big chop at home, then went to the salon for more of an even shape, and never turned around since. Can you believe I also haven’t straightened with heat in all these years? It’s true. Seeing my undefined, naturally dry and frizzy, multi-textured afro reminds me everyday of the many survival stories I have to tell. They certainly do not end with my hair, but anyone witnessing how proud I am of the crown on my head knows there must be a meaner deeper than just superficial beauty being concerned. Despite all of the areas of work that need to be touched on in mainstream culture, I am beyond happy to see another woman, man, or child embrace what is theirs, naturally.
How to keep your afro soft, defined, and full of volume
To be honest, I usually only style my hair every 4 days since I live for my curly afro’s volume. I try to let it do its own thing throughout the week. If a fluffy ‘fro is what I’m going for, I also don’t like to be too harsh on myself by avoiding touching my hair (the natural oils from my fingers actually helps create more natural frizz”>. And even though water or a little finger fluff does the trick on most days, some of these afro-loving products have been my holy grails for 6 years and counting.
- Oyin Handmade Hair Dew is really one of the best multipurpose hair products I’ve ever tried.
- Innersense Organic Beauty Quiet Calm Curl Control lets me tame some frizz without making me give up the volume.
- DevaCurl One Condition Decadence Ultra Moisturizing Milk Conditioner Cleanser lives up to its name; my curls thanks this one time and time again.
- Ouidad Superfruit Renewal Clarifying Cream Shampoo lets my ‘fro remain shiny and great after gently removing dirt and build-up.
- Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner is safe and light enough for those who prefer to co-wash a few times a week instead of shampooing.
- Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Intense Moisture Bamboo and Coconut Milk Strengthening Leave-in Conditioner is a new favorite — it has gotten me through two back-to-back braided protective style installations.
- SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque gives my afro such luscious softness for an entire week through.
- Camille Rose Naturals Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard will preserve my curl definition while still encouraging natural volume to occur throughout the day.
- OBIA Naturals Twist Whip Butter contains rich butters like shea, tucuma, and mango to keep my ‘fro feeling soft to the touch and full of volume.
- Aquis Diva Darling Purple Microfiber Hair Turban doesn’t zap moisture so that my hair has something to work with on days I’m going for a super undefined, natural look.
What does your afro mean to you?
Let us know in the comment section on Facebook.
And follow me on social media @devrivelazquez / photos of yours truly by @thebenchmarc
