AskHeatherG
Natural hair is a big business nowawdays, so it only seems appropriate that I asked an expert how to maintain your tress. I interviewed my long time friend and expert in the business, Ereiol Gamble, on her point of view when it comes to chemical-free locks. Read her interview and get expert tips and tricks on any and everything "Natural Hair!"
AHG: Tell me a little bit about Ereiol.
Ereiol: Well, I got my start in the hair care industry at the tender age of 11! It’s true! I had one too many bad experiences that left me embarrassed and teased. From the Jherri curl at age 5 to the S-curl at age 10, I had had enough, LOL. I had lots of practice before I became professionally trained and licensed in Atlanta. The first salon I worked for only did natural hair. To my surprise, I had no idea that natural hair could look so beautiful! It was like magic to me. The things that could be done without chemicals prompted me to explore that area of expertise and that is where I honed my skills as a natural hair stylist.
AHG: Tell me a little bit about Ereiol.
Ereiol: Well, I got my start in the hair care industry at the tender age of 11! It’s true! I had one too many bad experiences that left me embarrassed and teased. From the Jherri curl at age 5 to the S-curl at age 10, I had had enough, LOL. I had lots of practice before I became professionally trained and licensed in Atlanta. The first salon I worked for only did natural hair. To my surprise, I had no idea that natural hair could look so beautiful! It was like magic to me. The things that could be done without chemicals prompted me to explore that area of expertise and that is where I honed my skills as a natural hair stylist.
AHG: As a natural hair stylist, why do you think so many women are going natural nowadays?
Ereiol: There are so many reason women go natural now. Some like the fashion trend it poses, some want the versatility and most, in my experience just want chemical free hair alternatives. I love the fact that now seeing a woman with natural hair is no longer a surprise. It’s becoming the norm, and I like to see that versatility.
AHG: What is the best advice you can give a woman who is indecisive on whether she wants to take that plunge into the natural hair movement?
Ereiol: The best thing I advised my clients to think about is what your overall hair care goal is. Whether it’s to be chemical free, to have versatility, or to just adopt better hair care practices, you have to know that it is a challenge. Transitioning to natural is a challenge because it’s something new you have to learn. But as long as you are patient with yourself and the process, get good education and practice with your texture you can become just as skilled in handling your natural hair as you are with your relaxed hair. It takes time, but it's time well spent if you ask me.
AHG: Would you recommend that women do the “Big Chop?”
Ereiol: It really depends on what you want and how you feel. I personally didn’t want to “Big Chop” because I felt it limited my styling options and I didn’t want to wait for the growth. There are both pros and cons to big chopping. The con is that you really only have one style you can wear until you get more length, but the pro is that you get to experience your natural texture from the very beginning so it becomes easier when you actually do have length.
AHG: Tell us about transitioning.
Ereiol: Transitioning also has pros and cons. While you have to deal with possible breakage and managing two textures, you get more styling options to help you throughout the process. At any time during the transition you can always “Big Chop” from that point. Many of my clients choose to transition to a certain point and then cut the rest off. That is usually at the 6-8 month mark.
AHG: While there is a stigma that “good hair” is fine, silky textured hair; what would you say the true definition of “good hair” is?
Ereiol: You’ve probably heard this before, but good hair is healthy hair. Hair that is moisturized properly, free of split ends and breakage, able to hold curls and the ability to achieve the style you desire. I’ve seen women with very coarse (meaning thick not how it feels) and kinky hair (think Oprah) look bouncy, silky, full and luxurious when cared for properly! On the opposite side, I’ve seen women with very bouncy silky curls that are beautiful too! I guess my option is biased because of my experience! But basically good hair is when you feel GOOD about YOUR hair!
AHG: What is the single most important tip for all natural girls to keep in mind while managing their tress?
Ereiol: Well I have to go with 2!
1.Get to know your hair! No two heads of hair are alike, and while watching the plethora of YouTube “how to’s”, don’t get caught up in what someone else’s hair looks like. It took me a while, even as a stylist, to accept the hair I have. I was so frustrated with my inability to do wash and go’s and twist outs because of the many different curl patterns in my hair and the rate at which my hair grows in certain areas. I found a way to achieve the same type of style through a different method that works for me. For that reason, I don’t participate in the hair typing rules and methods. You have to get to know your hair.
2. Another thing is just plain ole common sense. With so many adaptations of natural hair routines and do’s and don’ts, many natural hair enthusiasts will have you believe you have to adopt a tedious and time consuming method to detangling, conditioning and moisturizing. It’s really more simplistic than you think. Shampoo and condition on a regular basis (once a week for most), trim your ends when you see or feel they need them, and alternate between styles that require hair to be loose or protected. Use whatever products that fit you and your budget. There are so many products that it’s impossible to say “use this, not that!” Trial and error will be your best friend!
AHG: You yourself, are a part of the natural hair movement, what is the best part about being natural?
Ereiol: The best part about being natural to me is simply the versatility! Whether it’s the gym or a wedding, I have a hairstyle that works for my lifestyle!
I'd like to thank Ereiol for taking the time to interview. You've heard it from an expert, learn your hair and play around with options.
Happy Styling!
Ereiol: There are so many reason women go natural now. Some like the fashion trend it poses, some want the versatility and most, in my experience just want chemical free hair alternatives. I love the fact that now seeing a woman with natural hair is no longer a surprise. It’s becoming the norm, and I like to see that versatility.
AHG: What is the best advice you can give a woman who is indecisive on whether she wants to take that plunge into the natural hair movement?
Ereiol: The best thing I advised my clients to think about is what your overall hair care goal is. Whether it’s to be chemical free, to have versatility, or to just adopt better hair care practices, you have to know that it is a challenge. Transitioning to natural is a challenge because it’s something new you have to learn. But as long as you are patient with yourself and the process, get good education and practice with your texture you can become just as skilled in handling your natural hair as you are with your relaxed hair. It takes time, but it's time well spent if you ask me.
AHG: Would you recommend that women do the “Big Chop?”
Ereiol: It really depends on what you want and how you feel. I personally didn’t want to “Big Chop” because I felt it limited my styling options and I didn’t want to wait for the growth. There are both pros and cons to big chopping. The con is that you really only have one style you can wear until you get more length, but the pro is that you get to experience your natural texture from the very beginning so it becomes easier when you actually do have length.
AHG: Tell us about transitioning.
Ereiol: Transitioning also has pros and cons. While you have to deal with possible breakage and managing two textures, you get more styling options to help you throughout the process. At any time during the transition you can always “Big Chop” from that point. Many of my clients choose to transition to a certain point and then cut the rest off. That is usually at the 6-8 month mark.
AHG: While there is a stigma that “good hair” is fine, silky textured hair; what would you say the true definition of “good hair” is?
Ereiol: You’ve probably heard this before, but good hair is healthy hair. Hair that is moisturized properly, free of split ends and breakage, able to hold curls and the ability to achieve the style you desire. I’ve seen women with very coarse (meaning thick not how it feels) and kinky hair (think Oprah) look bouncy, silky, full and luxurious when cared for properly! On the opposite side, I’ve seen women with very bouncy silky curls that are beautiful too! I guess my option is biased because of my experience! But basically good hair is when you feel GOOD about YOUR hair!
AHG: What is the single most important tip for all natural girls to keep in mind while managing their tress?
Ereiol: Well I have to go with 2!
1.Get to know your hair! No two heads of hair are alike, and while watching the plethora of YouTube “how to’s”, don’t get caught up in what someone else’s hair looks like. It took me a while, even as a stylist, to accept the hair I have. I was so frustrated with my inability to do wash and go’s and twist outs because of the many different curl patterns in my hair and the rate at which my hair grows in certain areas. I found a way to achieve the same type of style through a different method that works for me. For that reason, I don’t participate in the hair typing rules and methods. You have to get to know your hair.
2. Another thing is just plain ole common sense. With so many adaptations of natural hair routines and do’s and don’ts, many natural hair enthusiasts will have you believe you have to adopt a tedious and time consuming method to detangling, conditioning and moisturizing. It’s really more simplistic than you think. Shampoo and condition on a regular basis (once a week for most), trim your ends when you see or feel they need them, and alternate between styles that require hair to be loose or protected. Use whatever products that fit you and your budget. There are so many products that it’s impossible to say “use this, not that!” Trial and error will be your best friend!
AHG: You yourself, are a part of the natural hair movement, what is the best part about being natural?
Ereiol: The best part about being natural to me is simply the versatility! Whether it’s the gym or a wedding, I have a hairstyle that works for my lifestyle!
I'd like to thank Ereiol for taking the time to interview. You've heard it from an expert, learn your hair and play around with options.
Happy Styling!
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2 reactions:
thanks Boo!!! Anytime im here!!
Good tips!
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