"I’ve had a long, non-linear relationship with my hair since I was a young girl. As someone whose parents never allowed any chemicals to touch my head, whether it be a perm or hair dye, I found myself intertwined with the Natural Hair community, whether I desired it or not… and most of the time, I did not. I’m not sure if it was because of the bullying I endured in elementary school or the three-hour wash days on Sundays that made me want to hide under my bed, but my relationship with my hair has always been interesting.
There was no time when my feelings about my hair were stronger than in the summertime. On a pool day, while all of my naturally straight-haired friends could jump right in and emerge with their hair perfectly intact, mine was usually tucked away in a cap or plastered all over my face. I used to perceive my hair as ugly, unruly, and unmanageable. But somewhere between high school and attending an HBCU, I learned to embrace the curls I was blessed with. Yet, summertime remained an opportunity for me to opt for protective styles, keep my hair in a ponytail for 90 days straight (which I don’t recommend), or simply avoid the pool and beach altogether.
However, when I became a mom, I realized that I wanted my daughters to love their natural hair and to understand that it is their crown because they are queens. But I couldn’t instill that in them without first ingraining it within myself. So, after multiple summers of sporting buns and ponytails, this summer, I am determined to love my natural hair for all its glory and potential.
This year, I’m unlocking my “Hot Curl Summer.” Here’s how I’m embracing my natural hair and tried-and-true tips to approach natural hair care for summer.
1. Investing in hair products designed to keep my hair healthy
Maintaining my naturally curly hair isn’t just about investing time; it’s also a considerable financial commitment. Between purchasing products, scheduling trims, and acquiring the necessary tools, I estimate I can easily spend anywhere from $2000 to $3000 annually on my hair alone. This investment is largely driven by the need to experiment with various products to find what works best for my hair, considering factors like porosity, moisture levels, and curl pattern. I’ve explored everything from budget-friendly drugstore haircare items to high-end celebrity-endorsed lines, and the results have varied widely.
After years of trial and error, I’ve finally honed in on a regimen that suits my hair. However, this season, I’m shifting my focus to natural hair care for summer. That means evolving from mere survival to ensuring my hair thrives, especially under the scorching 100-degree Texas sun.
After hours of research and taking inventory of my already-owned haircare products and tools, here are some of my favorite products that will keep my hair healthy and thriving throughout the summer months.
With the summer heat sometimes leaving my hair feeling sweaty and heavy, a good cleansing wash helps my hair and scalp feel fresh and ready for any hairstyle and new products. This clarifying shampoo not only makes your hair feel squeaky clean, but it also smells like a spa.
My hair can get very dry, especially in the summer, so having a styling cream that locks in moisture while also helping me keep my hair in place is a necessity. This Whipped Butter Gel not only makes styling my hair easier but also keeps my curls hydrated and defined.
One of my favorite summer hairstyles is a Wash & Go. It’s a hop-in-the-shower, comb-out-your-hair, and add-some-conditioner type of style that can take some mastery. However, it’s perfect for maintaining natural hair care for summer. This conditioner is the perfect summer staple when you want to wash your hair and have your curls defined and moisturized without having to add any extra product.
I’ve tried all different types of edge control to slick down my hair. Either it’s too shiny, makes my hair crisp up and flake, or doesn’t hold when the sun’s heat gets to it. This edge control is truly designed to keep my hair slick without making my curls crunchy. This is the perfect product if you want a slicked-back ponytail or to lay down your baby hairs.
I think the summer is the perfect time to take great care of your hair. I don’t know what it is about the summer, but I feel like my hair grows five times faster when I’m relaxed, sitting by a pool with a margarita in my hand. I use this Rosemary Mint Oil after a hair wash when I want to add some extra shine or just to add some sealing moisture. It worked wonders when I had some postpartum hair loss, and I still use it to this day!
Sometimes, I don’t have time to wash my hair, and a brush and some cream are all I have to rejuvenate my curls. This double butter cream smells amazing and acts as a moisturizer and styler in one. It’s a great product to apply on the go or when you’re transitioning from a playdate to a night out with your mom friends.
The last thing you want your hair to feel like in the summertime is heavy. This cream adds the volume, moisture, and definition you want for your curls while keeping them bouncy and lightweight. This is one of the few celebrity lines I can say is absolutely not overhyped or overpriced!
2. Exploring different ways to style my hair
In the summertime, I’m usually a ponytail-and-go kind of girl. But this summer, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone of on-the-go hairstyles. I’m experimenting with different styles that not only make me feel beautiful but also add a bit of fun to my look. Just because my hair doesn’t fit the typical image of “Summer Hairstyles” found on Pinterest doesn’t mean there aren’t countless creators, videos, and inspiration to explore styling and natural hair care for summer.
From Bantu Knots to Wash & Go’s, the versatility of my natural hair never ceases to amaze me. Though it may have seemed intimidating at first, I’ve found plenty of resources to help me learn hairstyles that not only showcase the beauty of my natural hair but also keep it healthy. As Black women, we’re often told to hide or alter our hair, as if it’s something to be ashamed of. But I’m determined to feel confident and affirmed wearing my hair in any way I choose because there’s beauty in every curl and kink atop my head.
Whether I choose to straighten it one day or have box braids the next, my curls can literally do anything and that doesn’t make me feel like I need to be tamed… it makes me feel like magic.
3. Actually getting in the water… no matter what hairstyle I have
I don’t think I could get through a single Texas summer without finding myself in the water at least five times. Whether it’s attending summer birthday pool parties for my toddler or joining my mom friends in a cabana at a rooftop pool, the water always seems to find me, whether I actively seek it out or not. And truth be told, I actually love swimming and being in the water—especially when I have it all to myself. But there’s something about having my curls plastered across my face and not having my hair cabinet on hand to fix it once it dries that sends waves of anxiety through me.
I’ve come to realize that much of this anxiety stems from my insecurity about not feeling “beautiful” when I emerge from the water. However, after several years of therapy and my deep desire for my daughters to embrace their hair without any insecurities, I’ve made a conscious decision to emerge from the water feeling like The Little Mermaid—even if the end result isn’t as perfectly put together as I’d like.
Final Thoughts on Embracing My Natural Hair This Summer
My biggest tip for embracing my curls this summer? Just do it. It often feels unfamiliar to look at myself in the mirror after becoming a mom and feel attractive or confident, but I’m learning to embrace every part of myself—the curls, the quirks, and all. After all, it’s this body, these curls, and all these little nuances that brought my kids into the world. And you know what? My curls are one of my husband’s favorite things about me. So, whether they’re up or down, styled or natural, I’m realizing more and more each day that they’re uniquely designed for me, and that’s something truly special. Embracing my curls isn’t just about looking good, it is also about breaking generational curses. It’s reclaiming the fact that my curls are the standard of beauty and so am I.
