The Truth About My Natural Hair & The Thousands I Spent On Products
- Posted on 21 April, 2020
- Hair Care
- By Anonymous
Sup everyone so what's up kings and queens kings and queens okay, this is my natural hair care product shelf. So just in case, you guys think that there's something I have not given a shot, if it's not in here, they haven't made it yet. I can guarantee you that shame, oyster mix, chicks, taliah, waajid, design, essentials um. Let'S see we got some Miss Jessie's. We got a fuzzy, kinky curly eco style, Shea Moisture and it goes all the way to the back olive oil, Carol's Daughter, a shame. So, what's up so my beautiful Queens divas of a more mature age, I am the Eva Monroe, raw and uncut. I come to you today, in my truest form of being a naturally stuff. So today I'm going to talk about something that is really been bugging me, and it is my natural hair and natural hair products and the lies that they tell you about caring for your natural Hager and the millions of dollars worth of products that they try to Sell you to take care of your natural hair and doesn't really take all of that. So I have so much to get off my chest today. So we're gon na talk. If you watch the little piece of the video just in the beginning of this, you saw that I have been through some stages: honey from platinum, blonde to bold, face and Mohawk to taper tw8 praise wigs the whole nine yards, and I have now been natural for Three years I want to say, and it has been a journey and it has been a struggle, and so, if there's anyone who is new to their natural hair journey, I want to help you today. I want to help you skip some steps that I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to skip so talk about how and why I went natural, so this is literally what happened to me um previously. I have many friends and family members who were natural like let's go, I want to say, let's go back to like hmm ten, maybe like two thousand nine ten around in there when a lot of people that I knew really started to go natural and it's a Be keep it real. I was really kind of judgmental like whenever I would see women with their froze. I'D do like girls, you know especially women, that I worked with. You know like. Oh, no, I don't know how I feel about that and it was petty and it was immature. I'M just gon na be perfectly honest with you, but in 2017 I shaved off all of my hair. I had relaxed and dyed hair and it was about shoulder length and one day I just said you know what my hair is very unhealthy is week is scraggly and I need to do something I need to start over. So I never really intended to stay natural for ever, but I wanted to just start over. I went into big chop start over grow. My hair out see what it would do with no chemicals in it, but I was very ill informed and that is the reason why I come to you today. So I got off work on a Friday night I went to Sally's. I got a set of clippers. I went to the liquor store and I got a big tall bottle of wine. I went home, I drank the wine and then I plugged up the Clippers and just went peeled, my hair off. So on Saturday I thought I was cute. I did I put on some big hoop. Earrings beat my face. I went out that night people were like, oh my god, you look so beautiful. It looks so beautiful, so it was all fun and games until Sunday, like Sunday, ish Gabrielle send me because, unfortunately I started thinking about. Oh, my god, I got ta go to corporate America like this tomorrow, like what are they gon na say like what? Oh, my god, they don't think I'm sick. I don't think I'm crazy, they're gon na be I'm gon na be finding these meetings with all these people. They'Re gon na be eyeballing me yo. I put a wig on and that way and I'm going I'm a touch on that again in a minute, but I put a wig on and went to work, and I can't even tell you how many days I did this like. I will rock my natural hair on the weekends, but when it was time for me to go to work, I'm going on so I started bleaching my hair now because I was like shoot, um got fresh new hair. You know I can be a platinum blonde, like I always wanted to be again. I was ill-informed because I didn't. I know that, even though you shave off your hair, the relaxer still has to grow out from whatever is left in your scalp. There'S a there's a name for it, I'm not all up on my natural hair lingo, but you know your hair has to grow out. So I bleached my hair every time I got a little piece of a black root. I bleached my hair again bleach my hair bleached, my hair. My hair was so unhealthy. It was so brutal with so weak, but it was what I thought was natural and no it wasn't so then I started diving off into natural hair products. I was like okay. I got ta get some stuff, frizz hair. You know it's growing out it's dry as brittle. I need some stuff, so I started asking people and I started doing something that most of us do something that many of you guys are doing right now watching YouTube videos. Okay, so I was out west videos for hours and hours and I would see women sitting there using like miss jessie's and finger detangling and finger coiling, and they would look so pretty like their hair. Would look so pretty when it was all done and over with so after I will watch these videos. Of course you got to try it, so I would spend hours and hours and hours trying to make my hair look like their hair looked and it would never come out like that. So then I was like okay. Let me figure out cuz now, I'm hearing stuff, I'm hearing porosity, I'm hearing ABC 4 3 9 and are you a D or you D, 32? But sure here are you kinky coily? Are you crook and I'm like dang okay? So I got ta figure out what my hair type is. So if I figure out what my hair type is, if I'm for a three-speed whatever, then I got ta figure out if my hair is high, porosity or low porosity. Oh, my god, when I figured this stuff out, I got ta figure out what products work on high porosity hair yo. I was so stressed out now. I'M gon na show you guys a picture of my natural hair product cabinet, okay. So real quick! Let me ask this question, because this is something that but bugs the you-know-what out of me. This is something I really want to know, so this is miss Jessie, and these are some products that Karen highly recommend it to me by other, naturally suppose they're like Miss Jessie's, pillow, soft curls and Miss Jessie's, jelly soft curls and get you some coil custard and When you do your two strand twists, if you want your twists to be shiny, you better use Twisted Sister, because then it'll moisturize your hair, but if you just want to do a wash and go put some shade moisture free is free, curly mousse in it, and After you put that in it then put some Teigen um twist then define cream, so that's a twist, don't get frizzy and they can be separated and you can wear them for three days and none of that stuff worked for me and not only did none of It work for me, but it got to be a very expensive obsession to have almost like this one right here, like almost that pricey. So when I really started to think about it, I started trying to figure out I'm like okay, now, if okay where's we're supposed to have natural hair, let's start with that: okay um! There should be no reason in this world why I should have to be ashamed to go to corporate America. On Monday, with my hair in its natural state that I was actually born with that it actually grows out of my scalp in. There should be no reason in this world by myself or any other african-american woman should ever in her life have to be uncomfortable about that. Why is that? Caucasian people don't have to be concerned about what their boss is gon na say about their natural hair. Brazilian people don't have to be concerned about that. Why do I, as an african-american woman, have to be concerned about that? My second thing is that we live in a very trending society right things. Whatever'S on trend is what people are doing, and if people are doing it, businesses will definitely do their best to capitalize off of it right. So natural hair is is still even right. Now it's very trending, so in the midst of it being very trending. Hair companies do their best to capitalize off of this, but here's my thing: miss jessie's is $ 28, a tube okay. So I need some miss jessie's so that I can have healthy, beautiful natural hair. But what about young african-american women who are maybe they're living in poverty? Maybe they're? You know lower middle class, whatever they can't afford to go out and buy a $ 28 haircare product. So they can't have beautiful, healthy natural hair, and what really bugs me is when African Americans do this thing, that other companies do it's like every time a celebrity puts out a natural haircare product line, it's pricy, it's unaffordable. So it's like. Are you marketing this stuff to young black women who really need this, so they say at the end of the day. Let me tell you what I've learned I spent three years trying to figure it out, maybe for trying to figure this thing out February. The 25th of 2020 this year I took the braids out of my hair. You guys remember when I had braids and my hair was. I had a fro, but I had my hair was colored. So, despite the fact that I wore braids for two months and my hair grew probably five inches while I had braids on my hair, my hair was damaged, it was unhealthy and it had to go so. I big chops, my hair, I shaved all of my hair off on February, the 25th of 2020, and this time I said, I'm gon na do this thing different. It hasn't been two months yet, but in nearly two months for the first time in my life, because when I was before I could say my own name, good, my mother and my aunts were relaxing my hair. So, for the first time in my life says I can remember, I actually have nothing in my hair, I've no dye. I have no relaxer, I have no texturizer. I have had no heat. I have had little manipulation as little as possible. I'Ve been doing protective styling. I have not been using any of this none of this type of stuff. None of this I haven't been using any of this. On my hair. I have been using shea butter, I have been using raw coconut oil and I have been using extra virgin olive oil. Those are the only three products that have been going in my hair. I have not blow dry my hair in nearly two months. Nothing, my hair has grown faster in two months. Then it has grown the entire time. I have been on my so-called natural hair journey. My hair is in his healthiest state that it has ever been in in this entire three, nearly four years that I have been on my natural hair journey, so I say all of that to say this you know. Do you need this? I don't. I don't really feel like you need all of this. This is all a marketing tactic. You have to figure out. Let me tell you what works for me: a good diet, drinking lots of water, keeping my hair moisturized and manipulating my hair, as least as possible, as least as possible. I know this sounds girls. This is gon na sound, so girls, so many people and trust me. It was girls to me because I have all my life. I'Ve been a chronic hair, washer like to relax and unwind. I wash my hair, wash your hair once a month every two weeks that you can't take 30 days every two weeks. So, okay. So, ladies, this is the truest state. The truth form that my hair has ever been in in my entire life 43. Well, since you know I can remember because, like I said, my mother and my aunts were relaxing my hair from the time that I was a very little girl. So, from February the 25th, when I shaved all of my hair off and decided to just stop wear wigs until my hair, improved and grew out got healthier. This is the amount of growth that I've had now. I know you probably like ain't no lot of growth, but it is because shrinkage is my issue, so my hair is actually grown quite a bit, but I have I really really struggle with um shrinkage, so I will not be stretching it out. I have not applied heat to it, there's nothing. This is the truest state that my hair has ever been in in my entire life and to be 100 % honest with you, I love it. No expensive products, no, nothing! I need to clean out my cabinet donate. All of that crap I will not be a victim to going broke behind natural haircare products, and I just suggest you guys do the same thing like figure out what works for your hair and what doesn't work for your hair. But I can guarantee you that it's not going to be a thirty dollar product that is going to change the state of your hair. It'S just not so I just wanted to do this video today. It was so important to me because I just feel like we really struggle with this, and sometimes we are made to feel less than because of this and we're made to feel embarrassed about it and we feel, like you know, if we don't have to see or 3C, hair or 3b hair, then you we don't have good hair or we have bad hair and, at the end of the day, your hair is your hair, be proud of your hair, take care of your hair from the inside out and just stop spending so much Money on a bunch of ridiculous products like I did and stop listening to a bunch of people who are actually getting paid to sell you these ridiculous products. So thank you guys so much for listening to me today. Until I see you again be blessed and bye for now,
Comments
Bonita: Shrinkage is a sign of healthy hair...Thank you for the transparency...Most of us has gotten caught up in the natural hair marketing game...
Spice Rack73: Here we go again...another one of your videos that I can't do anything with. But guess what? I'm about to share this video to about 40 ladies I know that are struggling with this SAME issue. These women think I'm either psychic or VERY in tuned with my feminine side...umm, neither. I'm merely a subscriber to an AMAZING channel that has become a conduit to teach my daughters how to be better women...unconditionally. Eva, your videos are a blessing to a lot of fathers out here. We are using them to appear knowledgeable & attentive to not just them, but others as well. Keep the content coming. Father's Day is fast approaching, I just might be in the running for Father of the Year messing with you.
Jane Fleet: Thanks for your honesty. Although I'm caucasian, my issue was color. Last year January 2019 I stopped the dye. No regrets, the freedom is awesome! Stop doing what society expects and do what makes you happy. I love your natural hair. I say, keep it short, wear big hoops and your pretty makeup, your sexy fragrance and go. Seriously you don't know how beautiful you are.
Tamiya: Eva! As a woman of a mature age this video is so on point. I've been natural for about 10 years or so and like you I tried to do all the things with all the products. None of it worked for me either.
TL BRN: I am a reformed product junkie. I spent so much on these products when I went natural and they never worked. I went back to hair grease.
SeasonedDiva #1: This should go viral!!!!! So liberating and thought provoking!!!Every so often someone will be real enough to put out a video that encourages black women, young and old, to calm down and really develop a relationship with their natural hair. Thank you Queen!!
Samantha Barberlette-edwards: Girl...I am so proud of you for speaking your real about the hair care industry. Thank You. We as african American women don't need all that.
Tabitha: You are such a queen!! Something about you is reminiscent of Angel Bassett but of course in your own UNIQUE way. Ugh I just adore you!! Keep it up!
Cherie v: although I'm caucasian and work in what I feel is a rather "conservative" industry sector so I definitely worry about whether a dramatic haircut or change of look would affect how seriously people see me at work and I think twice about whether it would result in me being judged, but agree with everything you say. Noone "needs" this stuff I have a cupboard full of products that promised to make my bleached hair look silky and less frizzy but actually, I just need to stop "highlighting" my hair!!
Carla Sphere: I believe you have just helped some other women love and appreciate themselves by demonstrating the truth of your own beauty. When I started my natural hair journey in 1989 it was a social-cide mission. It’s become much more socially acceptable today, but can still reck an upwardly mobile career if your natural hair is not straight or loosely curly and bouncy. It’s just another thing we sisters have to fight through and if your really “petty” compete over. In the time since I first began wearing my hair naturally I have gone from a TWA, to an Afro, to Locs, to relaxed again and back to naturally me again. If we are honest with ourselves most of us struggle with so many hair care products because what we really want is to transform our hair “textures” into something that is not our natural selves to appear more socially acceptable and ultimately more desirable. This whole “hair” thing is really a part of a much larger battle/problem ♀️
Ms TJE: I've been natural for 10 years. Stopped buying the products last year after finally learning that none of those products stand up to Florida humidity. Now since I've been home this month I've been thinking of growing locs and stopping the gray coverage. Great video as usual. ❤
Ashley Williams: I have like 3 products lol. Never been a product junkie. I find what works and sit my ass down somewhere
Eursla Bryant: Thank You for this vid - you and your hair are absolutely stunning!! Skin flawless! You are right about our hair in corporate America - many of us lament over the potential backlash we may get from just wearing our natural hair esp. when it’s the kinky and not curly. My hair has ALWAYS been the topic of discussion for people period - so annoying how we have to fight even our own to just be who God made us to be. Again thanks for what you’re doing sis!! Be good and God bless!!
roxie p: Eva, thank you so much for doing this video. For years I was buying every product I could get my hands on (all expensive) before I realized I was wasting my money and damaging my hair. Last year I finally figured it out, after spending so much money, now I fully enjoy the freedom of being natural.
Cora la fleur: I've been through this too and what really bothers me about these natural hair companies is how many "different" versions of the same thing that they recycle just to stay relevant. They change the ingredients every other month just to push a "brand new" product in your face but its just shampoo and conditoner with a different smell. One company can have like 6 or 7 lines of the same products. Who wants to spend money on all of that. When I find one thing my hair likes I stick to it. My shampoo and conditoner dont have to match it just needs to work.
Renita S.: Hey Diva of a more mature age checking in...Listen.....don't ever think your videos don't help people. Today you saved me...I went crazy during quarentine and chopped off my shoulder length hair. I have not seen my natural hair since the age of 12..( I'm 40 will be 41 next month #teamgemni).. So now I'm trying to figure it all out and was doing everything you mentioned....but now I think I'll stick to the basics... I got some Shea butter and olive oil.....idk about one month washing... But I'm open .....thank you thank you for making this video.
Jo Mack: Girl!! You said that! These companies make these products for “us” but “us’ can’t afford it! It’s wrong and insulting! Although, I’ve become a victim to the hype and my stash looks JUST like yours... NO MORE! They can keep that ‘ish, I’m back to water & grease and my hair is it’s healthiest and I LOVE IT! Thank you for this video and Your hair is beautiful!
Miss HELEN' CLINTON: Thank you. I haven't relaxed my hair in two years. I use a simple shampoo and conditioner and grease. Yes grease! I do the same regimen my mom did on me when I was a little girl and it's working for me. Grease of choice is blue magic.
Sharlene Lockett: I LOVE IT Eva!! Amazing how we use to use Black magic grease and VO5 shampoo and conditioner and everyone had think and healthy hair. Hair WILL GROW if you keep it clean, conditioned and moisturized. Drink your water, eat as clean as you can and just let nature do it's job. EVERYBODYs hair grows, some faster than others but it grows. Now is the perfect time for people to just let their hair BE. Thanks again and have a great day!!
vividflower1: Oh, Ms. The Eva Monroe, you look beautiful and I hope your message is greatly received. I, too, have been through all the so called natural hair products to the point they were taking over my bathroom, which is quite large. I have 4c hair and foolishly thought products could give me 3c curls. Our coily hair shrinks in its natural healthy state. I was natural for 5 years trying to figure it out, wore lots of wigs. Corporate America is something else. I have had microlocs for four years now and absolutely love my hair now but I had to learn to love what God gave me
Kim Gladden: Eva, this video is EVERYTHING!!! I too have been a slave to all of these natural hair products. I have locs and have had them for years. However, prior to that I wore my hair in it’s natural state. I cannot get back the $1000’s spent, but thank goodness I finally got the message. A good shampoo and conditioner that works well with your texture, washing once a month is perfect and castor oil applied every couple of days works well for moisture. As you stated, she’s butter, olive oil and coconut oil works great as well. It is based on your preference. Thank you, thank you, thank you
Sofondra: Great Advice!.... I've been natural since 2011 and currently reaching tailbone length hair. Products are the least important aspect of healthy hair. Your health, Regimen and consistency are key. Ladies, Porosity is important for which products to use for moisture and styling but not for growth. Less is more.
Llovelyyme: Yes ma’am! I’ve been natural for 4 years and I have my main 5 products that I use to complete the entire wash/condition and moisturize process. That’s it ♀️ I don’t need no more, no less. I’ve found products that work amazing with my hair and I stick to them. My hair is bra-strap length and growing faster than ever
D Floyd: Thank u for being so honest! I’ve been on this true natural journey for 2 weeks now & I love it! Not spending no more money on expensive products that don’t work! #TRUENATURAL
dabarefootbombshell: I have been natural for almost 12 years. I realized that all my issues came from not accepting my hair as it is not how I want it to be. So four year ago I accepted my hair is fine but dense. It has low porosity and does not like a lot handling or heavy handling or it will tangle. So I just water downed shampoo once ever two to three weeks and every few days I run some castor oil through my hair. I either twist it in 3 sections or 9 Bantu knots before I sleep. I probably spend $30 a year on hair products and my hair is the healthiest I have had in the past 12 years. I have been no heat for the 12 years. My hair doesn't spiral curl it's frizzy with wave clumps. My hair doesn't do twist out. Acceptance is key. I do an ayurvedic indigo diy hair mask every quarter. So yeah I agree with you 100 % Afro textured women are getting played out here with these products. Love your natural hair btw.
Natasha Nettles: Thanks so much I've been trying many different products on me and my daughters. My hair has been natural for about 5 years now and my daughter has never been permed or anything and I have been struggling with finding the right product for our hair smhlooks like I'm gonna just go back to our regular products and routine!! Thanks Eva!!
Ceeblessed Love: Hello Ms Eva!! Thank you for doing this video which is a testament to my hair journey as well. I have recently realized that I have to get back to basics and while there is an overwhelming wealth of information out there I have realized all I need is some good old aloe Vera, sulphate free shampoo and conditioner pure castor oil and a good leave in conditioner. My hair was suffering from being colored it was super dry and breaking and it has had a complete turn around.... this video said exactly what was needed to be said and for that I truly thank you ❤️
Roseyessence M: I just love your transparency. I have been natural since 2011. I was a product junkie but I am recovering now. I am all grey now and I don't dye it either.
LaVette: I have natural hair, but I add heat to it. Watching YouTube video’s has ruined my hair. Life is simple. I’ve learned that hair is also simple. I’ve spent a lot as well, and I will no longer do that. I paid quite a bit for products, only for them to ruin my hair (flat ironing contributed too). The inexpensive sulfate free products worked better. Living in a predominantly white state where some people think it’s okay to touch my hair when it’s in protective styles, drives me crazy. It’s either off putting to some or boundaries get crossed. When my hair is straight, I’m less interesting. You look beautiful with your natural hair! Thank you for sharing and stay blessed.
Donnie Richardson: I used blue magic for 6 years natural and my hair thrived.
R Harden: Our natural hair sets us apart from everyone else. It truly makes others do a double take when looking at us.
harmoni: New subscriber! I love your hair! It looks so thick and healthy! I just took my daughter's braids out and gave her a good ole onion/garlic juice mask. To color my grays I use henna. Sick of all the money wasted on all the products. Going to make flaxseed gel this week and learn how to make my own leave-in so I can leave it all alone! Thanks for this video. God bless and be safe. (Tineka---from my daughter's account- lol)
Mary Beauty: I'm a diva of a less mature age popping in to relate so hard with this natural hair product scammage we are being spoon fed. So over it! I'm thinking of taking it back to grease lmaooooooooooo
Beverly's small space garden: I discovered your channel less than a month ago and I must say it is so refreshing watching your videos. I have learned so much from you in such a short time. You are the real deal sister.
J. Gwenhwyfar Fred: Your natural hair is beautiful! I have locs and when I first started, I too was very confused about what products to use. I settled on a non-alcoholic gel for many years, but it caused dry scalp and caused breakouts on my face. Then, 5 years ago when I switched over to a simple combination of Jamaican castor oil and rose water for styling. I find that that is all I need to buy to twist my hair and this had the added benefit of no scalp flaking, no smell, and no breakouts on my face. I also found that I did not have to do my weekly washes because it doesn't feel or smell dirty. This has really simplified my hair care routine and I love it. One day, I too will cut off my very long locs and go natural again because there is so much variety with natural hair. Thank you for sharing your story and giving women the confidence to go natural.
Stephanie Oliver: You spoke nothing but the truth! I can relate to everything you said especially the part about returning to work with natural hair. I shouldn’t have to ever contemplate wearing my natural hair anywhere.
Cee Cee Moni: Thank you for making this video because I’m struggling with this issue I’m a product junkie anyway I just went and spent 100 dollars on a complete new hair care line and it’s sad that we have to be ashamed of our hair I suffer from alopecia and my boyfriend has never seen my hair and we’ve been together for 3 years smh I do my best to hide it I have hair dressers come to my house our do my hair when nobody is in the shop it’s bad I wish I could do what you did I have no hair in the front or middle wigs are my best friend
Lady Dee: I’ve been natural since 2015, I ditched the labels in 2017 I’ve only been using natural hair products since. My hair is way healthier . Don’t believe the hype. Figure out what works for you.
T Riggs: Eva, your natural hair is healthy and beautiful. Thanks for keeping it real and keep up the good work
zenzibell: Hey Sis! Your hair is beautiful, and so are you. I've been natural since 1988, my sophomore year in college. No perms, straighteners, hot combs, or jheri curls. I switched intentionally, because I began to reject Eurocentric (read: white-centered) beauty standards. True, they were forced upon us, and the vast majority of us still internalize those feelings, but we don't have to. We also don't have to wait until everybody else sees us as beautiful, before we do. Screw those people. As for "shrinkage," kinky hair is not straight, is not supposed to be straight, and probably hates straightening. Length checks are problematic as hell and, again, Eurocentric. Also, LONG HAIR IS NOT A VIRTUE. It is not. At. All. We have no business apologizing because our hair doesn't "appear" long. I've noticed. difference between today, and when I first went natural. We used to chop off our permed strands because we were actively, overtly, and assertively rejecting white beauty standards. Besides, chemicals and heat are Black hair's worst enemy, yet we assume our hair is "fragile" because it won't do what it doesn't wanna do in nature. Sounds like strength to me. These days, it seems like sistas spend thousands of dollars on products, because mixed hair is, AGAIN, superior to kinky. In fact, the brutha who created the "hair typing" system is a stylist who hates short, kinky hair, and prioritized loose curls for all eternity, by labeling *it* 1a instead of 4c. Talk about self-hatred. Anyway, your fro is - you glow!!!
GWife2: BOOM!! . YESSS EVA!!! I'm so happy someone said it. Being natural for about 8 yrs has been very interesting. Wearing protective styles works for me. I have long hair and getting it back to a healthier state hasn't been easy..but it's just about there. I agree, YT Natural Hair Product Videos will send you to the poor house! Your hair is beautiful
Louise Moore: I love the natural look on you as well as other beautiful women of color.❤
Tt: It's funny how I found your video I just shaved my hair all off early today and it felt great. Im starting over and growing my hair out as well. Thanks for the advice !
Tzefirayah_700 travel more.: Bravo and congratulations! I've be wearing my natural hair for six years now. No blow drying, no expensive hair products, no coloring, and no shame! You're natural hair is beautiful. Thank you for this timely video. Peace.
Debbie Ann: Thank you I am natural too. I went to the salon for years and spent so much money to see my hair getting worse. My hair is so dry and brittle . Salons don’t want to tell you what you can do because they might loss money So I’m going to start doing it myself and I started to go to YouTube Thank you again I really needed to see this❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kimberly Dooley: Your right about working while natural.. Its sad blk women feel we have to hide a part of ourselves because of social issues.. . You are.also right that we spend way to much money on our hair.. Im 50 and I'm loving my natural hair now.. It's cut really low and its extremely low maintenance.. all I use is a leave in with added essential oils for my scalp..I will throw a rinse in from time to time because it's a mixed gray which I hate.. I'll be so glad when it grays allover..I don't wear wigs or extensions because Im tired of hiding me and I feel gorgeous with my low hair cut...thanks for addressing this because it's definitely a issues with blk women . tfs and stay blessed...
Azucar BL: Thank you for the video to assist our natural sisters. You always put out useful and thoughtful content. I've been natural off and on since 2000 when being natural was not popular or popping. There were not that many products or stylist who were loving when they styled natural hair. The stylists at that time just wanted to tame natural hair. Keep it simple ladies, special hair vitamins and potions aren't needed. A good diet, attitude, health and no stress is all you need. I always encourage any sister looking to transition to find as many pictures of natural hair styles that they like so when they are frustrated they will have a natural hair game plan. I also recommend finding reliable hair stylists who can braid, color, straighten without damaging or changing the texture of your natural hair and someone to keep your natural shaped up around the edges. Finding one natural stylist who can be on point in all of these specific areas isn't guaranteed. I do compliment natural sisters because we do have those days when the humidity or your hair wants to do their own thing. Finally, I do find that little children and men compliment me the most whenever I blow my afro out. Enjoy your hair, the journey and please keep rocking those natural hair styles ladies. We have magic hair unlike any other.
Nashon Harris: Glad you appreciate to wear your natural hair love, all that is needed for me is a good shampoo, deep moisturizing conditioner, protein treatment, a leave-in moisturizer and EVOO with peppermint and rosemary leaves.Great video you look beautiful.Good hair is healthy hair.
ChocolateDL2006: Looking very healthy and isn't that what's most important? You go girl!
Geri Washington: Great video Eva! Thank you for sharing. I went natural back in 2000 and you are so correct, it is a journey. You learn to love and appreciate yourself in a different way. It took about 2.5-3 years for my natural hair to finally grow in. I am not certain of what the perm-grow-out period is called either. I have a cabinet with less products now and only buy and use less than 10 products.
V. A. L.: I bet you looked amazing with the short cut. I felt super sexy with my two big chops when I went bald. Our hair really doesn't take as much effort as is purported. Taking care of one's hair is the same as anything else. Keep it clean (soap/shampoo), moisturized(oil/butter), and style according to your creative abilities. All the hype, the expense, the extensive routines, the constant messaging about the fragility of our hair and texture preferences is just too much and not reflective of reality. Hair is just hair. It really isn't rocket science. I can't believe how stressful and oppressive the natural hair 'movement' became.
Sherrie Similton: You said a mouthful and I share your same thoughts from the start to end of your video. I've been through the exact same thing in my natural journey and now I'm so much wiser and hair is healthier! great video
Nicole Songbird: Thank you so much for this video! You are not alone. I have been natural for 5 years and have wasted so much money on products. My hair has grown the most by using a small number of inexpensive products with Shea butter, olive oil and castor oil and my hair is beautiful! Shrinkage is definitely real, but it’s a good sign because your hair is healthy. You are so awesome for sharing and inspirational to women who are still in the struggle bus as well as women who have overcome. God bless you!!❤️
Rene Henry: Hey Eva, I appreciate your honesty and transparency. I've been natural for 16 years. And I remember when I first went natural, family and friends thought something was wrong with me! People kept asking me if I was alright. I felt so empowered after I went natural. We have allowed white society to dictate to us what our hair should be and look like.. For so many years I was addicted to the relaxer..(creamy crack!) for over 50 year, because that what you are suppose to do.....You were not okay if your hair wasn't straight and long!....it been a journey finding what works for my hair types. You have blessed so many women and men to accept themselves. We should n't have to apologize for our hair.....No one else does!!!!We have be made to feel inferior because of our hair!!! I say NO MORE!! Yesss do what works for YOU! AMEN and AMEN!!!
dorcas glaydor: Now, you just made me more comfortable in my lowly position. I have been Natural for three years. I use only a moisturizer, EVOO, COCONUT OIL( cold pressed and aloe vera. I noticed it thrives without shampoo. My deep conditioner is aloe vera, sometimes with avocado, or just some teaspoons of oils. Also, I use rice water diluted as a live-in. Thanks a million for this
Sa Gillespie: Thank you Eva, as a ‘natural Hair’women myself for over seven years you are so on point thanks again
The Lioness’s Den: I think we were sisters in another life...lol..watching your videos I can so relate. I'm natural now and having fun with my micro locs. My hair is strong, healthy and growing fast...Using only shampoo and occasionally either coconut oil or tea tree oil on my scalp, it feels so good to be free of hair care products! Walking into a huge beauty supply store and not really need anything is awesome because I used to spend sooo much money there. However, I am about to order a wig or two just to change up my look when I want to play. Thanks for sharing!
Tammz316 formerly Luckee: You are preaching to the choir today! I’ve been natural since 2012. I used to wear my twa in fingers coils on the weekend and would cover it up for work. I didn’t have the silky, fluffy curls and I didn’t feel feminine or pretty. I received stares and rude comments from my own people when it got too hot to cover my hair. I too had to have ALL the products. It was ridiculous! I just couldn’t take it anymore. It took my niece struggling with her own hair and feeling self conscious for me to decide that enough was enough. The world was gonna get whatever I felt like giving or get gone. I had to adjust my attitude to give my niece something positive to hold on to. I still have a bunch of unopened, overpriced products on my shelves. I need to give them away. I now have a handful of products that work for me, my hair is in better shape than ever and I can spend my money elsewhere.
JD Ferguson: Gurl!!!You Better PREACH THAT THING!!! EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SAID IN THIS VIDEO IS SO ON POINT!!! THANK YOU AND KEEP SPEAKING TRUTH!!!
Imelda Mahlake: "I will not be a victim of going broke over hair products" Thank you❤
Erica C.: Bravo Eva! I’ve been natural since 1999 pre YT and all these hair videos. I just got tired of the maintenance & expense. My hair indulgence are oils & natural products to moisturize & protect my natural hair. Olive oil is my personal fave. Good luck with your hair journey.
tkey34: Thank you for this topic! My cabinet was looking like a beauty supply store. I had to just stop-I went back old school with washing, conditioning, and a cup of water with a jar of grease. My hair grew and thickened. My struggle now is being completely comfortable with my grey hair which started too early for me. My natural hair color is a sandy brown color and didn’t like the contrast so I highlighted it and it was great. Then the extra dryness came into play.
Deluxe Coco: Thanks for telling the truth and saving people some coins. I have been natural 6 years and I spent the first 2 years wasting lots of money trying to figure it out. I finally got some help and try my best to not manipulate it. I get it washed every 2 weeks and I let it do it’s thing.
lipglaze2323: Fantastic video!!!! This is so true. True for me as well. When I left my hit alone, it grewww! A lot of us get addicted to watching YouTube videos where most of the people we watch are paid to say good things about these products and get it for free! Done with alllllll that! Amazing video once again!
Kimbermichelle4: Oh girl I am so glad you presented that message. I thought I was the only person feeling that way. I have been natural for over 10 years and became a ”product junkie”. I finally got to a point when I realized all of that was ridiculous. I stopped buying the next "best " thing. Today I have no more than 2 or 3 products that I use to manage my hair. I stopped watching youtube videos and feeling bad because my hair didn't look like theirs. I discovered what worked for me and as you said it wasn't a $30 or $50 bottle of anything.
liahhx3: Yes maam. You're speaking the truth I only use coconut oil,olive oil,aloe vera, and I do mayonaise mask on my hair. Thats it. My hair has been growing like crazy.
Brandi 333: I get it! I did the big chop in 2001! I had locs for 5 years did another chop. It’s been a journey finding the best products for my hair. I’m happy with my latest ingredients. I also use Shea butter, olive oil, and recently added aloe vera plant from the international market. I’m happy with my results and the products last.
IAMFILMORE: I’ve been natural 21 years. I big-chopped before it was on trend. Cut all of my chemically treated hair off in preparation for getting pregnant and never looked back. Both my daughters are natural and always have been.
Beige Bunnie: I’ve been natural since 2005. And let me tell you...NOTHING was available in the way of YouTube videos and know how. Your story is familiar because when information did start coming in it included a bunch of products and a bunch of steps...which it took me yeeeears to learn = a bunch of breakage and not seeing hair growth. The best thing I did was find a stylist who specialized in natural hair to give me regular trims and LEAVE MY HAIR ALONE. Natural hair (generally) is fragile and having your fingers in it will certainly make you lose it. (I do like Camille rose products and get why the price is what it is but sometimes I dabble in other stuff that is more cost effective). I’ve gotten my hair to mid back (then needed a change and recently cut it to my ears). Long story less long (lol) you’re right!
Elaine Hill: Thank you so much for the video. I have been looking at my product cabinet and thought" do I really need all of this?". I saw a few videos that said no more oils for low porosity hair. I have slowly been using less products with better results. I'm still in the trial and error phase. Thanks for the pep talk.
Brenda Wash: Bravo Queen!! For your transparency. You are so right. I have 4c hair. I’ve turned my back on all commercial products. My hair is in protective large twists most of the time. They are now past my shoulders. I take them down every 3 weeks to either moisturized or protein treat. That’s it.
Jozetta Phillips: Thanks Sister, you have Noooooooo idea how much I appreciate this video!!! I've been seriously thinking' about going back to old school hair grease and water, momma had us on fleek ALL the time with this solution.
D J: Yesss. Last year I began wearing my natural 4c with no weave and OMGOSH! I LOVE MY HAIR (and yours). I say that my hair is like me. She is 4c. We are strong, yet fragile. We defy gravity....
Sarah Eli: I was fortunate to find products that worked for me in the early stages of my natural journey. I've been natural for almost five years. Find what works and stick to it. Do not jump from product to product looking for a miracle. I left my product junky days when I stopped relaxing my hair. Everybody's hair is different. Everything doesn't work for everybody. I'm more concerned about my porosity over anything else. That's how your hair attracts and holds moisture. Natural hair has to stay moisturized. Sometimes less is more. People tend to overthink natural hair because they want it to do what it's not created to do. Someone with a looser texture will be able to do things with their hair that someone with kinky hair won't and vice versa. That's ok. Just do what works for you. I enjoyed this video and it's really good information for people starting their journey.
Sandrine Simon: Ms. Monroe, Bravo!!! Good for You, I Agree with you totally. I make my products because at least I know what I'm putting in them, the expense of the marketed items is exorbitant and to be quite blunt, it's a tad Confusing! Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled that women of color now have a plethora of choice to pick from and our crowns are now celebrated.... but there are so many expensive brands out there that aren't really viable for "all" so to speak. Your hair looks healthy, I'm glad that you're loving it and this journey and you look beautiful. Continue to caress your tresses and they'll do what they do... GROW! Thanks for Always giving us Quality content, informative, inspirational & insightful!
Glenda Cornish-Knowles: Hi Eva just keep doin what you're doin, keeping it real. I watched one of your videos and I subscribed and that is a record for me. Love your hair by the way
Symrah Christopher: It has been a very long time since I’ve really looked up to another woman other than my mother the way I do you. You bring it to us live and real and uncut but in a very ladylike way. Though I am not natural I took away so much from this video. Thank you so much for this. BTW....I wash my hair perhaps between 3 and four weeks and it’s just fine. I feel my hair grows much more when I am not in it everyday.
Joe Cochran: With regards to your hair you sound so liberated in braking from the norm. The process of going natural sounds like it was a struggle from what society perceives. I say good for you! Do what's best for your soul and peace of mind.
alexisrai: You are telling the absolute truth here! I've been natural since 2009 and our journey is similar. Coconut oil, olive oil and an inexpensive conditioner and leave in works wonders! Ladies, keep your routine simple. You don't have to use expensive products to get great results.
Candice B: Girl at first I fell in that mess too. I wash my hair once a week because it’s easy to manipulate. I had no idea of my hair texture until I big chopped. I also bought a few if those products they didn’t work. Only eco styled and Shea moisture and tea tree oil. The less I bother my hair the more healthy it was. I wear wigs for corporate America too. Lol and do the same thing you did. My hair texture was beautiful, but I was nervous of what people would think. I am more happy that I can rock my hair at home and around my area. Sometimes I’ll go out w it and feel proud especially when I get compliments on how good it looks. Thanks for sharing my queen you are so right. Lol ABCD 49 hair type is blah blah bull to me. Just was condition and a light oil is all I need lol 13 bucks loyal that last months. Lol.
Ebizzill: 3 years? girl... you're blessed. Lets talk about loosers like me who spent 10 years and had a eureka moment that aloe vera and castor oil, plaits and twists, and leaving it alone were all i needed to get my hair to bow down to me .
Glorious Victorious: Excellent advice. I’m 73 and wore my natural most of my life. I did color it from time to time with henna. I’ve always been proud of my hair. I got my first relaxer at age 31. As a young girl I got my hair wash about every 30 to 40 days. When I was eleven I got my first press and curl. I was amazed how long my hair was, because it was always braided. Dixie Peach or Royal Crown was all we had. When we couldn’t afford that it was castor oil. Lord do they still make Dixie Peach . I went blonde for 3 years. Beautiful look but Big Mistake.!!!Cut it all out and here I am 2 years later and I’m still trying to get my hair healthy again. Going to get castor oil this weekend! Love your videos. God bless you!
mighty Strong: Come on QUEEN WORK IT OUT lm natural hair also & after spending coin on everything I'm down to two products Blue magic & setting lotion & DONE YOU ARE GOURGEOUS
K Chambers: Nice. Looks healthy. Love the milestones in the natural hair journey and when length starts to be realized.
Child of God: I’m with you Eva, no more expensive products, Shea butter and coconut oil that’s it for me as of now on thank you
Allanna Green: Great video lady. I too fell for the YT tutorials without much results. Your hair is beautifully thick and dense (I may be just a tad jealous ). Just a quick note to say shrinkage is a sign of good health, because your strands snap back . That will NEVER HAPPEN with chemically relaxed hair. You can still enjoy a variety of styles when you have a canvas like yours to start with. Be blessed and keep the diverse content coming.
OHoneyPot: This video struck chords for me. I realized early last year none of those products really worked for me either. Just a BIG waste of money. Love & Care, Healthy diet, water intake, clipped ends and good ole hair grease. I did what worked for me! I went back to Sulfer 8, Doo Gro Hair Vitalizer, Olive Oil and, Water. My hair is it’s healthiest ever! Embracing My Natural Self and I love it ❤️
I’m here for the comments Today: I’ve been natural since 2004. People often ask me for hair advice and I tell them the one thing I WISHED someone had told me years ago...Consistency and technique is more important then the latest products. Keep it simple, you only need a few basic products and patience.
Prudence Campbell: I use to spend dollars upon dollars on my natural hair journey. Honey I stop, I just try to keep my natural healthy. And I wear my wigs. I try make it look good. And I pleased myself. 1 leave in, 1 moisturizer, oil, shampoo , conditioner and my honey blonde. Love it.
Winnie Flex: Hi Queen I decided to go natural when I realized processing my hair was messing with my scalp. It's really an expensive process.
Body-Culinary: You've said a whole word. I've always felt that we should be able to get up and go and have bouncy cottony hair. Simple no stress. At one point I just threw away my shower caddie out of frustration. I have never felt more free. My hair is very fine, not dense, I've decided to embrace it fully. Radical self acceptance. I have more resources and time for fitness and the garden. Greetings from Central America. Thank you for sharing.
snuckums ss: Thank you for uploading this stripped - back, raw, un-edited video. I definitely agree with many points you raised. Do consider watching greenbeauty channel. A fellow African-American woman with stunning natural Afro textured hair.
Bella B: I fell into that same rabbit hole. We need to remember all the beautiful women like the ladies of the 60's pressed or fro didn't have a problem growing hair or bald edges.
T Williams: Girl I too fell into the natural hair care trap. Now I use dollar tree gel and design essentials foam and pure oils.
Regina Armstrong: Loved your video. You really spoke the truth. Your hair is beautiful and you're right do we really NEED all those products? No we don't. You just encouraged me to save my money.
Renée Shorts: Ms. Eva, you look fantastic...and you've unlocked the secret to this natural hair journey...it's not about the product hype! simple is best...just do what works for you (and your pocket!).
King El III: You have a natural glow, your hair is absolutely beautiful. Everything on you is perfect. Keep shinning.
Simone Nairne: Your hair is beautiful and very healthy. I feel the same way you feel about not being embarrassed by the natural state of our hair. Our hair is amazing and we just need to take the time to be patient and fall in love with it.
P I.: Eva, I'm a product junkie as well. So, I can definitely relate. I've been suckered into buying all of those same products and they did nothing for my hair but weighed it down and made it feel sticky. I find that a bi-weekly wash (sometimes monthly), a daily spritz of water, a nice oil (castor or jojoba) works just fine for my 4c. I wear my hair short and tapered. And I get the most compliments when natural vs. when I wear wigs. IMO it's a certain way that we sistas flow when we wear our own that speaks confidence. Your natural hair is beautiful!!! And I can tell that it's healthy too. Love the bonnett! Where can I get one?
kens mb: The less I do to my hair and the simplest I keep my regimen the healthier it is, the more it grows. The first thing a woman should do starting a hair journey is get blood work completed. From personal experience, you would be surprised at the vitamins and minerals you're lacking. This actually affects hair growth. Hair aside, I'd suggest blood work for anyone. Have to take care of your health. Love your channel!!!