“I’m proud of our society of black women, we are taking the next step and we are wearing our hair proudly and I think it’s beautiful.” – Keina Morgan
Abisara Machold (Inhairitance Owner), Keina Morgan (Hairstylist, Consultant & Instructor), Michal Harewood (Inhairitance Hairstylist)
I celebrated Inhairitance’s 1 year anniversary with the Fro Foundation and Montreal’s natural hair community at Blueprint Lounge a few weeks ago. What a wonderful day it was! Inhairitance is one of the few natural hair salons in Montreal. It’s owner, Abisara Machold opened it a year ago: “I created Inhairitance to be a secure place, where’s not only about hair but also about self-esteem issues, self values, about black women who are fully coming into themselves realizing that they are beautiful the way God made them. To be part of the process, and to assist people on that journey, that’s my biggest joy and pleasure.” Saturday’s event is a testament to her vision coming to fruition.
The night started with a workshop: How to care for your natural hair in the summertime presented by Keina Morgan, hairstylist, instructor and consultant based in Toronto. She shared tips to best care and protect your mane from the heat, swimming pool and beach. Here are some of the instructions she gave as I tweeted them.
Soak your hair in clear water & coat it w/ conditioner before getting into chlorinated or salt water. It’ll keep the bad stuff out ya strands! #NaturalHair #SummerTips
In da summer u can deep condition ur hair 2 or 3 times/wk, no problem! #BeNiceToYourHair #NaturalHairTips
WATCH OUT for those mass-produced combs ladies they can snag ur hair. Use a Denman brush to detangle instead! #NaturalHairTips
If u experience a lot of snagging when detangling ur hair it may be time for a trim!!! #DONTbescared 😛 #NaturalHairtips
Then, we had a chance to mingle, eat, shop and listen to a spoken word performance by poet and Fro Foundation co-founder, Berekyah. Check out my All-Access pictures on Facebook. As you probably saw on Instagram, I couldn’t help but purchase some goodies for myself. I bought 2 pairs of earrings by Seiwa Akoto. This line is made by jewelry designer / hairstylist Adjoa Fobi Duffuor. I had a hard time deciding which pairs to buy because I loved so many of them. Finally, my heart settled on a pair of small berry colored afro picks and a pair of medium size “knowledge” earrings. Each Seiwa Akoto piece has a meaning which is one of the qualities I appreciate about this jewelry line.
More styles can be found on their website.
The highlight of the night for me was the panel discussion. So many insightful vantage points were shared. Amongst the panelists were Aminata Wurie, Miss Africa Montreal, and Reginald Rivette, Souche Magazine’s creator. During our interview, I asked them to share their thoughts on the natural hair movement. Here is what they had to say:
Wurie who decided to go natural 9 months ago said:
“I think the thing that is the most important for me is the health factor. Your whole body is connected, so what you put on your skin, your hair, your body, everything you take-in reflects in your health. The great thing about going natural for me was that I felt healthier and my head was healthier. When I wore weaves, I would have bumps, I would be bleeding and I would have scars, it just wasn’t pretty at all. So I feel healthier, and I feel better. I don’t have headaches anymore because my weave is not itching or anything, so I can say I’m really happy and I’m even watching what I’m eating. Now, I eat more spinach and other things that are good for my hair and good for my body.”
Rivette whose magazine caters to all black women said:
“When the natural hair movement started I was thinking: “what’s going on?” And at first, I thought it was going to fade out and women would go back to wearing their wigs. But I’m glad it is coming from a deeper place! I thought it was a trend, but I’m happy it’s not and is here to stay. It’s like the saying: once you go black you never go back.”
I also chatted with Abisara Machold.
FWAC: What would you say to a lady who is considering going natural but is still hesitating?
Machold: “I think I would tell her it’s a move she will never regret. I would also tell her that we are here to assist her, you are not alone, you have many sisters who have gone that way before and who are going through it with you right now. It’s a mind change and you will start loving yourself and embracing your hair more and more everyday. It’s a very liberating and powerful journey. So I completely encourage any woman of color or not, to embrace what nature gave them because it is beautiful.” [FULL INTERVIEW]
Last but definitely not least, Meryem Saci from Nomadic Massive took the stage and rocked the house! She rhymed and sang about love, life and of course, her curly fro!
My heart was warmed at the sight of so many strong, beautiful women adorned with their natural hair coming together to celebrate their beauty. I honestly never thought this day would come. I went natural in 2001, back then going natural was not a trend, in fact, it was looked down upon. But today women of color have made a complete 180’š turn and are taking charge of their beauty and health.
If you are a naturalista, share your story with me in the comment box below. I’d love to know: why you decided to go natural?
Stay Conscious + Chic!
