Perhaps you’ve been wearing your natural hair in a corporate environment for many years, but suddenly you experience a job loss. Is natural hair a disadvantage during your job search?
Many naturals believe that it is. They feel they must game the system by wearing a wig or weave during a job search. But that doesn’t have to be the case. You can rock your natural hair in a corporate environment, including during your job search. Here are five tips to help you have a successful job search without ditching your natural hair.
Do Your Research
Learn as much as you can about the organization you’ll be interviewing with. (This is a rule of thumb that applies to all interviewees.) What is the company culture? Is it ultra-conservative? Is the company diverse and progressive? The answers to these questions will not only help you decide how to wear your natural hair. They can help you determine whether the organization is a good fit for you. After all, do you really want to land a job that will make you miserable?
Visit the company’s website. Review any info on the executive team. Take note of how current employees are styled and dressed. Even if the photos are stock photos, it will still give you a good idea of what the company finds acceptable.
Don’t Try the Old Bait and Switch
Your first thought might be to straighten your tresses to conform to what you think the company will find acceptable. Many job hunters feel the need to press or blow-dry natural hair. Others might decide to wear a wig or weave. If these hairstyles aren’t part of your regular hairstyle routine, don’t feel that you must present a completely different hair texture in order to land the job.
If the company has a problem with your natural hair texture during the interview, it will likely be a problem once you’re hired. So rather than sending the message that natural hair isn’t appropriate for the workplace, select a style that proves that it is.
Tone It Down
We love the versatility of our natural hair. It can be low-key or an expression of our unique personalities. So maybe you’ve been rocking the biggest ‘fro you can manage in screaming pink. While that might work in a business that welcomes creative expression, it probably won’t work for the average corporate gig. (That applies no matter the color of your skin or the texture of your hair.) So consider toning it down a bit.
During the job interview isn’t the time for your hair to take center stage. So keep it conservative. Find a hairstyle that feels like you, but that won’t distract from your qualifications and experience during your interview. A bun or low ponytail works well for longer hair during an interview. For shorter natural hair, select a fresh, neat style like a wash and go. Make sure that hair is in tiptop shape to get the best results.
Healthy Hair is a Crowd Pleaser
Moisturized, well-maintained hair isn’t just healthier, it’s more appealing. Another great reason to properly care for your natural hair.
Thirsty hair and split ends make natural hair look wild and unkempt. Well-nourished hair that is free of split ends is shiny, healthy and more easily styled. Take care of your hair regularly and consult with a natural hair stylist if your hair isn’t in its healthiest state. When your hair is healthy and moisturized, it will be easier to achieve the desired style on the day of your interview.
Be Confident
A lack of confidence is apparent during the interview process and will damage your chances of landing your dream job. So go into your interview confident, knowing your natural hair looks its best. Make your credentials and experience the star of the show and let your winning personality shine through.
The job market is tough and the smallest factor can be the difference in landing a job or not. However, rocking your natural texture doesn’t have to be a disadvantage during a job hunt. Just be sure to research potential organizations to see if they are a good fit. Don’t try to fool potential employers by switching up your texture just for the interview. Tone down any style that might be a tad too bold for the corporate world. Keep your hair healthy. Then be confident in your qualifications and let your personality shine during the interview.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
5 Tips for Popping Curls
You wash and condition your hair, then step out of the shower. Your curls are popping—well-defined, shiny, moisturized and resilient. Then your hair dries. That’s when your wash and go suddenly goes wrong. The curls that were once glossy and defined are now dry and dull. Then, of course, there’s shrinkage.
We’ve all been there. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five tips that will help you retain those glossy, popping curls.
Moisture is the Key
You knew that was coming, didn’t you? Moisture is the key to healthy-looking hair, regardless of the style. To crank up your moisture level, eliminate sulfate shampoos. Sulfates produce suds, but drain hair of its natural oils.
Either co-wash hair or use a curl-friendly solution like Honey Nutt Scalp Cleanser. Deep condition hair to give it an extra boost of moisture. Finish by smoothing a leave-in conditioner, like Aloe Vera Leave In Conditioner, on tresses while wet.
Avoid a Tangled Mess
There’s nothing cute about tangled and knotted hair. Make detangling a regular part of your routine. No special tools are required. Saturate wet hair with conditioner. Then gently finger detangle, starting with the ends. Patiently loosen single-strand knots. Many curlies find it easiest to detangle saturated, conditioner-coated hair while in the shower.
Aloe Vera—A Curl’s Best Friend
Aloe vera is particularly effective at giving curls that extra punch. Incorporate an aloe vera based leave-in conditioner or styling product into your wash and go routine. You can also add a bit of aloe vera juice to water in a spray bottle. Spritz on hair whenever curls need refreshing or while rewetting hair during styling.
Finger Shingling
Finger shingling is a method for defining curls. Simply separate hair into small sections. Freshen each section before you begin by rewetting it with the water and aloe vera juice mixture mentioned above. This is critical. When gel is applied to dry hair, it will leave hair hard and stiff when it dries, rather than soft and well-defined.
Use your fingers to spread a curl-defining product, like Sophia’s Coconut Hair Jel or Whipped Soy Hair Jelly on each small section. Rake fingers through hair, separating and defining curls.
Leave Well Enough Alone
Once you’ve conditioned and shingled hair you can either sit under a hooded dryer or allow hair to air dry. Resist the urge to comb, brush or fluff curls as this will cause hair to frizz and lose the definition you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
For a wash and go with shiny, well-defined curls that last long after your hair dries, moisturize and detangle hair, use products that incorporate aloe vera, finger shingle to define curls, then resist the urge to fuss with those gorgeous tresses once you’re done. You’ll have shiny, popping curls that’ll make heads turn.
We’ve all been there. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five tips that will help you retain those glossy, popping curls.
Moisture is the Key
You knew that was coming, didn’t you? Moisture is the key to healthy-looking hair, regardless of the style. To crank up your moisture level, eliminate sulfate shampoos. Sulfates produce suds, but drain hair of its natural oils.
Either co-wash hair or use a curl-friendly solution like Honey Nutt Scalp Cleanser. Deep condition hair to give it an extra boost of moisture. Finish by smoothing a leave-in conditioner, like Aloe Vera Leave In Conditioner, on tresses while wet.
Avoid a Tangled Mess
There’s nothing cute about tangled and knotted hair. Make detangling a regular part of your routine. No special tools are required. Saturate wet hair with conditioner. Then gently finger detangle, starting with the ends. Patiently loosen single-strand knots. Many curlies find it easiest to detangle saturated, conditioner-coated hair while in the shower.
Aloe Vera—A Curl’s Best Friend
Aloe vera is particularly effective at giving curls that extra punch. Incorporate an aloe vera based leave-in conditioner or styling product into your wash and go routine. You can also add a bit of aloe vera juice to water in a spray bottle. Spritz on hair whenever curls need refreshing or while rewetting hair during styling.
Finger Shingling
Finger shingling is a method for defining curls. Simply separate hair into small sections. Freshen each section before you begin by rewetting it with the water and aloe vera juice mixture mentioned above. This is critical. When gel is applied to dry hair, it will leave hair hard and stiff when it dries, rather than soft and well-defined.
Use your fingers to spread a curl-defining product, like Sophia’s Coconut Hair Jel or Whipped Soy Hair Jelly on each small section. Rake fingers through hair, separating and defining curls.
Leave Well Enough Alone
Once you’ve conditioned and shingled hair you can either sit under a hooded dryer or allow hair to air dry. Resist the urge to comb, brush or fluff curls as this will cause hair to frizz and lose the definition you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
For a wash and go with shiny, well-defined curls that last long after your hair dries, moisturize and detangle hair, use products that incorporate aloe vera, finger shingle to define curls, then resist the urge to fuss with those gorgeous tresses once you’re done. You’ll have shiny, popping curls that’ll make heads turn.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Improve the Health of Your Hair and Skin with Argan Oil
One of the hottest new trends in natural hair care right now is the use of Argan oil. Perhaps you’ve seen chatter about it online or the ingredient touted on the bottles of shampoos, conditioners and other products on the drug store shelf. But what is Argan oil, and what benefits does it offer?
Argan Oil—an Ancient Beauty Secret from Morocco
Argan oil comes from the Argania spinosa, or Argan tree. Often called “The Tree of Life,” the Argan tree grows on the edge of the Sahara Desert in southwest Morocco. The tree is well-suited for the harsh environment. With its deep, wide-spread root system that staves off the spread of the desert, the Argan tree is a vital part of the local ecosystem.
The fruit of the Argan tree is pictured. For centuries the kernels of the fruit have been pressed to extract the precious oil inside. The oil was used by natives because of its intense ability to heal and moisturize skin. In recent years, the amazing benefits of Argan oil have become known to the rest of the world.
The Benefits of Using Argan Oil
The oil from the Argan tree is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and anti-microbial agents. Argan oil helps repair skin damage and stimulates the skin’s natural defenses. Its ability to hydrate the hair and skin is especially beneficial.
Argan oil is one of the few oils (along with coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil) capable of penetrating the hair shaft to deeply nourish and moisturize the hair. Other oils simply sit on the surface of the hair. Now that we understand why this precious oil has been hailed as liquid gold, let’s explore how it can be used to improve their health of your hair.
How to Use Argan Oil to Improve the Health of Your Hair
With its ability to nourish hair, sending intense moisture deep within the hair shaft, Argan oil can be used as a hot oil treatment or daily moisturizer for hair.
Argan oil boosts shine, reduces frizz and enhances the natural curl. Apply oil or a product infused with Argan oil, like No Mo’ Curly Hair Blues, to clean, damp hair in small sections from ends to roots. The amount of oil needed will depend on the length, type, and thickness of your hair. So go easy to start. Gradually add more if needed. Style hair normally. Argan oil can also be used on dry hair for a boost of shine and moisture.
With its anti-microbial and moisturizing properties, Argan oil can also be used to combat dry, itchy scalp. Just rub a little oil into scalp after cleansing.
Argan Oil—an Ancient Beauty Secret from Morocco
Argan oil comes from the Argania spinosa, or Argan tree. Often called “The Tree of Life,” the Argan tree grows on the edge of the Sahara Desert in southwest Morocco. The tree is well-suited for the harsh environment. With its deep, wide-spread root system that staves off the spread of the desert, the Argan tree is a vital part of the local ecosystem.
The fruit of the Argan tree is pictured. For centuries the kernels of the fruit have been pressed to extract the precious oil inside. The oil was used by natives because of its intense ability to heal and moisturize skin. In recent years, the amazing benefits of Argan oil have become known to the rest of the world.
The Benefits of Using Argan Oil
The oil from the Argan tree is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and anti-microbial agents. Argan oil helps repair skin damage and stimulates the skin’s natural defenses. Its ability to hydrate the hair and skin is especially beneficial.
Argan oil is one of the few oils (along with coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil) capable of penetrating the hair shaft to deeply nourish and moisturize the hair. Other oils simply sit on the surface of the hair. Now that we understand why this precious oil has been hailed as liquid gold, let’s explore how it can be used to improve their health of your hair.
How to Use Argan Oil to Improve the Health of Your Hair
With its ability to nourish hair, sending intense moisture deep within the hair shaft, Argan oil can be used as a hot oil treatment or daily moisturizer for hair.
Argan oil boosts shine, reduces frizz and enhances the natural curl. Apply oil or a product infused with Argan oil, like No Mo’ Curly Hair Blues, to clean, damp hair in small sections from ends to roots. The amount of oil needed will depend on the length, type, and thickness of your hair. So go easy to start. Gradually add more if needed. Style hair normally. Argan oil can also be used on dry hair for a boost of shine and moisture.
With its anti-microbial and moisturizing properties, Argan oil can also be used to combat dry, itchy scalp. Just rub a little oil into scalp after cleansing.
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