theme 2
The co-researchers developed the next theme for taking photos by reflecting on what they identified as supporting and preventing safer hair product use. Since there were four groups of co-researchers going through the process—four different themes were developed.
2a: Exploring what ingredients are in hair products and how they may impact our health
2b: Exploring the role of businesses and suppliers in natural and safer hair product purchasing and use​
2c: Exploring and researching natural ingredients that are good for our health to incorporate into our hair care routine​
2d: Exploring the role of do-it-yourself (DIY) or making your own hair products that are safer and good for your health
2A: Exploring what ingredients are in hair products and how they may impact our health​
Quality of ingredients are an important part of the equation when choosing a product​
Not all ingredients are created equal. The most expensive choice has not always worked out for me. Case in point, the briogeo brand is the most expensive in this photo but didn't yield the results I expected. I had high hopes for the coconut product with “organic ingredients" was ok. And the Mielle has worked best out of the three, in my attempt to find products with more wholesome ingredients.
- PP
good or bad ingredients
When looking up ingredients using Google some were good and some were not—however, people really don't have the time to research ingredients.​
- Anonymous 1
Are you running from chemicals? No, I’m running towards healthiness!​
I'm my hair!!! What I mean is, ingredients that talk to me, less is more. Simple to the point. I don't have to explain myself over and over again!!!!​
- RC​
Special Treat; A Dessert for Your Hair!
I am looking for cleaner hair products that's more beneficial for my hair and scalp, meaning with less harmful ingredients. I DESERVE it, so I will make a SACRIFICE and invest in my natural hair, after all it's my crown and glory that I will never take off.​
- AB
Keep your hair moisturized when harsh chemicals won't do.
-LB
Hair Innovation
2B: Exploring the role of businesses and suppliers in natural and safer hair product purchasing and use
While looking at the Black/curly hair product section of my local CVS, I noticed that the legacy products- those brands/products (including hair relaxers and pomades) that have been around for decades, sat on the bottom shelf. Shelves at the top and eye level contained many products branded as having natural and whole ingredients. Many of these newer products were packaged with brighter and more eye-popping colors. I wondered if the store was trying to grab the attention of a younger demographic or appeal to a more impulsive shopper. I usually associate "natural" with subdued and earthy colors, so I found it interesting that the bold and colorfulpackages also proclaimed that their products were "natural." I wondered how the ingredients of the legacy products on the bottom and those at the top and eye level, especially the colorful ones, differed. Were those at the top and eye level indeed safer? Does the shelf location of products vary by store chain or neighborhood?​
- AP
Natural and Safe Products- Does Shelf Placement Matter?​
Keune was developed in 1922. Within 5 years the product expanded from their drugstore to the shelves of hair salons all over the world. For years Keune developed new products which maintain the same quality that still exists today. Keune’s volume is based on the voices of its customers. Keune is a product without harmful chemicals. With products like this it is best to go back to the old days. This product is 95 years in the making and still thriving.​
- TJ
Back to the good old days
I went to my local beauty supply store and asked the store associate for an example of what products are for natural hair and if the ingredients are natural. She then told me about Shea products being close to having natural ingredients. She showed me on the bottle it has some chemical ingredients on the product that were natural. Finally, I asked her who owns Shea Moisture. The floor associate didn't know who owned the company. We as consumers don't know who's behind the large company anymore. As a result, just because it's black products doesn't mean the products are owned by black companies.​
- DC
The Devil is in the Details
less is better
I discovered when doctors bring you bad news you come out swinging​
I became aware that we have natural products all around us that can be utilized for the benefit of a healthy body​
I discovered that some owners could care less of the poison that they're selling their customers and then you have this particular owner who started making her own natural products for the betterment of not just her and her family but for the benefit to the community​
Quality over money​
​
Ms. Appleberry was facing high blood pressure and diabetes she turned that diagnosis around and made her body healthy not just in what she eats but also the products that she produces to maintain a healthy lifestyle for her and her clientele​
This particular businesswoman is not only her client she's a mother, a grandmother she's an all-around businesswoman who wants everybody healthy​
-LM​
2C:Exploring and researching natural ingredients that are good for our health to incorporate into our hair care routine​
Oftentimes the limitations of the "ethnic hair aisle" in convenient stores and the expensive expanse of the internet allow us to be creative. Some items can be used for totally different purposes, and sometimes the prices can be very different for a given product depending on its intended use. Apply "organic" or "baby" on the container and the price goes up. Buy a product in the grocery section of a store such as coconut oil; and the price often decreases while the purity and volume increase.​
- AY
IMPROVISATION
NATURALLY GOOD
As I look for the natural ingredients with plants, fruits, and oils, this product said it all for me, even though I prefer less ingredients, I can recognize most of them. In my mind natural means simple. It’s strange that all this time we been taught to look at labels for our food, but not so much for our hair.​
-MH
I found a few different things. Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel can make your hair shine, also receive omega-3. Cinnamon is good for blood flow and nutrients to your follicles. One thing we all need is iron. If you don't have enough iron it will lead to hair loss. Which brings to rosemary that helps rejuvenate the scalp and fight dryness.​
- MM
https://www.outsidepride.com/seed/herb-seed/rosemary-herb-seed.html
ALL WE NEED IS NATURE
WE DON'T GO NATURAL, WE RETURN.NATURAL IS WHERE WE BEGAN. ​
EMBRACING YOUR NATURAL SELF IS AN INCREDIBLY EMPOWERING EXPERIENCE, AS IT CELEBRATES ALL THE BEAUTY THAT EXISTS WITHIN YOU, FROM HEAD TO
TOE, AUTHENTICALLY. THE REASON WHY I CHOSE THIS PICTURE IS BECAUSE IT DEPICTS NATURAL INGREDIENTS, WHETHER GOOD OR BAD THAT CAN BE USED FOR THE HAIR. IT INVOKES THE CHEMIST IN ME TO MAKE A DIY ELIXIR TO FURTHER MY NATURAL HAIR JOURNEY.​
- T
Why settle for less expensive hair products that can cause us serious health issues in the future. I was on Facebook, and I notice this program was talking about how using some of products we use in our hair may have some harmful ingredient that is causing us serious illnesses. I was also watching a program that was talking abouthow they make their own natural hair products without all the harmful ingredients. Their products may cost a little more but aren’t we worth it. We should never settle for less when it comes down to our health and
well being.​
- SH
LESS IS BETTER
2D:Exploring the role of do-it-yourself (DIY) or making your own hair products that are safer and good for your health
Ambunu is an herb and ancient natural hair detangler and conditioner, mostly used in Africa. When steeped, the leaves release saponins that gently cleanse hair. It also boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and emollient benefits. I've been using my homemade Ambunu solution as my primary shampoo for over a year. Through trial and error, I've found my preferred ratio of water to leaves and steeping time. After straining through wig caps or nylons, the result is a rich-smelling viscous liquid that's not quite a gel, but much thicker than water. My kitchen is a mess afterwards, but my hair appreciates the love. <3​
- A
​Steeped in the process ​
Maintaining how to keep your natural hair style healthy.​
After gently massage your hair with the cream in the roots and edges. Part your hair in sections to twist. This way your hair won't get tangled. Use this brush gently so it won't pull out your hair. Apply the conditioner /shampoo. Rinse out thoroughly and let your hair air dry.​
- EC
Natural Village Conditioner
Word of mouth and advice I learned from my mother are the foundations of my hair care knowledge. Growing up, my mother did my hair, so as I got older and moved away, I was forced to take part in my own hair care. This was when my personal hair journey truly started. I leaned on my support system of loved ones to help me with making my conditioner and my partner volunteered to help me test out the product. Making my own product was truly empowering and having the support of my village (my community) was special.​
- JP
Think again when doing DIY- could be a good experience or something that could be not for you. ​
- JB
DIY- not always a good idea! ​
Back to the Basics ​
Avocado oil, vitamin E, and Julio nut oil. Researching leave-in home remedies for extremely dry hair and scalp.​
- Anonymous 2
eSSENCE
Other countries provide more organic products that are safer for our hair and the US adds more chemicals into our products and hardly any marketing except for perms, which is very toxic and highly chemical.​
- KL
​For fast hair growth the natural way​
Celebrating my self-made hair products with the confidence of knowing the ingredients that were used and seeing the results that reflect the natural beauty of my hair. I learned about these ingredients and what ingredients to use together from Google, Instagram, and folks from the braiding hair store.​
- SS
THEME 2