Many Black women surf the internet searching, often in desperate attempts, for advice, comfort and strength while they transition from relaxed to natural hair. Aside from the many networking sites and blogs dedicated to the cause, none are as quite resourceful as the community of natural hair women found on YouTube.
YouTube, a website that allows users to upload and share videos, is quickly becoming the one-stop-shop for Black women and all their hair needs. Women can find anything from tutorials on how to sew in weave tracks to recipes on how to make home alternatives to expensive consumer products. It’s also become one of the few places where women can find videos that comfort, teach, and document everything a women with natural hair needs.
“Watching YouTube is a part of my religion. I’ve found natural hair videos to be inspiring as well as educational,” says University of Florida student Yoldine Valery. “From hair product reviews to hairstyle tutorials to documented hair journeys, I can honestly say that YouTube helped secure my decision to go natural.”
The documented stories of women taking the bold step to cut all their relaxed hair off have become a source of empowerment for some. The hundreds of videos especially give comfort to girls during the awkward stage of what’s known as “transitioning”. It can be a sort of reassurance to see other Black women sharing the same challenges and hiccups that one might face.
“Honestly if I didn’t not look at YouTube I would not have went natural. I always played with the idea but, didn’t know what I would to do with my hair once I went through with the ‘bc’ (big chop). But after watching video after video I couldn’t wait to do it,” says Sonja Hibbler.
After the big chop finally occurs and the relaxed ends are all but gone, the real journey begins. Finding different hair styles for natural hair can be difficult, if not impossible. However, a number of women are using youtube to find tutorials with step by step instructions on how to do different hair styles. From the simple to the intricate, it’s all there.
“I definitely got some ideas of hairstyles from YouTube...whether or not I have actually been able to do them is another question,” says UF student Malaika Brutus.
In addition to do-it-yourself styling videos, there is also a litany of product reviews. Before dropping a pretty penny for top of the line products, users can get testimonies form women who have already experimented with them. From Ms. Jessie’s Hair Butter to Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Milk, word travels fast about the best and worst of a growing selection.
“I actually found out a lot out about what products and other things would work on my natural hair. I found it (YouTube) very informative. I applaud the young sisters who do these YouTube demos of products on their hair and bring us the results. They are helping a wide community of women out there with their "natural" hair concerns,” says Maria Carey.
The internet has undoubtedly changed the game of how women with natural hair can learn and grow with each other. Those that fear their styling options are limited may want to take a look at the new unconventional beauty store that is YouTube. Beneath is a selection of our favorite channels, enjoy:
Highly Textured: Devoted to celebrating natural hair.
DPrincess28: This user's transitioning video helps to answer quite a few questions.
Kimmaytube: Dedicated to the "medium maintainance woman." She offers tips on hair and has hair products information.
Black Onyx77: Demonstrates the versatility of natural hair in her videos, by offering step-by-step hairstyle guides.
ThomasAdrianna: Take on weaves and any straight hair questions, complete with easy to follow demonstrations.
Richeau: This user gives product reviews and is exceptional at giving step by step instructions.
ItsMissheathernicole: A popular channel dedicated entirely to celebrating the beauty of natural hair.
Tiwnkeez2003: Offers advice on protective care for hair.
Chescaleigh: Offers great tips and tutorials for women with locs.
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