Our expert celebrity hair stylist, Chuck Amos is back to answer another reader’s question. Over the years, Chuck has honed his craft, working with the likes of singer Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Diana Ross and on advertising campaigns such as Queen Latifah for Cover Girl and the highly successful Got Milk campaign featuring singer and actress, Vanessa Williams.
Question: Our reader Jessica asks: I’m currently trying to go natural and find that as a Black woman – going natural and also working out intensely means my hair only lasts until after my first workout of the week. After day one, my hair is up in a bun the rest of the week. Are there any options for women like me who are trying to stay in shape, but also want to have beautiful hair on a daily basis while transitioning from relaxed to natural hair? And once I’m fully transitioned to natural, what are my options then? How often can I safely wash and style my hair including blow-dry and flatiron?
Answer: Choosing a braided style or at least getting braids or cornrows in the front edges will keep your hair flat and manageable in a creative style that you can keep during all workouts! Individual braids are best for working out while you’re transitioning. As your new growth comes in, you should be cutting off what’s left of the relaxed portion of your hair. This way, when you do sweat, your natural curls will be part of the actual style that you choose to have. This is the same option with all-natural already transitioned hair. Already natural hair can be wet, washed and conditioned at least once or twice a week. On your workout days, I recommend blow drying your hair with a diffuser or letting your hair air dry. If you must blow dry hair straight and use at flat iron, only do it once a week or your hair will become damaged within three months.
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You can follow Chuck Amos on Twitter at @ChuckieLove. Remember, if you have questions for our experts you can submit them on our submissions page.
