Natural and Relaxed Hair

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Natural and Relaxed Hair Dianyelle Hawkins COM 155 February 2, 2014 Ellen Bockelman Who determines what kind of hair is healthy? Many believe that natural, unprocessed hair is healthier and more manageable than chemically processed hair, but there are benefits of having both types. Throughout the text, information is given on the advantages and disadvantages of both natural and chemically processed hair. Chemicals are the main factor that distinguishes natural and chemically processed hair. Natural, or virgin hair, is hair that has never been altered by any type of chemical, i.e. relaxers or texturizers. Natural hair consists of many textures. These textures include curly, wavy, kinky, or a combination of all. Chemically processed hair can be straightened by a chemical substance which contains lye (relaxer). The texture of relaxed hair is mainly straight. Relaxers were created in 1877 in the town of Paris, Kentucky by Garret A. Morgan, the child of a former slave. Garret designed this concoction as a topical cream to straighten the follicle. This allows for the hair to be flat. It also made hair more manageable. Since 1877, relaxers have improved and now provides a formula that does not contain lye. Pursuing this further, both natural and relaxed hair require regular maintenance in order to reserve its healthiness. Because of the varied textures, thickness, and sometimes tightness of “black hair”, plenty of moisture is needed on a daily basis. The hair of most women of African American descent need plenty of moisture in order to remain healthy. The moisture comes from water, moisturizers, and natural oils. Because natural hair tends to be thicker, more moisture can be used to prevent dryness. When the hair is chemically processed, it tends to be thinner due to the chemicals breaking down the bonds of the hair,

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