It's been three months since I have been living in China. Let's just say that having natural hair while living in the far east has been kind of a struggle. I've had wild,thick,coily,untamed,and unapologetic hair since '93. Though I complain all the time,I absolutely love the fact that I'm not limited to "every six weeks" perms and can embrace my love for water. Being a naturalista in ATL AND at an HBCU? Yall my hair was thriving. My Spelman sisters knew all the best products. Their hands were magical with the straighter,braids,and twist-outs,and I was always given the "home girl discount". But what happens when you move 7,143 miles away to a continent that Shea Moisture doesn't ship to? First, you cry,panic,run to Walgreen's for the "BOGO sale", and contemplate life.Then feel guilty and wonder why you just spent all that money when you said you were on a budget.After a glass of wine and calming down, you come up with a plan.My Spelman sisters whom lived/live in the far east have warned me numerous times about the struggle.They told me to bring as many natural products as possible.Being as though I was on a tight budget and had one suitcase for all my essentials, I couldn't bring a years worth.Gone are the days I can run down the street to the beauty supply store. I was going to have to get creative before I ran out in 5-6 months. So what did I do?I'll tell you:)
1. I stocked up on my staple products.Don't go crazy like I did,buy your essential staples and put them in smaller containers for you suitcase. Your suitcase going over 50 pounds is real.
2.I joined the Fb and Wechat page for "Brothers and Sistas in China" You are not alone, I am here for you * In my Michael Jackson voice*Seriously though, there is a black community in just about every country. More than likely, there are women in the group who have already addressed the many questions and concerns you may have.If not,just ask.Everyone is very friendly.Most importantly, they are very resourceful. Especially when it comes to knowing who does hair and where you can get HAIR PRODUCTS!! Shout out to my Sistas in China for being so helpful in my time of need.
3.I found websites that ship some of my staples here in China These websites have everything I dreamed of and desired.Herbal Essence,As I Am,weaves,wigs,shea butter,conditioners,hair clips,etc.When I tell you I cried tears of joy,thank You lawd. The downside are,you have to pay with USD and some of it is over priced,but whatever.It's worth it. You are welcome.
http://honey-hair.myshopify.com/collections/all
http://www.irokcurls.com/
4.I stopped random black girls In the street,at the club,at the store,and in the bathroom.I did not care."OHH Girl I like your hair, where did you get it done?" Yes.I used my black girl card,yes I did. No shame. Back at home,You like a woman's hair, you give her a compliment.I did it with the intention to honestlu find out who does their hair. I needed to know who local hair stylists are in the city. I really just needed my hair to be done.After a couple of successful tries,I found some stylist I liked,a couple of backups,and where to buy hair so I can (one day) do it myself.A couple of days after that,my box braids were in.Can you say resourceful? If I can do it,You can do it too.
5. I always have a protective style I took my own advice #4 and found someone to do my braids for under $30. Amen.Protective styles are life. Get your fingers out your hair and use them to eat with chop sticks or buy plane tickets:) It's freezing right now here in China(winter is long here) and would be the biggest disrespect to wear my hair out.The last thing I want to worry about is my hair breaking off in this cold. So if you're like me,get creative with you protective styles.For a good month and a half I was rockin' the beanie and Queen Latifah cornrows.I was cute and my hair was protected:)
6. I plan on investing in a shower filter** This pertains more to my girls coming to China for a long period of time. The water is nasty. No one drinks it,I hate washing my body with it,and my hair hates it. If you love your hair and your smooth #blackgirlsaremagical skin you will follow suite. You can buy it on taobao for the low. It's beautiful.
Being natural in China can be a struggle,but these are some tips that are a sure to make managing your beautiful mane a bit easier in the far east. If I can survive,you can too.
1. I stocked up on my staple products.Don't go crazy like I did,buy your essential staples and put them in smaller containers for you suitcase. Your suitcase going over 50 pounds is real.
2.I joined the Fb and Wechat page for "Brothers and Sistas in China" You are not alone, I am here for you * In my Michael Jackson voice*Seriously though, there is a black community in just about every country. More than likely, there are women in the group who have already addressed the many questions and concerns you may have.If not,just ask.Everyone is very friendly.Most importantly, they are very resourceful. Especially when it comes to knowing who does hair and where you can get HAIR PRODUCTS!! Shout out to my Sistas in China for being so helpful in my time of need.
3.I found websites that ship some of my staples here in China These websites have everything I dreamed of and desired.Herbal Essence,As I Am,weaves,wigs,shea butter,conditioners,hair clips,etc.When I tell you I cried tears of joy,thank You lawd. The downside are,you have to pay with USD and some of it is over priced,but whatever.It's worth it. You are welcome.
http://honey-hair.myshopify.com/collections/all
http://www.irokcurls.com/
4.I stopped random black girls In the street,at the club,at the store,and in the bathroom.I did not care."OHH Girl I like your hair, where did you get it done?" Yes.I used my black girl card,yes I did. No shame. Back at home,You like a woman's hair, you give her a compliment.I did it with the intention to honestlu find out who does their hair. I needed to know who local hair stylists are in the city. I really just needed my hair to be done.After a couple of successful tries,I found some stylist I liked,a couple of backups,and where to buy hair so I can (one day) do it myself.A couple of days after that,my box braids were in.Can you say resourceful? If I can do it,You can do it too.
5. I always have a protective style I took my own advice #4 and found someone to do my braids for under $30. Amen.Protective styles are life. Get your fingers out your hair and use them to eat with chop sticks or buy plane tickets:) It's freezing right now here in China(winter is long here) and would be the biggest disrespect to wear my hair out.The last thing I want to worry about is my hair breaking off in this cold. So if you're like me,get creative with you protective styles.For a good month and a half I was rockin' the beanie and Queen Latifah cornrows.I was cute and my hair was protected:)
6. I plan on investing in a shower filter** This pertains more to my girls coming to China for a long period of time. The water is nasty. No one drinks it,I hate washing my body with it,and my hair hates it. If you love your hair and your smooth #blackgirlsaremagical skin you will follow suite. You can buy it on taobao for the low. It's beautiful.
Being natural in China can be a struggle,but these are some tips that are a sure to make managing your beautiful mane a bit easier in the far east. If I can survive,you can too.