I moved to the East Midlands area of the UK in the summer 2015. I’ve been here almost 3 years which is unbelievable! When I got here in 2015, I stuck out like a sore thumb. No one had natural hair…I mean NO ONE. Not even the mixed race girls. I’m telling you, it is not uncommon to see black men with relaxers. I got a lot of stares when I went out. I should mention that there is a large Rastafarian population here so while dreadlocs are common, it’s typical that they are completely covered and hardly ever worn down for religious reasons. Because locs are the most common form of natural hair is this area of the UK, people often saw my loose natural kinks and recommended stylists that could loc it for me. It was sort of unheard of to have loose kinks that you didn’t plan to do something with.

Now, almost 3 years later and I spent my afternoon attending a natural hair show. It’s actually the first conference-type event that I’ve attended in my 10 years since my last relaxer. I had quite low expectations because the natural hair scene is nothing like that of the US. However, the experience surpassed my expectations. There was quite a big crowd in attendance.  The population was diverse- some people came to learn about styling their children’s hair, others came to learn about their own hair, or support fellow hairstylists. The event had quite a few large sponsors. Cantu had a large booth there. There was a salon showing Keracare and As I Am products. If you’ve read the blog before, you know I’m not big on using products made by large (usually white owned) corporations. I try to stick to natural ingredients and appreciate black owned brands.

By far the most surprising part of the day was meeting two entrepreneurs that started their own black hair care brands. Both ladies are based in Birmingham, England. They presented to the group about the science behind good hair care products and taking care of afro-textured hair. It was a good learning experience for those in the room. I’ve read about hair extensively, so it was nothing new to me. But I think it was important to hear for many in the room. Although I did ask the people I went with if they’d change their haircare routine after the presentations, and they said no. le sigh. I don’t expect women in masses to stop relaxing, but at least start washing and moisturising more often. …That’s another pet peeve of mind actually- being told that washing my hair once a week is too often, smh. I digress.

Anyway, back to the day… The two women had some great information to share with the group. I think it’s awesome that these local brands are popping up everywhere. I would love to be able to source good, quality, natural hair care products right here in the UK. It would be even greater if they were affordable. I think about all the little hair care brands that started out when I first went natural- Alikay Naturals, Mane Choice, etc…they were literally in someone’s kitchen and now they are sold all over the US in large stores. Having products made for us that are more accessible is so important for the healthy hair movement. What’s different about seeing it happen here versus seeing it happen in the US, is that the information is trialled and tested. UK women are not just getting scented whipped shea butter mixes like we did back in the day. These products are PH balanced and formulated with the latest research in mind.

It’s amazing to see natural hair take off all around me. I’m still asked every once in a while if my hair is real but I don’t get the ‘what is on her head’ stares I used to get. My hair now is more admired than gawked out. Men and women ask me for hair care tips (which sometimes can be frustrating) but I’m patient because I’m glad people are more open to learning. I hope one day to walk around and think damn! that’s one gorgeous head of hair…rather than just damn!! 😬

All in all it was a good day. I’ll be reviewing one of the brands featured at the show so stand by for a video review of Nylah Naturals. If you’re in the UK or Europe, check out Nylah Naturals and Bonnie Lush Hair. I hope this is the start a movement that means more natural hair less processed and fake hair and most of all healthier hair.