This post is part of an ongoing series called Fur We Love, where we focus on people's relationship to their hair and the routines they've built around haircare. This week we talked to Chris Birch, a photographer specializing in film, about Marley Twists, Issa Rae, and rebuilding a relationship with her hair.
What are some of your haircare and grooming routines for hair allover?
I love my allover body hair, especially my head hair. My head hair is usually in a protective style, currently (and often) with Marley Twists! My haircare routine consists of washing my head hair, usually an hour journey of sectioning my twists and shampooing/conditioning each part thoroughly followed by moisturizing my scalp with oil and leave-in. An oil I use on my head and body hair is castor oil. It's light enough that I can use it all over. I also use shea butter on my body hair. It's thick enough that it properly moisturizes me.
What hairstyles makes you feel the most confident?
Marley Twists make me feel most confident. I love how fun it is and it's easy to take care of.
Was there ever a time you didn't feel comfortable with your head or body hair?
Growing up I didn't feel comfortable with my hair, and at times, I still don't. Seeing the only image of "good hair" as straight or having loose curls caused me, along with a lot of other young black girls, to constantly straighten my hair. I didn't have a lot of people around me with similar head or body hair... Once I learned to love how versatile my hair can be, I learned to be more comfortable, and confident, with her.
What's one trick that always works for you?
Using a little bit of conditioner as a moisturizer in my hair is an easy trick that I use whenever I need a little extra lift.
How has your relationship to your hair changed over time?
Changing my hairstyle has allowed me to build a relationship with my hair. It was like having a new partner with different needs that I had to adapt to over time. When I wash my head hair and sit and oil my scalp, I recognize how far my hair journey has come.
Do you have a hair icon or someone in your life you look to for inspiration?
One of my biggest hair icons is Issa Rae. Seeing her use her hair in different ways very inspiring and allowed me to see someone change their hair with ease.
What do you love the most about your hair?
I love how my hair can do anything, and everything. I have so many options and avenues to take and I'm ready to explore any and all of them.
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