Natural Hair Care Pioneer Taliah Waajid Reveals Black Women’s Top Hair Care Mistakes - Page 3

Taliah Waajid Says Too Tight Hairstyles And Too Much Product Are Among Her Top Hair Care Mistakes

Taliah Waajid has touted the benefits of going chemical free, or natural back in the early 1990s – long before it became a hair care phenomenon among African-Americans. The veteran stylist, who just released “Taliah Waajid Pure & Natural,” a line of 97 percent natural products, told BOSSIP the biggest black hair care mistakes:

Not Paying Attention To Edges

The hairline and the nape of the neck are the parts of the scalp most susceptible to breakage, and Waajid said relaxers, braids and tight pony tails can stress that area. She said to keep an eye on your hairline, and if you see any hair loss, take a break from that style.

“Any stress or over processing, and the hair there starts to go first,” Waajid said. “As soon as you see a little breakage, switch it up.”

Being A “Product Junkie”

Women trying to achieve a certain look may try out dozens of hair care products, a practice that Waajid said is expensive and unnecessary. “They’re looking for that magic solution,” she said, “that’s what causes them to become product junkies.”

Instead, Waajid said women should pay attention to their curl pattern and hair texture, and talk to their stylist about what works for them.

Putting Grown Up Styles On Kids

Parents should leave the weaves and extremely tight hairstyles for adults, Waajid said. Children’s hair isn’t fully developed, and when they wear extensions, tight ponytails and other styles that put stress on the hair, it can leave them with permanent damage.

“The worst thing I see that we’re doing is when you have a little girl and you’re doing that,” Waajid said. “It’s not mature hair. You’re damaging the hair before it matures.”

This interview was edited for space and clarity.