Natural Haircare Solutions & Salon W/ Ayanna Blake

In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, I am chatting about Natural Hair with Ayanna Blake a Scalp & Haircare Specialist and the Founder of The Natural Haircare Salon. 

In this conversation, Ayanna shares about what inspired her to start The Natural Haircare Salon, her training, journey of entrepreneurship, and how she is building her business. She also gives advice and tips on how to care for natural hair. 

We delve into common myths about protective hairstyles, traditions like oiling the scalp, using oils for moisture, good hair and more. 

Ayanna talks about her purpose for educating women, she is said to have gifted hands and therein lies her mission to help. She indicated that most salons focus on styling, but hers is about proper and effective haircare. 

Ayanna indicated that taking care of your hair involves understanding your particular hair type; and that general care involves the hair and scalp. The hair which requires hydration, moisture and trims to grow and retain length, the scalp must be kept clean and healthy. 

A common issue she sees with natural hair is dehydration, which affects elasticity. Women often think that the application of oils on the scalp and hair will fix "dry hair" but this does not work. 

In client consultations, Ayanna first discusses their hair history, concerns or issues then hair goals. She also asks about the products they use and gives advice on which is best suited for their hair, which is a key factor in the haircare journey. 

She talks about the use of oils which if used frequently or abused requires the use of a clarifying shampoo to clean the hair and scalp. Oils do not necessarily hydrate the hair. 

We discuss braids, weaves, wigs and other options for women. When used, should incorporate effective care and maintenance when applied to natural hair. 

Three habits we need to incorporate into natural haircare are keeping the scalp clean and product free, maintenance hair cuts and the use of a clarifying shampoo when cleaning/washing. 

Some harmful habits for natural hair are  not washing regularly, hair should be washed minimum every two weeks. When washing your hair  should be open and exposed, not in braids etc. Taking care of hair with colour, understand that there will be additional treatments required. 

We talk about services like scalp & hair rehabilitation, hydration & moisture therapy, maintenance and length-retention systems. What these entail and how Ayanna is able to help women achieve their hair goals. 

Ayanna talks about braids. She said it is not a protective style especially when used with edge control and gels. The use of braids can be quite harmful to hair, if the natural hair is not prepared well to accept the braids. 

We discuss issues with women's hairline and receding edges. Ayanna  talks about treatments and what women need to do to protect their scalp. 

Ayanna is a natural hair "whisper" and hair "doctor". With her training, knowledge, experience and passion she is helping women to repair and  restore their hair to maintain healthy natural hair. 

Her final message to women is "Your hair is not the problem, you just have not been taught the right way. So be patient and give yourself grace. Your hair is worthy of  understanding and not frustration".