Paris & Natural Hair

Natural Hair Academy Paris. Photo by PRISSY MAG.

Hey guys here are some of the questions I've received over the past year regarding Natural Hair in Paris. I hope this helps. Enjoy!

What has the trend in hair been where you live, do you see naturals all over?

It varies, depending on the culture. African women tend to wear braids, extensions, weaves and lots of wigs. We do see natural afros on some women though as there aren’t a lot of choices for women of color here in Paris.  First, hair stylists are only trained on European hair, believe it or not. The hair schools simply don’t train future beauticians on black hair. Most of the people working on black hair are unlicensed and therefore potentially dangerous when it comes to chemicals. People who do black hair have learned from just working on their own hair, family, etc. Another issue is economics. Many women here can’t afford to get a relaxer and pay for the upkeep.  

North African women tend to wear their hair naturally. I love their curls. You’ll see Moroccan or Algerian women with heads full of curly or wavy hair (if they aren’t covered up). Women from the West Indies wear their natural hair most often. My West Indian friends just wash it and go. They do get blow outs. Some of them wear braids in the summer. Americans here wear it natural, in braids, weaves or get relaxers--once they’ve found a good salon. That’s always the challenge for Americans. We are used to getting our hair done on a regular basis!

Do women stop each other on the street to exchange hair tips?

No, women do not stop each other on the streets to exchange hair tips. I tried it a couple of times when I first moved to Paris. It’s not “normal” here. It’s a pity. That's what prompted me to write my hair article "Combing for a Black Hair Salon in Paris." I hit the streets of Paris to find good competent hair salons and stylists. Then I put together a list. It has been extremely useful to folks. Not surprisingly, this article has gotten more hits than any other article on my website! Like I said before, Americans are used to getting our hair done and we look for the same type of services we get back home. We want professionals who are trained on black hair. This is why my article has been so well received.

Are there natural hair events and parties there like we do in America? If so what are they like if you have attended?

Only one that I know of so far, which was sponsored by Bellebene called the Natural Hair Academy, which was held last spring. It's a great idea! They're actually having another one next spring 2013.

Do the stores have sections for natural hair products?

As for my present stock (and I’m still experimenting) I brought them back from America with me, and ordered some others online. However, I wasn’t really looking for this type of hair product before because I had a relaxer. I’m going back to the black hair stores in Paris this weekend with fresh eyes! I’ll be sure to report back.

In terms of careers, is there a concern about wearing natural hair at work?

No. I do find it much easier here to wear natural hair. Besides writing books and running my webzine Prissy Mag, I’m in a French company often too and some of my collaborators have natural afros. For the French, it’s normal. It’s natural. It’s beautiful! I’ve gotten tons of compliments.

What is the difference in how your country treats women with natural hair and how you perceive America treats women with natural hair? 

It seems to be more acceptable and more attractive here. I think the French perceive it as lovely. It’s part of the mystery of a black/Arab/African woman. It’s “natural”! When I last lived in America it seemed like you’d be the odd woman out if you wore natural hair. People sort of expected you to be a bit bohemian, very eccentric or afro centric. In France, they have a more logical reasoning. Its science pure and simple: you’re black; you have a curly or wavy hair texture. We’re white, we have a different texture. End of story. 

What are some of your favorite styles in general and how to do you normally like to wear your hair?

Polished Hair Care gave me my first twist out and I love this look. I’ve always wanted curly hair and to think that I already had it until I started getting it relaxed, sigh. The twist out is very easy to do and maintain and I love the texture it gives my hair. I’ll wear it full or partly pulled back and it looks great. I’m in hair heaven for the first time in years. If I don’t twist it I wash and let it dry naturally.  This style is great too—tighter curls and more compact, but amazing. I look in the mirror and I can’t believe it’s all my hair. No relaxer. No curling iron. No flat iron. It’s wash and/or twist and go. I wish I’d done this years ago!