Salon owner champions natural hair
TEXARKANA, Texas — Texarkana native Angela Pickett-murphy, owner of Naturally Sweet Hair Boutique, started her natural hair care journey a decade ago.
“The journey started when my beautician at the time said she didn’t know how to do natural hair,” Pickett-murphy said. “So, I started playing and experimenting with my hair, and from that, other people would ask if I could do theirs.”
As more people would approach her about her hair, she developed a desire to give people more information. In 2013, she saw there was a need for the natural hair community in Texarkana and began to host events.
“I was always going to natural events in Dallas, so I thought it would be a good idea to do the same thing here,” Pickett-murphy said. “The natural hair movement was just taking off, and people wanted information.”
That fueled a passion for natural hair, and in July 2015 she began attending cosmetology school at night while working full-time as an administrative assistant for Liberty-eylau ISD.
She graduated in June 2017 and that same month started Naturally Sweet Hair Boutique and Salon. The salon caters to those who want to embrace and desire to learn more about their naturally textured hair.
“Not only do I want to provide the right products for natural hair, but to give away great information about how my clients can care for their hair when they are not in my chair,” Pickett-murphy said.
Just two years ago, Pickett-murphy decided to leave her full-time job with Liberty-eylau after nearly 10 years to focus completely on the salon.
“That was a hard step, especially in this economy, but it has been a blessing. I get to meet women and men every day who want to learn more about their hair,” she said. “With all of my children in college, it is now time for me to focus on my business.”
Her goal is for her clients to embrace their natural hair. She teaches that healthy hair is the best hair.
“It’s all about finding what works best for your hair, because everyone’s hair is different,” she said.
Part of having healthy hair is maintaining a healthy routine, she said. A complicated hair routine is not needed. It can be simple and still get great results.
Part of having healthy hair is also a person’s diet. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps the body hydrated, but it also allows the scalp and hair follicles to stay healthy.
Products that work for a friend or family member may not work for you, and that is OK, Pickett-murphy said. Sulfate-free shampoos are healthier for natural hair. Sulfates can be harsh, so sticking to gentle and hydrating cleansing formulas is best, according to Carol’s Daughter a natural hair product website.
Another tip is to sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. Cotton pillowcases are known to absorb the oils from hair and skin, leaving them dry.
Prioritizing hair trims every six to eight weeks is necessary. Trims help get rid of spilt ends, which can be damaging to the hair. Also try for less heat. Too much heat can be trying to the hair and also cause heat damage.
Naturally Sweet Hair Boutique and Salon is at 4093 Summerhill Road. For more information, email naturallysweethb@gmail.com or follow Pickett-murphy on the Facebook page for Naturally Sweet Hair Boutique.