Annagjid "Kee" Taylor on the #BlackEffectChallenge
In honor of Black History Month, Annagjid "Kee" Taylor created the #BlackEffectChallenge.
Essentially, this challenge is meant to invite Black women to rock natural hair styles and textures. We were lucky enough to speak with Kee herself, and she not only told us all about the challenge, but gave us some hair tips, as well! Keep reading for our full interview with Kee, below!
Sweety High: Tell us a little bit about the #BlackEffectChallenge!
Annagjid "Kee" Taylor: I wanted to honor the culture on the first day of Black History Month, and celebrating texture and natural hair styles seemed like the perfect way to do that. I'm known for both doing challenges and for doing hair, so this seemed like a good opportunity to put those together. I chose BLACK EFFECT given the message of how black culture has inspired others.
SH: Do you prefer natural hair? If so, what's your favorite way to style your own hair?
AKT: I do prefer wearing natural hair over other styles. I love the feelings of being free: running my fingers through my hair, feeling my scalp—I spent so many years not knowing what my hair was even capable of! My favorite style to wear with my natural hair is a twist out.
SH: What are your main tips to maintaining healthy hair, especially for Black women?
AKT: Just like skin, we all have variations in our hair—like texture, porosity, thickness and so on—all of which call for different care needs. You want to make sure that products are formulated for your hair type with high-quality ingredients in order to keep your hair healthy, moisturized and shiny.
SH: Do you have any favorite celeb-hair moments you've styled?
AKT: I love this bubble ponytail I created for Tika Sumpter for the NAACP Awards.
I also did an ankle-length braid for Nafessa Williams for the Shadow and Act Awards that was one of my most popular looks ever on Instagram. The people loved it so much, I even made a YouTube video tutorial!
SH: Are there any products you simply can't live without?
AKT: Deeper Than Hair First Class to Jamaica Oil ($15)—I've been using Jamaican black castor oil for years, which is known to promote hair growth, moisturize dry hair, eliminate dandruff and itchy scalp, strengthen thin hair and prevent hair breakage.
African Pride Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse ($12.45)—This product is especially great for braided and protective styles. This rinse is great for cleansing and conditioning the hair, edges and scalp during braided styles and under weaves without creating any frizz. It soothes the scalp and calms itching—leaving hair refreshed and styles lasting longer. It's ideal for braids, edges, under weave care, crochets and protective styles.
Silk wrap/headbands: One of the best ways to protect your hair is to wrap it at night in a silk wrap to prevent losing moisture and breakage.
SH: Do you have any advice for young Black women when it comes to their hair?
AKT: Try different styles, be versatile. Don't be afraid to try a bunch of different products until you find the perfect cocktail for you!
Want to show your support? Look HERE for our list of black-owned businesses to support this Black History Month.
