Nicole Ari Parker Talks Natural Hair, Business & Family

nicole ari parker natural hair

We’re so thrilled to interview one of our long time celebrity natural hair crushes Nicole Ari Parker! Here she discusses her business Save Your Do™, her natural hair regimen and why Boris prefers her curls! Read on to get the scoop and be sure to set your DVRs for The Boris and Nicole Show coming in July on FOX…

1. You got the brilliant idea for the Save Your Do™ GymWrap when you noticed that women weren’t working out as much as they could or should be. Were you also one of those women who used your hair as an excuse to skip a gym session or two?

Yes. Not only was I skipping out on myself but also I would turn down my husband when he invited me to go running with him. So my not wanting to exercise because of my hair actually started to affect my marriage.

Not only was I skipping out on myself but also I would turn down my husband when he invited me to go running with him. So my not wanting to exercise because of my hair actually started to affect my marriage.

2. You’re an actress by trade (a very good one at that!) but was moving into the business world challenging for you? For example, the Save Your Do™ GymWrap uses patented proprietary “Edge Control Technology” to minimize moisture and thus preserve our hairstyles as we workout – how did you even begin making this unique idea a tangible product?

curls-understood-nicole-ari-parker-save-your-doIt was and still is extremely demanding. I’ve learned a lot in the past 3 years and have a deep respect for entrepreneurs; but the biggest thing I’ve learned is that for every problem that arises there is a solution.

The idea started with a need to solve a problem. Then secondly I knew I had the challenge of making a headband for every hairstyle change that women go through. We go from blowing out to getting extensions to getting twists all in the course of a year. I needed a product that could flow with those changes.

I then sat down in my kitchen and made the first prototype from scarves and athletic material I had around the house. I then perfected the prototype by testing it on women who had different hairstyles and different exercise regimens (some do yoga, some do boot camp, etc).

Then I found one that worked.

3. Any quick tips or tricks that enhance the results of using the Save Your Do™ GymWrap?

Yes. If you’re African-American and you have a flat ironed style, I highly recommend using an edge balm/pomade to brush into the hairline before brushing your hair back and tying the GymWrap tightly. If you’re a heavy sweater, blow-dry your hair on a cool setting after your workout to lift some of the moisture and let your body cool down before removing the GymWrap.

One of the greatest things I’ve learned from this journey is, believe it or not, how to comb my hair. I’ve learned so much from videos and blogs on how to start from the end.

4. Are there plans to expand the Save Your Do™ brand and make other products?

I’m still busy filling so many orders for the GymWraps that my extension products have to be put on hold for the moment – #goodproblemstohave. We are now in 1,027 Sally’s stores nationwide.

5. You’ve been natural since the Summer of 2011. That’s almost 4 years of being natural. Congrats! Do you find it easier to care for your hair now or when it was relaxed – especially considering your workout routine?

I have way more creams and gels than I ever had before now that I’m natural! I think natural hairstyles are still high maintenance but spiritually and mentally it feels easier.

6. Can we be cheeky and ask what Boris prefers? Natural or relaxed hair on you, and why?

Boris likes long legs and long hair so he’s loving these twists I have in right now from Ephinae of @xpressurkinks.

7. You have 2 beautiful kids – Sophie and Nicolas – was your decision to become natural influenced by motherhood at all?

I wanted my daughter Sophie to love herself, and hair is a big part of that. So when she saw mommy wearing natural styles she started to embrace the beauty of her own natural hair.

8. What are your favorite hair products at the moment?

Products I’m loving right now are:
• Lemongrass Leave in Conditioner spray by Alikay Naturals
• Jane Carter Grow Great Hair Solutions Foam
• Ella’s Concoctions Holy Grail Oil
• SheaMoisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo (really brings my curl back after I’ve flat ironed it)
• EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Control Edge Glaze
• Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer (amazing)
• Komaza Care Coconut Hair Pudding
• ORS Herbal Cleanse (great for cleansing your scalp when you have twists)
• Hair Rules Cleansing Conditioning Cream

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

9. For many naturals it’s a journey to fully understand their hair. It’s a process of trial and error. What was your “Curls Understood™” moment (the moment you felt like, “I’ve got this!” or any essential advice you wish you’d known at the beginning of your natural hair journey)?

It was tough for me to feel beautiful after my cute big chop started to grow out and I was in that middle phase, but now there are so may protective styles and hair stylists that are doing them, like Felicia Leatherwood. It’s worth making an appointment with a natural hairstylist to get you over the hump.

One of the greatest things I’ve learned from this journey is, believe it or not, how to comb my hair. I’ve learned so much from videos and blogs on how to start from the end. I was taught growing up to start from the scalp and pull through my hair. But there is something so caring and a gentle about sectioning your hair, going slowly and starting from the ends. This small detail really changed the way I see my daughter and myself.

nicole ari parker natural hair

10. What can we look forward to from Nicole Ari Parker the actress in 2015?

So excited for The Boris and Nicole Show, which premieres on FOX stations on July 6 of this year. Working together is how we met and here we are 10 years later, back at it. So excited!

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