Wash Day Blues
When I first went natural, I used to get excited about wash day. It was fun discovering what products worked for my hair, and seeing my curl pattern start to form.
Fast forward about seven years later, and it actually takes all the strength I can muster up to wash my hair. Before going natural, I don’t think I really understood that “wash day” literally meant it would take AAALLL DAY!
My hair is DENSE. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m grateful for thick hair, but when it comes to wash day, sometimes it can be exhausting.
On top of the normal wash day routine, about every 4-6 weeks, I touch up my roots(depending on how I’m styling my hair). I know “they” say gray hair means you’re wise, but I’m not ready to embrace the salt & pepper look yet. 🙅🏾♀️ So, on those days that I have to dye my hair, it takes even longer.
Last week, I told myself that I was going to start being more consistent with my hair. I haven’t had a consistent wash day routine in I don’t know how long. I believe this is ONE of the reasons why I’m seeing breakage in certain areas of my hair.(I also really need my ends trimmed, if you can’t tell by the photo.)
As a natural, its really important to know YOUR OWN HAIR. No two hair types are exactly alike. There are sooooo many products out there, and sooooo many tutorials on how to grow thicker, longer, and healthier hair. It can get overwhelming!
I realize that I need to take more time to learn my hair, and what works for me. Lately, I’ve just been going with the motions. Like many other things in life, consistency is key!
I was texting a friend of mine the other day, and she sent something that stuck with me. She said…
“We get so consumed with life, that we sometimes forget about self care. ”
See Marquetta, I told you I would shout you out lol.
But what she said was so true. Sometimes, we’re so consumed with everything, and everybody else, that a lot of times we end up putting ourselves on the back burner. For me, that’s not just about my hair. It’s about multiple things as it relates to my physical well being, i.e. drinking more water, and getting my behind back in the gym.
Of course, how we take care of our bodies internally, affects our bodies outwardly, even our hair. So, we can be using all the right products, and have a consistent routine, but if our body is lacking the proper nutrients it needs, our hair still won’t flourish. (Me, preaching to the choir…needless to say, I gotta get my whole life together! )
I believe that knowing what works for your hair, makes wash day so much easier. So, I’m getting up out of this hair funk that I’ve been in. As I learn, I’ll be sure to share with you guys.
“I’m not only on this spiritual journey growing closer to God, but I’m also on a hair journey now too. Coming from someone who loves hair, I’m determined to learn all that I can about hair, starting with my own. ”
Leave a Comment!
Do you look forward to wash day? What are some things you’ve learned about caring for your natural hair. Let us know.