Biggest Natural Hair Lessons
Soooo, I’m back with more hair talk this week! In my last hair post , I told you guys that I was going to start being more consistent with my hair. Today, I wanted to share some of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned, and lessons that I’m still learning, as it relates to natural hair.
So, Let’s get started…
1.Protective Styling
Braids, twists, wigs, weave, crochets etc., are all considered protective styles. If you’re actually trying to maintain healthy hair, and/or retain length, you must take care of your hair underneath your style.
I’ve been wearing “protective” styles for a while now, or at least I thought I was. There’s a BIG difference between protective styling, and ignoring your hair. I realized that out of frustration, I had definitely been ignoring my hair, so that I didn’t have to deal with it. I would say this has been my biggest mistake.
To avoid dealing with my hair, it’s just been easier for me to wear wigs, braids or twists. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with those things (they can actually help your hair grow), but again, if you’re not caring for your hair underneath, it can be counterproductive. I was starting to see some breakage in my hair, and it’s because I wasn’t taking the time to care for my hair properly.
To avoid this mistake, some of the things you can implement before a protective style, is using a good deep conditioner to make sure your hair is well moisturized before braiding/twisting etc, trimming split ends as needed (we’ll talk more about this one in a second), and applying oils to the scalp to prevent dryness.
2. Have a routine
As I mentioned before, I haven’t had a wash day schedule in a very long time. I just “redeveloped” a wash day routine. Currently, I’m washing my hair every two weeks.
Some naturals wash their hair every week, some every two weeks, and some once a month. It all depends on your hair. You have to do what’s best for you, and your hair.
Once I decided to be more consistent with my hair, it actually made this past wash day a lot more enjoyable.
3. Don’t Ignore Split Ends
Basically, don’t let your ends look like mine in this photo. I had every intention of trimming my ends on wash day, and showing y’all a before, and after photo. (See, what had happened was) 😂
Seriously though, let me explain. So, this past wash day, I straightened my hair for the first time in over two years. I never wear my hair straight, but I knew my ends needed to be trimmed. Straightening my hair allowed me to see how many split ends I really had.
I realized that I needed to cut off more hair than I thought, and I definitely didn’t want to rush the process. Soooo, I didn’t get a chance to trim my hair before today’s blog post. We keeps it real over here…straggly ends and all.
Anywhoo, the moral of the story is, don’t be like me. Trim your ends regularly people. I feel that I could’ve had less split ends, if I would’ve been trimming my hair as needed, instead of prolonging it. Of course trimming your ends, helps your hair to grow healthier, and will prevent any further damage.
4. Using the right products
Hair and products go together like peanut butter and jelly. The bad part about this is, there are so many products to choose from, it can be both overwhelming, and expensive.
If you’re trying to learn more about your hair, you have to try a product, to know whether or not you like it. Not having the right products for your hair, can make you give up real quick on this #naturalhairlife.
For example, my hair is allergic to staying straight once I flat iron it. I would say that my hair, and humidity don’t get along, but apparently my hair doesn’t like fall, winter, or spring either. My hair will puff up on me real quick.
Exhibit A.
Just kidding y’all! It was more than a six minute difference between the photos. It was more like an hour smh. (I hadn’t even gone outside into the elements. All I did was walk around my house, and POUFF!) 💨 🤷🏾♀️
I know finding the right products for your hair can be frustrating, but just keep trying to learn all you can about your hair, and you’re bound to find what works for you.
5. Afraid to try new styles
One of the things that can prevent you from enjoying your natural hair journey, is being afraid to try new styles.
Exhibit B.
A few years ago, I never would’ve tried this style. Ok…last month I wouldn’t have tried these either, but I’ve turned over a new hair leaf. I’m what you may call, a “two-style natural”. (I totally just made that term up lol) When I wear my hair out, it’s either in a curly fro, or up in a puff.
Exhibits c & d.
I decided to get out of my comfort zone, and try these mini twists, and I ended up loving this style. I will definitely be wearing these more often.
Don’t be afraid to try new styles, out of fear of it possibly not suiting you. You never know until you try! If you try a style, and you’re not crazy about it, ask yourself whether or not you were using the best products for your hair, if you used the right technique to achieve the style, or if you’re just not feeling the style altogether. That way you can fix it, or just move on to the next style.
I hope these tips help you on your natural hair journey as well. Leave a comment! Which of these numbers do you relate to the most?