Embracing your natural hair can be a challenge and an exciting journey. There are going to be ups and downs especially if you are just starting out with your hair journey. The first year of that journey can be exhausting and tiring if you have a big head like me. There will be tears when that first twist out is not quite how you imagined it. But in the end, it will all be worth it when you notice how healthy and beautiful your curls and coils look as the years go by.
Prepare to make wash day an all day adventure.
Do not make plans to do anything else for your wash day. You will literally be trying to do your hair all day. The thicker and longer your hair is, the longer you will spend on wash day. No matter what your routine is, you will still spend a long time on your hair because of the detangling process. The detangling process alone takes about an hour before you can go onto the next step.
Protective styles will be your best friend.
After rocking your curls for awhile, you’re going to want to switch things up. Despite what people may think, wearing sew-ins, crochets and other weave hairstyles is not because we have no hair but because sometimes you just need a new look. Protective styles can be important to having healthy growing hair and less of a hassle when trying to do your hair every day. Having a protective style is also a good way to not worry about the everyday wear and tear process you go through on your hair struggle.
Accept that you will become a product junkie.
First, it starts off with three products and then you wake up one day and notice that your whole bathroom counter has been taken over by hair products. At the beginning of your natural hair process, you will be buying and buying products to see what works for your curl pattern. Finding the right products for you will take time.
Don’t stress when you have a bad hair day (they’re inevitable!)
We all have experienced those dreaded bad hair days. You spend hours up all night trying to part your Bantu knots perfectly or doing a wash and go to only end up with a style that looks less than perfect. Bad hair days can be very annoying but embrace them! It’s all a part of the journey when you’re learning how to take care of your natural tresses.
Yes, having natural hair can be a struggle. Maintaining your natural mane is a tedious process. Tending to your curls will leave you with tired hands and feet and might even make you want to give up on your hair. But your hair is worth it! Seeing those natural curls form is a beautiful thing. To not have scalp burns on your head from perms is a freeing feeling. So, stay strong on your natural hair journey.
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