Caring for natural hair can be a major commitment as is. That being said, maintaining natural hair in college is an entirely different story. Speaking from experience, it’s almost like having a second job, alongside school and other activities. Honestly speaking, it can be very difficult to manage during school, especially during crunch times like midterms or finals.
Having survived two years of college caring for my natural hair, and soon to start my third, I consider myself quite the expert when it comes to being able to tend to my hair-and to my studies, of course. For that reason, I have compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts for my fellow naturalistas, in hopes of making things that much easier when it comes to caring for our hair properly.
DO have a routine (and stick to it).
Consistency is everything! For me, designating Sunday as my “wash day” has made my life so much easier. I’m able to plan my week around it, making sure that I complete my schoolwork and other obligations before spending time on my hair.
DO keep your regimen simple.
As busy college students, we want the process of doing our hair to take up the least amount of time as possible. Remember that less is best! Find a few products and tips that work well for you and stick to them. No need to clutter up your wash day with dozens of extra steps.
DO protective style.
Sometimes, having a break from styling our hair is very necessary. If maintained properly, protective styles can work wonders for length retention and growth, as well as for keeping our hair from becoming tangled.
DON’T neglect your hair.
You’ll only make it that much harder for yourself when you do decide to style your hair again. Dealing with single-strand knots, tangles and dryness can be very time consuming and it is a sure way to make the process of doing your hair even more difficult.
DON’T over-manipulate your hair.
As college students, we want to look picture-perfect all of the time. Unfortunately, over-styling your hair can lead to hair loss, split ends, single-strand knots, and breakage. Instead, stretch that twist-out another day (or two)! After all- the bigger the hair, the better!
DON’T strive for perfection. Perfection is an unrealistic goal.
Us naturalistas can become so focused on having the most defined twist-out, or the sleekest edges, that we may be harming our hair rather than helping it. I’m definitely guilty of this, and I know the same is true for many of us. Now, you don’t have to give up those laid edges for good- but all things are best in moderation.
DON’T compare your hair to others.
Your natural hair is unique to YOU, and no two heads of hair are alike. You might find it easy to compare your tresses to others you see on social media, or even on campus (we’ve all been there). Instead, learn how to appreciate your hair’s own unique beauty. Be confident and own it!