Tags
Christmas, Christmas hair, hair journey, Holiday hair, length retention, natural hair, natural hair movement
It’s been three years since I big chopped and I feel like I have learnt a lot since my transition and TWA days.
So here are 12 lessons I learned, maybe they may help you ahead of Christmas.
- Natural Hair calls for patience – When people say ‘Natural hair aint for me’… LEAVE THEM ALONE! I firmly believe that because some days when I look at my hair in the same ponytail from Sunday to Wednesday…I think, ‘Why am I natural?’
- Know why you chose the Natural Hair Journey – This is the truth. If you are in this natural hair world to try new products and follow a trend, okay. But if you are in it to be a healthier version of yourself or to embrace your natural beauty…whatever the reason, know it for yourself and HOLD TRUE TO IT!
-
Ignore the noise – There will be the people who say, ‘I miss your straightened hair’, ‘You looked better with relaxed hair’, ‘You should wear a weave till your hair gets longer’, and on and on and on. Remember #2 and keep going on your journey.
- Protective styles – If weaves and braids are your way of growing out or getting through busy times in your life, do you. Do what is best for your hair. I tend to braid my hair around Crop Over to avoid too many puffs and ponytails. Crop Over 2018 was rough after 2018 Elections in Barbados and so I had to get my stylist to cornrow my hair, and then I got braids, because I was showing my hair no love.
- Sometimes your hair takes the back burner – It’s not on purpose, but sometimes you just have no time to do your hair. Hope and pray that when you do get around to it that it’s not matted and give it loads of water along with TLC – Tender Loving Care.
- Water inside and outside is key. Drink plenty of water. Spray your hair before manipulating. Make sure that one of the first three ingredients in the hair product is water.
- Clean hair but dirty scalp is a no-no. Your scalp needs to be cleaned frequently and consistently whether weekly or bi-weekly. Monthly is pushing it if you use products and have product build-up. A farmer does not tend to his plants but ignore the soil.
- Try a new product, especially if the ‘Price is Right’. Remember that show? Sometimes your hair is missing something that you did not even know. Then you stumble upon a new product or after some research you buy a new product and it makes your hair bloom like flowers in Spring.
- Don’t forget your routine. You may fall off the wagon because everyone gets busy, but as much as possible stick to a wash routine and even a night routine. ( I don’t have a night routine besides getting at least seven hours of sleep, but I’m trying to get there) My aunt legit braids her hair in singles ERRRRRY night as in EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, sleepy or not. #Commitment
- Take care with your edges. Like a bow makes the world of difference when a gift is wrapped, makes no sense having long, gorgeous strands and no edges. If you’re losing them ease the pressure and apply some JBCO – Jamaican Black Castor Oil.
- Avoid stress. Not just stress and strain on your strands from tight styles and constant manipulation but stressors in your life and work. Many people find bald patches on their scalp and wonder why. Then they learn it’s a form of alopecia brought on by stress and anxiety. I learnt this lesson vicariously through my best friend.
- Not everything is going to work for you because it worked for someone else. You are unique. Your hair is the same. So maybe your hair thrives on more manipulation than another’s or it loves almond oil but hates coconut oil or it hates a product now that it used to love. Hair gets tired just like humans. We are all growing and with growth comes change…even for hair!
Â
What lessons have your hair taught you?
Happy Holidays!!!Â
Â