After celebrating 8 years into my natural hair journey, I start to reflect back on what I learned during this time. There was some highs and lows, but through it all I have learned a lot. I want to take some time to share with you some of the things I learned.
Now, I know you are waiting for me to name off the best products and hair growth techniques, but that will not help you. It is more to it than using a recommended product. If you understand and follow the tips I will talk about below, I know you have success in your journey.
Patience is key.
I’m learning that having patience in any and every area of our lives, is not the funniest thing ever. It is hard and frustrating at times. And going on a natural hair journey, is no different. Let me say this now, THERE IS NO QUICK FIX OR MARGIC PRODUCT/TECHNIQUE THAT WILL GIVE YOU LONG, BIG, AND HEALTHY NATURAL HAIR! It takes hard work and patience. That’s it.
I wanted to make this the first point because without patience you will not be able to do any other tips I mention. Patience is essential in EVERYTHING.
Patience is a virtue.
Understand the characteristics of your hair.
Everyone’s hair is as different as their fingerprints. You have to learn your hair. Once you learn what your hair likes and dislikes, you are able to choose products and techniques that will help it to reach its optimal health. Here are some questions to get you started:
What is your hair’s texture? (straight, wavy, curly, coily, and/or kinky)
What is your hair’s width? (coarse, medium, or fine)
What is your hair’s density? (low, medium, or high)
What is your hair’s porosity level? (low, normal, or high)
Does your hair like oils or butters?
Learning these things will take trial and error. You have to go through the process if you desire healthy hair at any length.
Setbacks are okay.
This journey is not guaranteed to go perfectly, setbacks may happen. It’s okay if they do. Setbacks are learning opportunities. I have had several setbacks in my journey, but I learned from them and used the information to get back on track and keep going. Don’t get discouraged if you haven’t reached your goal, understand what is not working and try again.
Seek professional help if needed.
There are some things that are out of your control that could be hindering your progress, such as a scalp or medication issue. I recommend that you go see a licensed professional and see what they advise.
Enjoy every stage.
I know you have goals and visions of where you want your hair to be. You may look at other and label them #goals. I want encourage you to enjoy the stage you are at. Live in the present and take time to try new styles, so your hair will become part of you.
I usually straighten my hair once a year for Christmas and every year several people come to me and say, “I love your hair, your curly hair is you.” I understand they are not being mean, they are just saying I taken the time to allow my natural hair to be a part of me and not just another hairstyle.
Are you having a difficult time in your natural hair journey? Do you have more tips that would be helpful? What are your thoughts? Let us talk about it! Leave a comment and let me know what’s on your mind. If you have any suggestions for topics you want me cover, let me know. I want to hear from y’all!
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God always has you and will never leave you!
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