I’ve been natural for about 5 years now and boy did I want to give up and perm my hair. I’m honestly surprised I’m still natural because looking back It was a struggle for me. I did not know how to do hair at all. I guess the “knowing how to braid” gene skipped me lol.
I had no idea what I was doing when I began my hair journey and I was the only one in my family with natural hair at the time so they couldn’t help me much in that department. I was trying new hair products and hairstyles that I’ve never done before.
I didn’t even know there were hair products made specifically for my hair type. It was a learning process for sure but I did end up learning a lot about my natural hair. I know everyone’s hair is different but there are a few things that I learned that I think everyone can follow regardless of their hair type.
The Do’s
Moisturize your hair
This is the most important thing when it comes to natural hair! It is essential to keep your hair moisturized for healthy hair and prevent breakage. Moisturize your hair either every day or every other day depending on how well your hair holds moisture. Water is your best friend!
Use the right products
It’s important to find and use the right hair products for your hair. Let me repeat YOUR
HAIR! Hair products that work for others may not work for you and that’s okay you just
have to find the right ones that work for your hair. The right hair products will give you
the moisture and definition you want while the wrong ones will leave your hair dry.
Protect your hair at night
Use a satin/silk scarf or bonnet to wrap your hair at night to protect your hair and keep it moisturized. Not protecting your hair at night could lead to hair breakage. Silk or satin pillowcases are another option to help protect your hair. If you’re a wild sleeper like me you probably want to use both a scarf and a bonnet when wrapping your hair and have silk pillowcases on your bed for extra protection.
Take care of your scalp
If you want healthy hair then you have to have a healthy scalp. So it’s important to find a good cleansing shampoo and not let product buildup in your scalp. Remember your hair grows from your roots!
Trim your hair regularly
In the words of Elsa let it go… If you have split ends or damaged hair then it is time for a trim. Trimming your hair regularly promotes healthy hair growth and prevents knots. Don’t be that girl or guy who walks around with damaged ends because you want to have long hair (it’s not a good look).
You’re supposed to trim your hair every 3-4 months but I get mine trimmed every 6 months because I only straighten my hair twice a year.
Deep-condition your hair
You should be deep conditioning your hair regularly. It helps moisturize your hair and prevents damage. Deep condition your hair either once a week, every 2 weeks, or monthly. It depends on your hair and the routine you use. Right now I deep-condition my hair once a month but when my hair used to be dry I deep-conditioned every 2 weeks.
Have a hair routine/regimen
For the longest time, I did not have a hair routine. I was just doing whatever whenever because I didn’t know what to do. But after learning more about my natural hair I was able to create and follow a routine that works best for me. Having a hair routine helped me maintain moisture and grow my hair.
Learn your hair
Please please please learn your hair. Knowing your hair type and porosity allows you to properly take care of your hair. You’ll know what products to use and how much moisture your hair needs. Knowing your hair is key to having healthy hair!
Wear protective hairstyles
Protective hairstyles keep your hair healthy by protecting your natural hair from damage. There are so many protective styles to choose from too! Braids, twists, weaves, wigs, and many many more to choose from.
The Dont’s
Neglect your hair
I can be guilty of this sometimes. Keeping up with your hair routine can be hard at times especially if you have a lot going on but it’s important to keep up with your hair and make sure your hair stays moisturized. If you feel like you won’t be able to keep up with your hair routine for a while then put it in a protective style.
constantLY use heat
I love a good blow out but baby that heat can be damaging sometimes that’s why I only straighten my hair 2 or 3 times a year. Constantly using a blow dryer and flat iron can cause heat damage and that can mess up your curl pattern when your hair is in its natural state. Be mindful of how much heat you use on your hair and use a heat protectant.
overmanipulate your hair
Sometimes you just gotta leave your hair alone because over manipulation can cause breakage. Low manipulation is key to growing and maintaining your hair. Refrain from unnecessary touching and styling.
use a regular towel to dry your hair
Using a regular towel can damage your hair. Sounds crazy but it’s true so instead of using a regular cotton towel you should use a microfiber towel. You can also use a t-shirt if you don’t want to buy a microfiber towel.
do a lot of tight hairstyles
If you aren’t a fan of your edges and your hairline then by all means wear tight hairstyles. If you’re like me and you like having all of your edges and you don’t want your hairline pushback then try not to wear too many tight hairstyles. That includes braids, ponytails, and high puffs. Tight hairstyles pull your hair and that causes hair loss.
use overproduct your hair
Using too much product on your natural hair is a mistake you don’t want to make because first of all hair products are not cheap and secondly you don’t want scalp buildup or stiff curls. It is important to keep your hair moisturized but don’t overdo it with hair products.
rush the detangling process
Never ever rush the detangling process! I know detangling is a lot and I hate doing it too but you don’t want to rush this process because doing so causes breakage. Be gentle with your hair at all times but especially during the detangling process. Work in small sections and start at the ends.
use harmful chemicals
It’s important to read the ingredients of the hair products you use because there are some harmful ingredients that you do not want in your hair. Stay away from products like petroleum, sulfates, and isopropyl alcohol.
MOST IMPortantly, don’t give up
I know it can be hard if you haven’t figured out what products, styles, and routines work for you. Keep trying and keep experimenting and you will find what works for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either, I get a lot of hair advice and tips from my hairstylist.
I love my natural hair! At first, I was regretting going natural but I am happy I did because my hair is longer and healthier than ever. I wish I would’ve gone natural sooner but I was so used to getting perms and I honestly didn’t know anything about it until after I graduated high school.
Do you have any hair advice? Comment below to let me know 🙂