And other natural hair experiences
I have been natural for about 6 years since 2016. After months of begging and nagging my mother let me cut my hair, which was in the midst of transitioning into locks, for the first time I think since 2003 or somewhere there. Since that first big chop, I have cut my hair maybe 2 or 3 times. These multiple chops have allowed me to experiment; I have had bleached hair, blue hair, honey blonde hair, a buzz cut and a failed attempt at a fade (make sure your barber knows what he is doing). It was fun, it was freeing; to not be anchored down by the painful pursuit for length and its connotation of beauty and femininity, as China McClain said in some random clip "God made hair optional because it does not determine your beauty".
These phases also allowed me to experiment with hair products and routines that work for me to achieve a healthy full head of hair. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and read numerous blog posts because surprise surprise being black and born with an afro does not actually mean you know how to care for it or maybe we have just complicated to process in the name of progress??? The main person whose hair advice I accept and follow is Jenn Jackson on YouTube, her hair looks like mine and she gets straight to the point.
I am a lazy natural so I take whatever information I have gleaned from the internet and I simplify, and this is what I have learned or had to learn as a result of what I learned hopefully it will help you:
If you know me personally you might know that I don't have patience and don't keep braids long enough to justify the cost in time and money spent getting braided. So, I learnt how to do twists, flat twists and knotless braids on myself. I can take breaks whenever I want to, unbraid it whenever I want to or never finish and just wear a hat. Having basic braiding skills can be such a style saver and something to do when bored.
Owning hats in different colours and styles has been very beneficial as someone who doesn't like to comb, just run your fingers through the hair and put on a hat then you are ready for the outside.
Curl enhancers can not be used on low porosity hair for a curling rod hairstyle.
If you have used styling gel for a sleek down hairstyle, you need to put on some hair mask or treatment after removing the gel.
The best and most inexpensive oil mix for hair is olive oil and castor oil.
Oil your scalp before braiding your hair, obviously don't drown it.
The best DIY hair mask/treatment is mayonnaise mixed with castor oil, olive oil and an egg.
The shampoo is for your hair and the conditioner is for your scalp.
You need to condition your hair every time you shampoo your hair.
Don't scratch your scalp with your nails when shampooing or in general.
Sheer Moisture makes the best natural hair products and I stand by that.
Use as little heat as possible on your hair.
Never comb or detangle while your hair is dry.
Play with your hair, touch it (you not other people) but obviously don't overdo it.
Above all else protect your edges.
I have found that the best routine for my hair is
Weekly: Shampoo, condition and detangle. Oil scalp and moisturise hair then twist or flat twist.
Monthly: Apply a hair mask. Shampoo, condition and detangle. Oil scalp and moisturise hair then twist or flat twist.
Daily (if I am going through a combing phase): Spray with a conditioner and water mixture then comb out.
Quarterly: Trim hair ends; while wet braid hair into medium twists and trim about 1-2 cm, use hair scissors.
In winter: wear hats or protective hairstyles
In summer: spray or drench hair with water as often as possible
Our hair is a lot like plants, it needs water, attention and sunlight in the right amounts to ensure it doesn't die. Good luck on your hair experiences and don't be too attached, try some funky hairstyles before you die.
that's cute xpxp
Oyama
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