Caring for natural hair can be a journey filled with twists and turns. With the current beauty standards, the pressure to understand and manage one’s natural hair can be particularly overwhelming. For Black women, it’s crucial to dispel the notion that not knowing how to care for natural hair makes you a “failure.” Instead, it is important to view the journey as an opportunity for self-discovery and learning.
Remember You’re Not a Failure
For many Black women, natural hair care comes with its fair share of emotions. The societal pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards historically has marginalized textured hair. This pressure to conform has contributed to a lack of understanding and resources for its care.
While many Black women have to deal with outside pressures, there are some internal pressures that they may face as well. Sometimes, individuals feel that they should possess innate knowledge about their own hair type. They believe that they should immediately understand how to care for and treat their hair. However, that is not the case for many Black women.
A lot of naturalistas rely on hair salons to maintain and upkeep their hair. However, when salons were closed in 2020, the inability to access professional care became a stressor for many because they had to figure out how to treat their hair on their own. This period accentuated the need for self-sufficiency and pushed individuals to confront their insecurities head-on.
It is not a shortcoming if you do not know how to care for your natural hair. Instead, it’s an opportunity for growth. The pandemic forced many to address these challenges, leading to increased self-awareness and resilience. By incorporating simple practices and embracing the learning curve, embracing and caring for your natural hair becomes easier and empowering. Here are four easy tricks to help you get started on your natural hair learning journey.
Moisture is Key
One fundamental practice for natural hair care is maintaining proper moisture levels. Textured hair tends to be drier and keeping it hydrated is crucial for preventing breakage and promoting overall hair health. Regularly moisturize your hair with a leave-in conditioner or natural oils. Develop a routine that suits your hair’s needs.
Gentle Detangling
Detangling natural hair has to be a delicate process to prevent unnecessary breakage. Invest in a wide-tooth comb or use your fingers to separate knots gently while the hair is damp. Begin at the tips and work up to the roots, ensuring minimal stress on the hair shaft. This easy practice can make a significant difference in retaining length in your natural curls.
Wrapping Your Hair
Protect your edges and maintain your styles by wrapping your hair. Whether it is the pineapple or other wrapping techniques, you can help preserve your hairstyle, prevent frizz and protect delicate edges by wrapping it. These simple methods can be incorporated into your nightly routine, ensuring you wake up with well-preserved and styled natural hair.
Finding Your Natural Hair Community
Establishing a connection with a stylist who understands and caters to your specific hair needs is crucial. Look for a professional who educates you about your hair type and the best practices for its care. Connect with others who share similar hair journeys and create a space for advice, tips, and encouragement.