Getting your hair done is one of the best self-care luxuries unless you’re tender-headed. In the Black hair community, the term “tender-headed” can carry trauma. It’s a phrase loaded with discomfort, tangled in hair care struggles that are far from superficial. It represents a common experience that can make grooming routines more challenging than they should be.
Many people are tender-headed in the Black community. It requires understanding, empathy and gentle care to ease the pain. Recognizing ways to ease the tension becomes crucial for fostering a more inclusive and compassionate approach to hair care within the diverse Black hair community.
What Does the Term Mean?
It describes an individual’s sensitivity to hair manipulation and styling. Tender-headed people experience discomfort or pain when combing, brushing or styling hair. It is essential to note that this sensitivity is subjective and varies depending on the person. While some may have a higher threshold for hair manipulation, others find even the gentlest touch a source of agony.
Ways to Ease the Pain
Consider using products and tools designed for gentle hair care to ease tension during styling. Additionally, dividing your hair into manageable sections can help minimize overall tension.
Regular self-care practices, such as scalp massages, may reduce sensitivity during hair manipulation. Incorporating regular scalp massages into your routine helps improve blood circulation and reduces sensitivity. Use gentle circular motions to massage the scalp, providing relief and making hair care a more enjoyable experience.
Applying a detangling spray before combing or brushing also can be a game-changer. It helps soften the hair, making it easier to tackle knots and reducing the pain associated with detangling.
Your hair tools also help to ease the pain. Use combs with wide teeth and brushes with soft bristles to minimize tension during styling. Gentle tools go a long way in preventing unnecessary discomfort.