5 Things that I’ve learned during my natural hair journey
5 Things that I’ve learned during my natural hair journey
- Expect Personal Growth
When I cut my hair I thought it was just external change I was expecting to see. I did not realize that personal growth was going to happen. I found my voice and confidence through my hair journey. As I took a stand for what I thought was best for me, I realized though scary I can apply that same courage throughout my life. I took courage into my workplace, into my healthcare choices, into my family eating choices and even in dating choices. Finding my voice and opinion was very liberating and I have my hair journey to thank for that.
- Enjoy your hair length throughout the journey
I hear ladies saying I can’t wait till my TWA (teeny weeny afro) grows out so I can do twist outs. Ladies, Ladies, Ladies, we have to enjoy our hair at each stage. We will find something to complain about at each length. I believe we are beautiful at each stage of our journey and we continue to grow in beauty along with our hair.
- Increase in Respect
There are three categories of women when it comes to their viewpoint of natural hair. Those who say “you look crazy and I want no part”, those who say, “You look crazy but I respect your courage.” Lastly, those who say “you look like me and we are beautiful sisterhood, mad respect for you girl.” Now at each point we get love and respect because of the decision we made to be natural sisters. I believe the best part of being natural is the bond we all share no matter where we are on this planet.
- Knowledge Share is Critical
How many times have you been stopped and asked about your hair? How did you do your hair? Which method did you use? Can I have your number? When I tell you it’s a sisterhood, it for real a sisterhood. Meeting a stranger and connecting about hair and talking to that person like they are family is amazing. As we share information, we help each other. What may be simple and non-factor to you may be completely amazing to someone else. For instance, I had done Bantu knots multiple times and they always turned out frizzy. I changed two things, which created less frizz. First thing, was to sit under the dryer and the second thing was to sleep with shower cap to lock in moisture. Next day, I had beautiful bouncy frizz free curls. Had someone not shared with me that tip, I would have had another epic YouTube video fail.
- Your hair changes regularly
I am not sure if this theory is scientifically correct, but my observation seems to prove that I am right. I realized a few things, every hair blogger advice is solely suggestive. It’s up to the person to due diligence to avoid the video fails. Everyone’s hair texture is different and the same products that work for someone may not work for me or you. I believe we have to listen to our hair just as closely as we listen to our bodies. For instance, my hair gets severely dry during winter months. I am talking brittle and just down right embarrassing. I have to switch products winter vs summer vs spring. It’s important to listen to your hair, she is dropping clues about what she needs.