3 Tips to Get Through That First Year as a Natural
Going natural isn't always the most, well, natural thing in the world for some women. This is especially true for women who can't remember what their natural hair is like due to being chemically straightened from very young ages. Or, women who've bought into the message that natural tresses are somehow less professional or beautiful than straight manes.
While plenty of women choose to return to their natural roots out of preference, others don't get a choice due to extreme damage or medical conditions. No matter your reasons for forgoing chemical straightening, these three tips will help you get through some days when it seems nothing is going right with your hair, or you're feeling tempted to return to relaxing.
Disclaimer: If you embraced your natural tresses from day one, wonderful! You probably don't need help navigating those early days of learning what your real texture is like. This is for those ladies who need some help and motivation sticking to a newly natural hair life.
Pick a time frame to commit to no drastic changes. This could be two months; it could be 12. But make a commitment to yourself that you won't return to the chemicals before this time frame is up. In many cases, there will be days when your frustration level is at its peak. It will seem like your hair is fighting you. It can be very tempting during these times to run to your stylist or drugstore and pick up a box relaxer. If you've made a firm commitment to yourself, and your hair, you may find it easier to deal with these frustrating times. Having trouble sticking to your commitment? Enlist the help of a family member or friend who's supportive of your efforts to be natural. Have them on speed-dial if necessary. On those mornings when your tresses aren't cooperating, call your buddy to talk you off the chemical cliff.
Let's face it: there will be bad hair days. This is true for everyone of every hair length, type and texture. You don't have to have more frustrating days than anyone else just because your tresses are natural. Instead of dealing with these times once they happen, have a plan in place for those days so that you can meet them head-on. Have two to three (if you have more, that's even better!) hairstyles that you can easily do when it seems your hair won't do anything else. For some women, it can be as simple as throwing on a hat. However, if you have a job that requires something more professional, have a go-to style in mind that works. It can be flat twists pulled into a bun for some, while others will choose a weave or braid extensions to put their hair out of sight and out of mind for a while.
Collect photos, images and sayings that will motivate you during any tough times. You can use Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, etc. if you love social media for that purpose. But, you can also create an inspirational board in your home or office. Use whatever means best work for you. There's no shortage of natural inspiration these days, either. All you have to do is seek it out. Find it online or find it in real life through that coworker or friend whose natural hair always looks great. Who knows? One day, you might be that inspiration for someone else.
More on Natural Hair:
While plenty of women choose to return to their natural roots out of preference, others don't get a choice due to extreme damage or medical conditions. No matter your reasons for forgoing chemical straightening, these three tips will help you get through some days when it seems nothing is going right with your hair, or you're feeling tempted to return to relaxing.
Disclaimer: If you embraced your natural tresses from day one, wonderful! You probably don't need help navigating those early days of learning what your real texture is like. This is for those ladies who need some help and motivation sticking to a newly natural hair life.
1. Commit to It
Pick a time frame to commit to no drastic changes. This could be two months; it could be 12. But make a commitment to yourself that you won't return to the chemicals before this time frame is up. In many cases, there will be days when your frustration level is at its peak. It will seem like your hair is fighting you. It can be very tempting during these times to run to your stylist or drugstore and pick up a box relaxer. If you've made a firm commitment to yourself, and your hair, you may find it easier to deal with these frustrating times. Having trouble sticking to your commitment? Enlist the help of a family member or friend who's supportive of your efforts to be natural. Have them on speed-dial if necessary. On those mornings when your tresses aren't cooperating, call your buddy to talk you off the chemical cliff.
2. Find 2-3 Easy Hairstyles
Let's face it: there will be bad hair days. This is true for everyone of every hair length, type and texture. You don't have to have more frustrating days than anyone else just because your tresses are natural. Instead of dealing with these times once they happen, have a plan in place for those days so that you can meet them head-on. Have two to three (if you have more, that's even better!) hairstyles that you can easily do when it seems your hair won't do anything else. For some women, it can be as simple as throwing on a hat. However, if you have a job that requires something more professional, have a go-to style in mind that works. It can be flat twists pulled into a bun for some, while others will choose a weave or braid extensions to put their hair out of sight and out of mind for a while.
3. Have Inspiration at Hand
Collect photos, images and sayings that will motivate you during any tough times. You can use Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, etc. if you love social media for that purpose. But, you can also create an inspirational board in your home or office. Use whatever means best work for you. There's no shortage of natural inspiration these days, either. All you have to do is seek it out. Find it online or find it in real life through that coworker or friend whose natural hair always looks great. Who knows? One day, you might be that inspiration for someone else.
More on Natural Hair:
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