My post from yesterday got me thinking......what have I learned about my hair or about me for that matter since being natural? One thing every natural girl learns real quick is that you can't treat your natural like your old permed hair. Most of our heads have so many different textures, and a lot of things going on at one time. By learning what our hair likes and dislikes we will achieve growth, happiness, confidence, and healthy hair. Natural hair does not mean that it's healthy or strong.
I remember upon going natural you meet people from different walks of life and they have different vibes too. It's really no different from straight haired gals. The main vibe I didn't appreciate was the one who looked down on others because they aren't natural. You know the ones who takes the opportunity to tell everyone why natural is a better choice for them. I learned real quick that's not who I wanted to be. Let ppl be free to be whatever or whomever they choose to be. The thing about women is that variety makes us beautiful. Hair does not make or break who you are. It would be boring if we all had the same hair anyways.
I've learned how to simply state that "this is how I prefer to wear my hair" or "I like big/crazy hair" when asked why I chose the natural choice. I mean it is a personal choice, and not a black movement or something. I also quickly learned to love my individual hair texture and to not compare my hair to others. I guarantee, you will be disappointed every time. I've learned that the right side of my hair is more tightly coiled yet thinner than my right side. The right side also tends to be frizzier, and have more shrinkage than the right. I've learned that I must be more gentle and take my time when combing the right side because it's more prone to breakage. The left side and back of my head has looser curls. I also find that it's harder to comb the right side due to the fact that I am right handed. It's awkward combing the right side. When I straightened my hair I noticed I have very fine silky strands mixed in with wild coarse strands....very interesting. I now know how to achieve certain looks, and I know exactly what products and techniques to use to do so. I prefer twist out in lue of braid outs, because they give me fuller results. I still love love love bantu knot outs. I've learned not to over brush my edges, to much protein does not work for me, and that tight buns break my edges. Using to much of a styling aid that's not all natural gives me terrible dandruff and itchy scalp. The curly girl method isn't for me, and I don't do the hair typing thing. I love oils and butters for my hair and skin. Here are my 2011 goals:
- Ayurvedic elements regimen
- Low manipulation
- More protective styling
- Silk pillow case
- Re-twisting hair most nights to reduce matting, tangles, and single strand knots
- Gentle on edges to reduce breakage
- Gentle combing to reduce single strand knots and breakage
- Use 100% cotton t-shirts or purchase a 100% cotton towel to dry my hair
- More hot oil treatment (at least once a month)
- Listen to my hair! My hair doesn't necessarily need washing every week. It depends on what products I've used.
- More deep conditioners ( at least once a month) using indirect heat.
- I prefer to detangle prior to washing, and I will do it more often than before.
- Make sure to always seal my ends with a heavy oil or butter
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