Consistent Care Will Show
The last phase to remember is consistent love and attention. Like anything else, when you show your hair affection, it will become healthy and full of life. Your hair is no different. The consistent care you provide, like shampooing it frequently, moisturizing it daily and getting proper trims, will reward you with healthy tresses. The time and attention you put in caring for your hair will make it easier as your relationship matures.
So are you on the quest to meet a new friend? Don’t be nervous. Start by simply looking in the mirror and saying: “Hello, hair! It’s nice to meet you.”
Sonya L. Moore is the Founder of ‘Nati Naturalistas, an active Cincinnati, Ohio membership- and community-based natural hair society focusing on empowerment, wellness, style and beauty for women of all ages who are currently natural, thinking of becoming natural, transitioning or caring for someone with natural hair. Feel free to join my natural hair society and learn more about ‘Nati Naturalistas. Email: [email protected]
“When you’re different, I think that’s beautiful. If you’re operating on nothing but who you are really, that always looks good.” ~ Macy Gray
Take Time to Get Acquainted
When I shampooed and styled my hair for the first time, I was intimidated. I was extremely nervous because I hadn’t touched my natural hair texture for 15+ years. You cannot even compare shampooing relaxed hair the same as shampooing natural hair, when it’s new to you. I have 4c hair so when water hits my tresses, I don’t get instant spiral curls. Honey, I get drastic shrinkage and “cotton ball head” if I let it air dry! That’s intimidating for anyone if you don’t know what to do or how to do it. One day I simply made up my mind to have a long-term relationship with my hair and that I would do whatever it took to learn to care for it.
The Best of Friends Fight Sometimes
There will be days you fight with your hair and it seems to fight with you. For example, you might use a product that gets rave reviews, or you pick one because the packaging is appealing, but when you try it, your hair is a hot mess. Or maybe you try to recreate a YouTube style that becomes an epic fail for you. Like any relationship, you will have your ups and downs. Try the product again or keep practicing the technique. Trial and error is the name of the game because you don’t know what you don’t know. Your hair is special to you and you’ll have to keep trying new products or techniques until you find one that works for your hair. When you find what works, stick with it. You and your hair will be happy!
Quality Time
Spending quality time is getting to know your natural hair and the best products for it. Patience and determination are required for this critical phase in your journey. One time I spent five hours on my hair! I did everything from pre-pooing, shampooing, deep conditioning under the dryer, moisturizing and two-strand twisting my then-mid-length hair! I know five hours is excessive and I was doing the most, but it was an empowering experience for me! After that I knew I was on my way to learning what was best for my hair. (Oh and if you are wondering, that five hours was a one-time learning experience. Now, I have short hair and it takes me less than 60 minutes to do all those steps).