Top 10 Things You Should Know About Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
By: Emily-Ann
Hello natural beauties!
I have compiled a list of things I think every natural girl should know. I have said it many times, and I will say it again. There is more to this natural hair journey than just hair. I know you're wondering, what else could there be? These are things I wish someone told me. I'm glad you’re still reading cause I’m about to spill the tea hunny! Here is my list on things you need to know about natural hairstyles for african american women! Let’s get right into it!
Top 10 Things You Should Know About Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
1. Knots, fairy knots, huge knots, SSK (single strand knots), knots, knots, and more knots - Yes, I meant to drill it into your head. Regular trims can prevents these annoying things from taking hold of your curls. Not only are they a hassle to get rid, but type 4 hair is most prone to knots. Moisture control is a preventive measure to control knots. Try to take your time when going through your hair and finding knots, be patient and release each strand of hair one at a time. I do this while watching my favorite show, listening to audiobook, or watching my favorite youtuber.
2. Product Junkie - Be careful not to fall into this trap. I know it can be very tempting to buy every new product that comes out. Companies often advertise to us products that will promote, control, hydrate, detangle, and shine to your natural hair. Trying new products is okay, but finish the ones you have. Another alternative is to pass it to a friend or family member because it may be suited for someone else curls or natural hair. Make sure there is still a good amount of product in the container before passing it along.
3. Dry hair - It’s not a drill people, tackle this from the start and you will thank me later for this! Learn how to use moisture methods and maintain ph balance. Dry hair can cause headaches and sometimes even test your patience. Experiment with different oils, essential oils and conditioners out on the market. Find out which one works best for you!
4. Split ends - Now this is due to that fact that moisture and protein balance must be implemented in your routine. Some naturals like myself are protein sensitive. Yeah, there is such a thing lol! Some products have protein ingredients and that’s enough. Also a more gentle approach could possibly be rice water rinse.
5. Different hair types is a real thing, know yours and know it well. There are many different types of hair textures. The scale ranges from Type 1- Type 4; A through C. You can take a strand of your hair and by using many of the charts found on different website you can find out which type you fall into. Yes, you can belong to more than one, it’s normal. I personally have Type 4 A&B texture. Which is said to be prone to dryness and knots, I soon found out quickly how true this fact is, and have made it my mission to master this characteristic of my hair pattern and texture. Now there has been many debates about hair typing. I will leave that topic for another day. Get to know you hair and its likes and dislikes.
6. Comments and questions will come - Ignore the rude ones! People will have something to say all the time. It’s time to get a thicker skin, and when I mean thicker skin; I mean not caring what anybody says. Not everyone will understand your decision to go natural. Know that you are not alone and surround yourself with like minded people. Retain your mindset to stay positive, and most importantly be kind to yourself. What you feel on the inside will display on the outside. Stay in good energy and patience will follow.
Leonard Mc Lane/Getty Images - Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
7. Having more than one hair type and texture is normal - I have mentioned this before and it is perfectly normal to have more than one hair texture on your head. We are made up on our parents DNA, and that comes with taking on their characteristic traits and features. This includes the hair on our head, you can learn to manage it and promote growth. To work against your hair is to know defeat and stress. Trust me, I have had a few setbacks that have played with my own positive mindset. To the point where I did not want to go outside. This feeling usually subsides and life returns back to normal. You will have your moments, know that is is just a moment and it will pass.
8. Breaking hair tools - Yes, you will break a few of them. I broke two hair blow dryers with the attachments. I figure it was a sign, and no heat equals no heat damage. It saved me from doing more harm than good. I chose to look at the positive side of this mishap and really focus on length retention. Less chance of me creating heat damage to my already colored hair.
9. Hair porosity - It matters and will affect your product application and purchases. This simply means how well your hair responds to absorption of water. High porosity hair means that water gets easily absorbed into the hair shaft. Low porosity has a much harder time holding on to water. This the reason why sealing in moisture becomes very important for naturals with low porosity. A water test can help you find which you are. Take a single strand of hair and place it in a cup of water. If your hair sinks to the bottom, you have high porosity. If you hair floats you’ve got low porosity. Even if you take your spray bottle, and you notice the water sits on your hair, you have low porosity.
10. Have a set plan for wash day and daily routine - Planning out your wash days or just listening to your hair will help when it comes to keeping your hair healthy and happy! Circle the day on your calendar and plan out what you are going to do. For example, hot oil treatment or deep conditioning etc. Clarifying your hair with mild gentle shampoo is very important too!
SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
Bonus: Dying your hair, before you have a good hair care routine may not the best idea. Get your moisture and protein balance down pack first. Once you get that out the way, pick a color and enjoy your naturally curly hair! One last thing, the tighter the curls the more prone you are to knots, unfortunately.
Hair + Knots of any kind= trimming time, or light dusting of the ends is needed
SEE ALSO: Transitioning to Natural Hair: Are You Ready?
What are some things you found out that you wish someone told you before going natural? Share them with us below and add to the list! I would love to read your answers!
THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: natural hair blogs, natural hairstyles, natural hair products, black natural hairstyles
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Meet Emily-Ann Brown, contributing writer to 247 Live Culture!