Natural Hair Rules Made To Be Broken
I’ve been natural for eight years. It hasn’t always been smooth, but I have learned not only how to care for my hair, but also have re-written some natural hair rules that weren’t serving it.
The most important habit I’ve developed is to always listen to my hair—she is decision-maker and not influenced by what other naturals are doing. She doesn’t read Twitter, she can’t see or think. But she sure will certainly let me know if she feels like she’s not being heard, even though she doesn’t talk.
Combs
When I first went natural, detangling with a wide-tooth comb was a painstaking process that made me dread every wash day. As my hair got longer, so did my detangling sessions. My hair is so dense, that sometimes I’d lose a comb tooth!
One day I thought, what would happen if I just use my fingers? I developed a technique in the shower to easily detangle my thick hair with my fingers. It is an incredibly relaxing experience! Now, my “shower comb” is permanently attached at the end of my arms.
Oil
When I was a little girl it was called grease and it came in a jar. Nowadays, ‘hair oil’ often comes from natural sources, from jojoba to shea butter. But grease and today’s hair oils have this in common—they sit on the surface of the hair and don’t mix with water.
This forms a barrier that prevents water from entering the hair shaft. I can’t remember why I decided to stop using it, but after I did, my hair became amazingly defined and full of moisture. Giving up oil felt like betraying what my matriarchs taught me about haircare. But my poppin’ coils are smiling back at them up in heaven so I feel forgiven.
Twists
It’s Tuesday. It’s 9 pm and I just walked in the door from a business dinner. I’m tired and ready for bed but, damn, I need to twist my hair first. Have you been there?
This was my number one reason to get the Wash and Go working as my go-to style. As my natural hair grew longer I just didn’t have the time or the desire to re-twist at night. I still like to twist on occasion, but now I can do it when the timing suits me and not as an obligation.
Shampoo, Rinse, Repeat
I used to laugh at this common recommendation on the shampoo bottle, thinking that it didn’t apply to my thick, tight, coily hair. Squeaky-clean was seen as a detriment. In fact, I tried all kinds of things to avoid shampoo, like water-only washes and co-washing. I have since learned that it is best to lather up every washday. And that secondary suds session really ensures I have a clean slate for my stylers to work best.
Cue the little yellow duckie.
Air Drying
I don’t know who wrote the natural hair rule about never air drying, but in some cases it can really be handy. Yes it’s true—if you wash & go, sitting under a hood dryer does offer some advantages. You may get a day or two more of longevity from your style and it may not shrink as much. But sometimes that isn’t feasible. What if you’re in a hotel? Or what if you just don’t have that much time in the morning? Air-drying allows you to ‘literally’ wash and go.
For me, the surface of my hair dries to the touch within an hour. The thicker part at the crown takes longer, but the hood dryer doesn’t get that part dry anyway. As long as I use products that are “clear” in my hair when it’s wet, I can go from shower to out-the-door, in about 90 minutes. And yes, that includes makeup.
Who makes up these natural hair rules?
Hair myths can take on a life of their own in the social media universe. So read the viewpoints, and try and get the facts. Ultimately, your tresses are the judge and jury.
Hey! Do you have a relaxer and are curious about what a one-year transition will bring? Don’t be afraid, be informed. Download my free Transition Tips Guide!
