Being natural is like rocket science, there are many different formulas and equations that you have to try before you “crack the code”. It took about five years (and counting) for me to master the techniques that I have learned to this day.
I’m no expert but, I believe it is essential to find a regimen and stick to it. Finding the right products for your hair type, the amount of heat you use on your hair, how you maintain your hair, and patience all play a major role in you “learning your hair” and how to take care of it.
Products
Finding the right product and sticking to it can be beneficial to the health of your hair in many ways. From my experience, switching brands frequently can cause breakage and possible dryness of your hair strands. If you want to try a variety of products try alternating every month instead of every week. Also, deep condition as often as you can.
Heat and Protective Styles
Personally, I love a good blowout and silk press. But I haven’t had a full silk press for almost a year now. Prior, I would put heat on my hair about once every four months. As time went on and I began to learn more about my hair, I found it wasn’t necessary to use heat as much. I discovered the hair diffuser, wash and go’s, twist outs, closures, and other protective styles. Heat became less of a “need” for me.
Maintenance
Properly maintaining your hair plays a major role in learning your hair as well. Getting your hair trimmed regularly may seem like the obvious thing to do, but have you really been keeping up with those trims? In the past I would have my hair trimmed once every three months, then I switched to every six months.
Now I trim my ends on my own. If my ends are split or if my bangs are uneven I just chop away (I know sounds crazy but it works for me!). When I need a full trim or when it’s time for a length check/blow out/silk press I go to a professional.
Color
Color is always debatable. Who doesn’t want color in their hair? Well, I was one of those people that wanted color and I LOVED it. I took care of my hair at first but the maintenance became too much and let’s not forget the cost to keep up with the color. Eventually, I grew my hair out and cut the color off the ends until it was all gone. My words of advice are, do not get color unless you are willing to keep up with it.
Patience
Be patient, it is all a process. Do you skip steps when following recipes, putting gas in your car or taking a shower? Be patient and follow these tips and trust the process and it will all work out.
Naturally,
Egypt
