First and foremost, congratulations for making the decision to do what is healthiest for your hair (and body)! It takes a lot to embrace, love and rock your natural mane so pat yourself on the back...you are headed in the right direction! :)
Here are a few of my tips and reminders:
1. Be patient! Yes, be patient with your hair! I know a lot of us ladies want long locks that flow down our backs but that growth will come with time and patience and of course a great hair care regimen. You have to understand that women you see with long hair did not come out of the womb with hair that long. It literally took time and lots of patience for their hair to achieve a certain length. Also know that if your hair is damaged at some point in your HNHJ you will need to be patient in order for your hair to go back to being healthy and happy. Though it may have taken one bad hair experience for your hair and/or scalp to become damaged, it will take a lot longer for it to be repaired. Know that patience is key; no matter if you want long, healthier, thicker or stronger hair you have to learn to be patient every step of your HNHJ.
2. What may work for one person may not work for you! Yessss! How many times have you heard this?! It is so true! You may hear hundreds of naturals rave and shout with excitement about a specific brand or product and you may find that your hair does not react well to it at all. And, understand that this is okay. It does not mean something is wrong with your hair; it simply means it does not work for your hair. Which leads me to my next tip...
3. You may become a product junkie! As much as I do not want to say this, it is very possible that you may become a product junkie -- meaning you will have an overwhelming obsession to buy and try every 'natural' product out there. Your bathroom closet will go from having five hair products to twenty in no time. I have been there, I have done that...and occasionally still purchase (unnecessary) products because it "sounds" amazing lol! Remember, it is perfectly fine to try new products as they hit the shelves but also plan and budget for your new purchases and try to finish up something before buying a new item.
4. Do not compare your hair journey to someone else's journey! Why? Because we all have different hair types, textures, lengths, stories and etc. Your hair is very unique and there is no one on earth that has hair exactly like yours, remember that. So do not expect for your hair to have the same results as someone else just because you two big chopped on the same day or have a similar hair texture as your hair. Allow you hair to become healthier at its own pace.
5. This is a hair journey! Remember that word -- 'journey.' On a journey, you will face many ups and downs, many great times and many challenges. With your HNHJ, your hair may become excessively dry, tangled, stiff, dull and people may wonder if you are okay. Seriously. Then there will be days when your hair is bouncy, soft, perfectly balanced and you will be stopped by dozens of women wondering what products you used to achieved that specific look. Keep in mind during this journey you are learning everything about your hair, and that includes the not-so-good, fun things. Enjoy this journey the best you can and be good to your hair (and scalp).
6. Read and research ingredients! You may hear this quite a bit as you learn more about the natural hair community. Not only read the ingredients on the back of the product label but research them as well. Why? Simply because you want to know what you are putting on your hair and scalp and you want to nourish them with the best available products. Also, some ingredients have simpler names and others do have more complicated (scientific) names but it does not necessarily mean they are bad for you. So research those ingredients you are unfamiliar with and start remembering them as I am sure you will see them again. You want to be good to your hair (and scalp) so they can be good to you!
7. Stay encouraged and do not give up on your hair! You are going to have moments when you are beyond frustrated with your hair. You may want to cut, relax, or texturize your hair but do not get caught up in your feelings and make a hasty decision with your hair. Find several support systems whether that be through family, friends or social media. There are many natural ladies on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook who post inspiring hair pictures and words of encouragement in hopes of keeping you focused and motivated on your HNHJ. Be prepared for those not-so-good moments by staying involved in the natural hair community as there are lots of helpful tips and suggestions.
I hope my words encourage you and keep you excited about your HNHJ! If you have any (hair-related) questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below or you can post your question under any of my Instagram posts (I am always checking and responding)!
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:: Thanks for reading! ::
Morgan :)
: Check out more of my hair pictures + posts on Instagram! Click there! >> The4cProject :
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