Deciding to ‘go natural’ – the leap of faith that has resulted many women having to return to the trusty weave in shame. Embracing and caring for your natural hair can be an intimidating, and oft onerous, journey. However, the natural hair movement – which has certainly been gaining momentum in the last few years – would maintain that caring for one’s natural hair is difficult, but not impossible.
A few of our favourite celebrities have been part of the movement at some point in time:
Let’s not forget about natural hair icon, Solange Knowles, who has – in the past few years – inadvertently reinvigorated the natural hair movement, inspiring many women to follow in her footsteps.
Solange, who chopped off her hair some time ago and has been growing it out and naturally styling it since, told Essence: “I honestly was just tired of the energy surrounding my hair. So when I cut it, I didn’t think about what anyone else would think.” Cutting your hair significantly shorter, or indeed going natural, can be a very personal decision – but also, perhaps, a very liberating one.
How then do you go about taking the plunge, ditching the weaves and relaxers and caring for your natural hair? Solange says women who are thinking of going natural have to understand that the process is journey for which one has to be 100 percent ready. While caring for natural hair seems effortless, it is not as easy – it takes a lot of work.
If you remain committed, the natural look can be worth it though. It may well serve as a representation of your lifestyle, health and even who you are as a person.
If you are new to the natural hair movement, or are not sure where to start, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- If you are growing out relaxed hair, make sure to trim the ends of your hair regularly. This not only keeps your hair healthy and prevents breakage, it also gives you time to get reacquainted with – and to learn to work with – your natural hair texture.
- Don’t be afraid to try different products to find one that works for you specific scalp and texture – just be sure to do your research. Check ingredients, read reviews and make sure the products you are trying are good for your hair and scalp. Natural hair is unfortunately not so forgiving of poor quality haircare products.
- Be sure to only detangle your hair while wet or damp, not while dry, in order to minimise breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or, if your hair is not prone to knotting, comb through your hair with your fingers.
- To iterate the lovely Solange: Be patient, and remain committed, your hair and scalp will eventually thank you.
- Moisture, moisture, moisture: Good quality hair oil can go a long way in banishing dryness and breakage – and should become your best friend. Hair oil does of course also give your hair a beautiful shine and, if it doubles as scalp oil, can additionally promote hair growth. To close, here are three of our preferred hair oils for ethnic hair:
Do you have any tips for caring for natural hair? Let us know in the comments below.
By Illona Meyer
Africa Global News Publication
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