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I know what you’re thinking: more natural hair rules? But sis, these are the top ten rules that helped me grow my hair from a TWA to armpit length in 2 years, okay? I’m not just telling you this just to write it: These rules work. PERIOD! And it’s not all about length, it’s about growth, retention, and health. So, here are the 10 natural hair rules ALL naturals should follow.
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Don’t wash your hair too often.
This tip is especially useful for us Type 4 girlies. When I first started my natural hair journey, I wanted to try new products and re-style all the time, but with washing and manipulation comes dryness and breakage. Personally, I wash my hair when my hair and/or scalp are dirty, which is typically around 7-10 days. But, do you! Just make sure you aren’t washing it just because. Wash with a purpose.
Deep condition EVERY wash day!
Say it with me: deep condition every wash day. I know this sounds like a lot, but trust me, your hair needs it! Whether it’s a moisturizing or protein deep conditioner, your hair probably needs one every wash day. I saw someone on Instagram say, “If you don’t have time to deep condition, you don’t have time for wash day”, and that’s the truth! And don’t worry! There’ll be more posts on how to find the right deep conditioner and how to deep condition. I got you, girl!
Wash your scalp AND your hair.
I know some people don’t agree with this, but I shampoo both my scalp and the length of my hair. Why? Because my scalp flakes and itches after 7-10 days of not shampooing, and there is also product buildup on my hair. Why would I put new styling products on top of dirty, product-filled tresses? I wouldn’t, and you shouldn’t either! So don’t be afraid to poo.
Keep hair and scalp moisturized.
If you want to grow long, healthy natural hair, moisture is key. For me, moisture includes deep conditioning on wash day, applying a leave-in while my hair is wet, spraying my hair with water and aloe vera juice while styling, sealing in the moisture, oiling my scalp, and refreshing my curls every day with water and aloe vera juice. It sounds like a lot, but once I started doing it this way, I couldn’t stop! Our curls are our crowns, and we have to tend to them. But, moisturizing looks different for everyone! Find out what works for you! As long as your hair feels soft, bouncy, and you’re not seeing a lot of breakage, make it yours!
Pay attention to ingredients your hair likes.
This rule is crucial. In the beginning, I was choosing hair products based on people I saw on YouTube, and then I would wonder why it didn’t work for me. There was nothing wrong with the products themselves or my application, my hair just didn’t like some of the ingredients! Now that I’m 2 years natural, I know that my hair loves aloe vera juice, shea butter, coconut oil, Jamaican Black castor oil, and almost any hair gel. And products with a lot of silicones, I stay away from. It takes some trial and error, but pay attention to the products that have your hair feeling and looking right. What do they have in common?
Trim when needed.
In my opinion, people make trimming more complicated than it needs to be. In my routine, I don’t trim regularly–I trim when I need to. So, if I have single-strand knots, extremely unruly/dry ends, or split ends, I trim. It’s as simple as that! Don’t cut off unnecessary length, but don’t hold on to pieces that are holding you back. Easy peasy!
Do protective styles.
I swear by protective styles for length retention and health! I live in the Midwest, where it is cold most of the year, so protective styles are perfect for the weather. I love box braids, Marley twists, Senegalese twists, wigs, crochet braids, spring twists, and even mini twists on my natural hair. When done and taken care of correctly, protective styles do just that–protect your hair from the weather, friction, and manipulation. Stay tuned for a future post on how to make sure your protective style is protecting your hair.
Don’t do your edges every day.
It’s 2020. Sis, we don’t have time for bald headed edges! Baby hair/edges are finer hairs that help frame the face. As much as I love to have them laid, I swear by not doing them every day. I don’t want to over-manipulate them, dry them out, or cause breakage. So, some days, I just rub oil on them and gently brush them, or some days, I even let them be au naturale. Either way, they’re not on fleek all the time. Natural edges are cute, too!
Sleep with something on your head.
I never go to bed without a scarf, bonnet, durag, or satin pillowcase. If you do, that is a sure way to dry out your hair and cause breakage (especially if you sleep as crazy as I do). Any way, just tie up and cover your hair with a non-friction material before bed, and you’ll be aight.
Create a routine.
Last but not least, create a routine! After 2 years of being natural, I have my routine down pat, even when I have protective styles. There are different routines all over the Internet, but the best one is the one that you finesse for your own hair. And it does have to be a “routine”–you know, consistent. We all have moments when we skip wash day, get too lazy to deep condition, or go to sleep without the bonnet (especially after a fun night out), but as long as you’re mostly consistent, you’ll be good.
And one bonus tip, love YOUR hair and YOUR personal journey. All curls and textures are different, and everyone’s journey is different. From TWA to waist-length, from 3A to 4C, all natural hair is beautiful and you have to learn to love yours. It is your crown. Wear it PROIDLY, BOLDLY, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, and with your HEAD HELD HIGH!
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