Getting comfortable with your natural hair texture can be a transformative experience. Embracing your curls, waves, or coils not only liberates you from the constant cycle of chemical treatments but also allows you to discover a new facet of your personality. This article aims to provide comprehensive insights and practical advice on how to fall in love with your natural hair texture and maintain it in the best possible way.
Understanding Your Natural Hair Texture
Let’s first debunk the myth that natural, curly or wavy hair is unmanageable or untidy. It’s crucial to change our perspective and appreciate the unique beauty that natural hair textures bring. Remember, self-acceptance is the key here. Once you start appreciating your natural hair and take proper care of it, you’ll notice a significant change in its health and appearance.
Benefits of Embracing Your Natural Hair Texture
- Healthier Hair: Frequent heat styling or chemical treatments can damage your hair over time, making it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. On the other hand, embracing your natural hair texture reduces the need for such treatments, resulting in healthier hair.
- Time and Money Saving: Getting your hair styled at a salon or even at home can be time-consuming and expensive. By accepting and working with your natural hair texture, you can save both time and money.
- Unique Look: Every natural hair texture is unique. By embracing your natural hair, you are showcasing a part of your identity that sets you apart from others.
- Less Stress: Constantly worrying about your hair can be stressful. When you’re comfortable with your natural hair texture, you have one less thing to worry about.
Nourishing Your Natural Hair
Maintaining the health of your natural hair primarily revolves around providing it with adequate nutrition. Here’s how you can do it:
Switch to Natural, Nourishing Hair Products
The first step in embracing your natural hair texture is to switch to clean, nourishing hair products. Curly, wavy hair tends to lose moisture and protein sooner than straight hair because it’s more porous. Therefore, it needs products that provide a balance of moisture and protein, helping to rebuild the hair and give it a natural bounce.
Select hair products that are silicone, sulfate, paraben, and alcohol-free. Over time, chemicals form a barrier on the hair, compromising the absorption of moisture and protein. Natural products, on the other hand, help maintain the health of curly or wavy hair better.
Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning is a must for natural, curly or wavy hair. It provides the extra hydration your hair needs and makes it less brittle. You should deep condition your hair at least once a fortnight, if not every weekend.
Hair Supplements
In addition to deep conditioning, consider taking vitamins, omega fatty acids, biotin, and collagen supplements to improve hair strength. Hair that feels healthy from the root can superficially deal with products better and repair itself to glossy goodness.
Finding the Right Haircut
Getting the right haircut that complements your natural hair texture can significantly enhance your overall look. If your hair is transitioning from chemically treated to natural, consider going for a long bob with soft movement. Longer layers work well during this phase instead of short layers, which can make your hair look messy on top.
Styling Your Natural Hair
When it comes to styling your natural hair, the options are endless. You can use colorful strips of cloth to tie your hair in braids, use a cloth hairband, or tie a messy bun. Hair accessories, such as barrette clips, can make a simple ponytail look cute and posh.
You can also use leave-in conditioners in the form of a cream, milk, or butter, and then use gel on top. The cream will give moisture, protein, and hydration, and the gel will define the movement of your hair.
Embracing the Trends
The fashion and beauty industry is increasingly celebrating natural hair textures. Runways across the world are showcasing models with natural hair, from air-dried curls to bed-head kinks and not-quite-straight lengths. So, take inspiration from these trends and own your curls, waves, or coils.
Embracing your natural hair texture is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It’s about breaking the societal norms of beauty and setting your own. So, start today, and let your natural hair shine in all its glory.