I love my hair, just like I love a man, unconditionally. When I am asked why I love someone, I simply reply I don't know. They should be asking me HOW I love them. The real love of another comes from that deep love, misunderstood love, the love that comes free and with no stipulations. Its pure and true to you. I love my natural hair the same way. Long, short, curly, or kinky, the state of my hair does not determine my love for it. Natural hair is so versatile, spontaneous, and free that my love for it transcends any and every shape it takes.
At some point in your natural hair journey you should ask yourself: How should you Love your Natural Hair?
Prove to your hair how much you love it by:
Keeping it clean
Washing on a regular basis, or as instructed by your stylist, should avoid bad odors and smells from your kinks, coils, and curls. Using shampoos and conditioners that cater to your hair type are best. Be conscious of using the same products for best results.
Keeping it combed
Keeping your hair free of tangles and patches will avoid hair loss and damage to the scalp. Avoid letting your free form hair become matted (unless you are attempting to form locks) over days. This can cause areas of the hair to be extremely damaged and create problems when combing and styling the hair.
Maintaining moisture
A nice good daily moisturizer will always help when maintaining natural hair. Use the appropriate type of moisture for your texture. Knowing if your hair type (4b/4c) and knowing your hair's porosity will help in maintaining moisture. Low porosity is when your cuticles are not open enough for you hair to maintain its moisture and often times feels straw-like. High porosity is when your cuticles are very open and your hair seems frizzy and tangles easily.
Changing it up
Anything done too much will damage your hair. Avoiding repeating styles for months at a time. Change the style from weaves, to braids, to a free formed Afro. Don't get used to one style. Learn multiple styles that you love and can easily achieve. Your stylist should consult you on various styles that you can maintain until your next visit.
Dressing it up
Your hair likes to be in style too. Throw on a hat, a scarf, and a cute hair accessory to make your style accentuate your daily look. Always remember that the right style must be worn with the correct outfit. Do not where every style with every look. Modify your style to engage your wardrobe. You are already noticeable for your bold natural hair, don't mess it up with a shabby outfit.
