Hair routines vary from one person to another, and finding what works for you takes time and patience. Today, the digital space is constantly flooded with guides and product recommendations which can be very overwhelming, and often very disappointing if we are being honest. I can’t count the number of hairstyling tutorials I’ve unsuccessfully tried to follow which have left me frustrated with my hair.
This week’s blog is inspired by the gift of retrospect; because sometimes looking back is just what is needed to helps us get a broader view of things. My natural hair journey started with a lot of uncertainty and the only reason I know what works for me now is because of the amount of time I have spent trying new products and routines. With time, I have gone back to some of the things that were introduced to me when I was younger, and totally abandoned some of the ones I found least helpful.
More than anything, I think the digital space could do with more authentic conversations to inform more honestly and encourage relatability. I took time to have a chat with some of my friends on their personal experiences with natural hair just to understand different perspectives. Throughout the conversation it was very clear that hair journeys are different and what works for one person would not necessarily work for the other.
It was also very clear that most of what works for us was discovered through making mistakes and learning from them. Sometimes, loosing track is actually a detour into some of the best places and experiences. Whether it’s learning how to braid or detangle your hair properly, it is very important to be patient with yourself while trying to understand your hair- which is a huge step into selflove and confidence.
In the same line, time is a great teacher. When I first started out, for instance, I would never have thought that when my hair grew out I would prefer to have it in a protective style as opposed to wearing it out. I always imagined that I would do the most with hairstyles, but I have become quite the ‘lazy natural‘. Time has changed me and taught me the importance of leaving your hair alone especially if you want to avoid over manipulation. This is what works best for me now- a simple routine. This journey is like that, your practices evolve over time and the more you know, the better you get at it. Here’s a hair video I resonate with when it comes to low manipulation.
Overall, consider your hair practices part of a wider investment into knowing and loving yourself. Watch the YouTube live session we had on the topic and join in on the candid conversation to learn a bit from us. Feel free to also leave a comment on some aspects of your personal hair journey that we may find helpful as well.
