So you’re obsessed with your natural hair. I get it. I can’t keep my fingers off my curls either. But, you may be sabotaging your natural hair journey. Here are some things you ought to resist doing to your natural hair.
1) Length Checking Your Hair
I can relate to this very well. I love grabbing random pieces of my hair and stretch them down as much as possible. But if you read this, please stop doing this.
Other than the fact that you are manipulating and putting a bit of pressure on your hair when you do this, you become obsessed with length.
The more obsessed with length you become, the more disappointed you will be when you don’t meet those growth expectations. It’s exciting to see growth, but don’t get caught up every month pulling out a ruler and measuring your .5 inch growth.
So relax, put on a protective hairstyle to distract you from stretching your hair, and be patient for the growth.
2) Using A Million Products
I’ve never really considered myself a product junkie. In fact, once I purchase my products, I just stick with them whether my hair likes it or not. I’m hella cheap anyways.
But, I will say that testing products on your hair is necessary. However, you don’t have to apply a million different products on your natural hair just to get that magic result.
Your hair can become flaky, and have too much product build up in it by the end of the week with the expense of your wallet. Plus, less is more.
3) Straightening Your Hair
There are many ways you can straighten your hair without heat damage. When I straighten my hair which is about 2-3 times a year, I use the L’Oreal Sleek It Iron Heatspray which works wonders for my 4b-4c curls. But for the most part, I stay away from heat because I fear for heat damage.
There are many other ways you can stretch out your hair without heat using Bantu knots, twist outs, braid outs, etc. A lot of people who use heat to make sure their hair blends in with their protective hairstyles don’t use the proper precaution to avoid that heat damage.
Enjoy your curls and try not to get caught up in straightening your hair all the time. Don’t get me wrong I love a sleek look, but the less heat and pressure you put on your hair, the more you will retain length.
4) Comparing Yourself To Youtubers 👏👏👏🔊
I mean this one. Although many of them influenced me to big chop and let go of my damaged hair, I try not to obsess over these natural hair Youtubers. For one, I don’t like to obsess over anyone who has no say in my life. But mainly, my hair journey, yours, and their’s will always be different.
Their hair may grow faster, their texture may be different, and they may have more products (but that’s because they are usually sponsored ☕). You can’t always compare yourselves to these Youtubers especially when you are beating yourself up for not having sleek, red-carpet look hairstyles.
Everyone makes mistakes in their natural hair journey including myself. These Youtubers are amazing, but it took them a while to adjust to their hair. If you are a newbie, resist comparing your failed twist out to their millionth twist out. Practice and you will get the hang of it just like a Youtube naturalista.
