Growing Healthy Natural Hair
What is healthy hair? Often times I find myself asking this question and sometimes my answers will vary depending on how my hair feels on that particular day. Healthy hair for me starts when my body feels healthy. In that state I find that my hair has enough shine for days, a lot of body and movement. Of course, there are times when my hair just needs some extra love and attention to get back to a healthystate. The next question I have also found myself asking is, why isn't my hair growing?
Sometimes I have to take two steps back because the possibility of that being a reality makes me feel like my efforts are a lost cause. Here is what I have learned in my healthy hair journey or what I secretly call my quest for growing my hair, because let's face it, most of us want to see results.
I have learned that constantly checking my hair length everyday will not make it grow. Instead, I trick myself and protective style for a week or two then have a big reveal to cheer myself up when it is wash day. Usually by then my hair has grown a bit or seems to be fuller and that's enough for me.
Developing A Consistent Hair Care Routine
I make sure that on wash day I finger detangle, with a wide tooth comb or detangling hair brush once I have spritz my hair with water or oil or conditioner. I only wash my hair in twists and I recommend that you do the same to avoid tangles.
After I shampoo using a moisturizing shampoo I then proceed to condition and then deep condition my hair for about 15 minutes under a double layer of steam cap or plastic bag.
I usually wrap a turban or cotton t-shirt around my hair to get rid of the excess water. Then I add a leaven-in conditioner that I trust since that is what really keeps your hair moist. I may follow up with a moisturizer after but not always on the same day.
After that I seal the moisture in with my favorite hair oil and tie a silk or satin scarf around my edges (hair at the perimeter of your head) to ensure that they stay neat and flat until I am ready for whatever protective style I decide to do.
After I air dry then that's it! Of course, I often times just twist my hair and rock a twist out the following day or a low bun. You can choose whatever style you like but ensure that you put the moisture back into your hair throughout the week. Shea butter is a great source of moisture.
Scalp massages are helpful in stimulating hair growth and can be done daily. While these tips are a sure-shot way to grow your hair, the rate at which your hair grows also depends on your genetics so keep that in mind.
I follow particular YouTube channels for hair care tips. Shanique Buntyn, formerly, Journeytowaistlength is my favorite as she provides detailed tutorials and tips for natural hair growth and retention. I have watched her hair progress over time and so has mine. All products linked are from her online store. Use my coupon code VIRTUALME to get 10% off of these products.
The Concept of Good Hair
Let's be quite honest with ourselves here. No hair type is better than the other. Having more kinks or curls or none at all does not mean that one hair type is superior to the next. What makes hair beautiful is the health of that hair and nothing else. We as women should embrace the hair that we have no matter what shape, form, color, texture or length that it has.
Your hair is not something that should give you any form of bragging rights or put you on a pedestal. And if it does, then you should check yourself and re-evaluate who you are. Your value and worth should not be defined by your hair or what social media tells you about it. The beautiful thing about hair is that it is very diverse. It can be styled in a million and one different ways.
It is true that some hair types can create styles that others cannot but this is where we learn to appreciate diversity and not be hateful or malicious. We have to learn to love and embrace what we have before we can truly feel the same about others. If you love your own hair for what it can and cannot do, then chances are you will see the beauty in someone else's hair.
For more content on black awareness, check out our Medium post on The Disadvantages of Black Culture and what you can learn to heal and create a generation of wealth and health.
Final Tips
For daily maintenance, assess your hair to see when it needs to be moisturized and sealed with an oil. Do not tug or pull at your hair constantly. Use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet at nights
Sometimes a spritz of water can quickly refresh your hair.
Keep your scalp clean and healthy. Trim rough or damaged ends.
Shrinkage is a sign of healthy hair.
Your hair grows but you must moisturize and protective style keep the length.
Stick to natural and sulfate free products.
Drink a lot of water and eat a healthy diet.
Ultimately, remember, to have healthy hair, you must do healthy things.
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