Every black woman wants good hair and I am no exception. For this reason, I have had a lot of stuff done to my hair—weaves, wigs, braids, cornrows, relaxers, flat iron and curls, and even the teeny weeny natural Afro.
Let me give you a few highlights from my most memorable experiences at the salon:
When I let a hair stylist convince me that trimming the tips of my hair every month radically shorter would make it grow in faster and thicker. I am ashamed to say I was 25 years at the time, because “bogus” was written all over this one. And no, it didn’t work.
When I wore protective hairstyles for one and a half years and grew a shoulderlength head of hair I literally thanked God, only to screw it right up with a chemical straightener. On top of that I attempted to colour it brown but I ended up with pink hair. Go ahead and laugh, but you know women who have done this if you haven’t already done it yourself.
The times I have gone to work with dark burn marks on my forehead and neck, where my curling iron slipped. If my hair had been long enough to hide my forehead and neck, it would have been bearable.
How about the time I went into a salon for a mild relaxer and came out with a burning sensation on my scalp.
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I could go on, but I’ll stop there while I still have some secrets left. Now, I mostly manage my own hair. I had to educate myself so I no longer get finessed at the salon. With this change came a new love for my natural hair as I discussed in a previous post. I have also learned to try out different protective hairstyle like crotchet or using bonding glue with synthetic weaves. Like in the picture below.
Who doesn't want to try out safe, versatile looks throughout the year.
I love my natural hair but sometimes I want to try a different look temporarily without damaging my natural hair. This when weaves and wigs come in. My favorite style has to be synthetic weaves because they are versatile, affordable and easy to play around with.
Withour further ado, here are some of the striking things I have learnt from doing my own hair so far;
1. ALL HAIRSTYLES REQUIRE TIME AND CARE.
Even the styles that seem quick and easy. I’ve discovered that the only hair style for Black women that can be done with no real time investment is an ultra short natural. Even dreadlocks take time and care if you want them to look good.
Look at it this way, if you take time to care for you hair it shows in a big way.
2. GET A SATIN PILLOW CASE.
When I got married I wanted to get away from wearing a “stocking” on my head in bed. My husband like to run his fingers through my hair as we lay in bed before we sleep so here’s what I do; I put my scarf under the pillow and put it on when we are ready to sleep. I also stopped using cotton pillowcases and use silk instead.
This is because when your hair lays unprotected on a cotton pillowcase, the hair catches onto the tiny cotton fibers and gradually breaks. The absorbent cotton material also absorbs any protective oils your scalp may secrete. In short, it helps the breakage cycle along.
Satin and silk on the other hand, are the gentlest materials when it comes to your hair.
3. DE-TANGLING.
Always work from the ends of your hair toward your scalp. If your hair is natural or texturized, use a spritz of water on the section you are trying to de-tangle. The water softens the hair and makes it easier to work with. In fact, I prefer to comb my hair only when it is dampened. You can also use a dab of cream rinse or moisturizing conditioner to help it along
4. MASSAGE YOUR SCALP.
Put your hands under your hair, with the pads of your fingers—not your fingernails—resting on your scalp. Using your fingers in back and forth and circular motions, knead your scalp with your fingers. Spread open your hands, press your palms against your scalp and contract your hand. Concentrate on having your fingers maintain contact with your scalp and you won’t tangle your hair. If you’re doing your own massage, you can part and pin your hair into three or four large sections and massage each part separately to ensure that you won’t tangle it.
The scalp massage is much more pleasurable if you can get a friend to do it for you, but make sure they know how to do it correctly. It’s better to do it yourself than end up with a bunch of knots in your hair.
5. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOU ARE NOT YOUR HAIR.
Some men have strange ideas about women who have short natural hair, weaves or even colored hair. That’s their problem, not yours. You have to be woman enough to do what is good for you because that’s the only way you’re going to be good enough for anyone else. The person who truly cares about you is going to see that.
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