Frustration is normal. We deal with it in every aspect of our lives. When it comes to our hair we want easy, breezy and beautiful, which can be accomplished with natural hair. First, you have to accept your hair texture and learn to manage it. The process of accepting and managing will make it easier to accomplish time efficient hairstyles. For example, I have SUPER coarse hair with many different textures. I have 101 things to do every day which includes being a wife, mother of 2 active sons, full time Criminal Justice Professional, Part-time Criminal Justice College Professor, and much more…. So what it boils down too.. I don’t have a lot time to fool with my hair…. I have learned to accept that my hair is not going to look like Tracy Ellis Ross hair EVERYDAY. I have accepted, I don’t have the type of curls that bounce at the squirt of water. I have accepted that I have kinky, super coarse, afro textured hair… Once I mentally accepted the texture of my hair, frustration decreased. I found ways to manage it during my busy schedule with styles that last 7 days or longer (Wash & Go’s, Pony Puff, rod-sets and 2 strand twists).
Over the past several weeks I have noticed a few posts from naturals expressing frustration and the urge to relax their hair. AND then this week the news dropped that my FAVORITE Natural Vlogger Simplyounique relaxed her natural hair. I was confused and somewhat disappointed, but nonetheless, I express my support for whatever makes her happy……but dang really???? She had the flyest natural hair styles though! The natural hair community will miss her dearly. I digressed, so back to where I was going with this blog…. Frustration is normal. We deal with it in every aspect of our lives. When it comes to our hair we want easy, breezy and beautiful, which can be accomplished with natural hair. First, you have to accept your hair texture and learn to manage it. The process of accepting and managing will make it easier to accomplish time efficient hairstyles. For example, I have SUPER coarse hair with many different textures. I have 101 things to do every day which includes being a wife, mother of 2 active sons, full time Criminal Justice Professional, Part-time Criminal Justice College Professor, and much more…. So what it boils down too.. I don’t have a lot time to fool with my hair…. I have learned to accept that my hair is not going to look like Tracy Ellis Ross hair EVERYDAY. I have accepted, I don’t have the type of curls that bounce at the squirt of water. I have accepted that I have kinky, super coarse, afro textured hair… Once I mentally accepted the texture of my hair, frustration decreased. I found ways to manage it during my busy schedule with styles that last 7 days or longer (Wash & Go’s, Pony Puff, rod-sets and 2 strand twists). (Time Efficient Hair Styles) When you accept your hair texture, you embrace your hairstyles. I would have never imagine wearing 2 strand twist in public at any time….until I realized my hair texture is happy with the style and its easy… Once twisted the hairstyle requires very minimal upkeep for the next 7-14 days. Just some moisturizing and go…..It works for me. Don’t let frustration push you to the point of relaxing you hair. Dig deep and find out the real issue as to why you are frustrated….. Have you REALLY accepted your natural hair?
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Want to go swimming and wondering how to protect your curly tresses from Chlorine water? Here are a few suggestions from my experience swimming with natural hair.Step 1: If possible, rinse your hair in the shower before getting in the pool. If your hair is rinsed with water it won't absorb as much chlorine. Step 2: Apply a coating of hair serum or natural oil to your dripping wet hair, paying special attention to the ends. The serum/oil will help protect your hair while swimming decreasing the chances of chlorine water absorbing in the hair. Use any oils which include Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil. I use both of these oils, mixing them together and apply to my hair before swimming. Step 3: After you swim, it is very important to rinse your hair with water again. If you plan to stay in the sun and hang out around the beach/pool, I recommend applying a liquid spray leave-in conditioner such Aussie Leave In Conditioning spray, Infusium 23 leave-in treatment or Giovanni weightless leave-in. The sun + chlorine can be extremely harsh resulting in dry brittle hair. Step 4: Always shampoo your hair after you're done swimming for the day. It's important to use a shampoo that gets rid of chlorine. Make sure you’re shampoo contains EDTA or Phytic Acid such as Kinky Curly Come Clean. If you have trouble finding a shampoo that contains EDTA or Pyhtic Acid you can purchaseUltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo. Step 5: Continue with your usual shampoo and condition routine. VERY IMPORTANT you must deep condition your hair and make sure to put moisture back into those tresses. I have added a video by Naptural85 demonstrating pre-swimming and post swimming techniques. I've been adjusting to my new natural journey after getting 41/2 inches cut 6-7 weeks ago. My new regimen consist of washing my hair every other week using As I Am co-wash with a tablespoon of Baking Soda. Now remember one of the many reasons my hair experienced damaged (in my own opinion), I was using shampoo to remove all the build up products in my hair on a REGULAR basis. No more shampoo in my regimen!!! After I wash my hair, I use my fav conditioner Shea Moisture Deep Conditioning Masque, rinse and apply As I Am Leave-in Conditioner. For styling, I have been using Nene's Secret Best Beauty Butter for two-strand twist (pictured below). I have been wearing my twist 7-10 days at the most, just to give my hair a break. After I take my twist down, I pull my hair into a pony puff (pictured below) and wear it until my next hair wash. In the meantime I moisturize my hair daily using Afri-Care Glycerin mixed with 1 part water in a spray bottle. My hair seems to be very healthy and SUPER thick which takes a little bit longer to manage and style. But, I'm not complaining, I love my hair relationship. I did a length check this weekend noticed a 1 inch in growth. So there you have it Natural Divas.....My journey continues....
Of course I LOVE featuring my sister Taria gorgeous hair! AND She's at it again, rocking a fierce twist out using some different products. To accomplish this style, Taria started on washed hair using Keracare Leave-in Conditioner, to add moisture she used Keracare's Hair Milk. She two-strand twisted with As I Am Curly Jelly and walaah!!! FIERCE HAIR!!!!
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