I know all too well how difficult it can be to manage naturally curly hair when you’re just starting to take care of your hair. From the endless Youtube tutorials, Instagram videos, and more, it can be confusing and a little intimidating just finding a simple shampoo! No need to fear, here are some tips that will help you in not only taking care of your hair but also choosing quality products.
Trim Your Hair
Repeat after me: Trims. Are. Good. They stop split ends in their tracks, literally. To ensure healthy hair retention, it is imperative to keep your curly hair regularly trimmed.
Moisturize Your Hair
Did you know that some people deem natural hair unmanageable because of a lack of moisture? It’s true! Natural hair craves moisture. Look for products with ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, avocado oil, and olive oil.
Create a Routine and Stick To It
You’ve heard it before and we’ll say it again. Consistency is key. The best way to take care of your naturally curly hair is to create a solid routine whether it be weekly and/or monthly and stick to it.
Protect Your Hair
When choosing a style ask yourself a few questions. Will the style put stress on the hair or protect it? Does it involve a lot of physical upkeep? The answer to these questions will make a difference in your hair.
Avoid Heat
For a lot of people with curly hair, the usage of heat comes from blow-dryers and flat irons. There is nothing wrong with using heat on your hair as long as it is done in moderation and with heat protectant! Heat damage is absolutely unavoidable with proper precaution.
Use Chemicals Safely
Many presume that because their hair is natural and has not been chemically relaxed, they are okay to color it without abandon. This isn’t true. Chemically treated hair is chemically treated hair, and the same care and precautions need to be taken.
T.L.C.
This last tip concerns how you care for your hair daily. Be gentle with your hair, especially since natural hair is already fragile, no matter the texture. Finger comb when you can and avoid ripping knots apart. Treating your hair with care will result in strong, healthy hair that retains growth!
And there you have it! Seven tips for starting to care for natural hair. Learning your hair is not going to be an overnight process. It is going to take time, patience, and some let downs. Nevertheless, care for your hair everyday keeping it moisturized and protected for beautiful curls!
My Favorite Hairstyles
The versatility of hair styling options has grown exponentially for women worldwide. Hair extensions, hair coloring, braids, wigs, layers, bobs, etc. The list goes on! There is so much ability to truly do so much with your hair, especially, Afro-American hair. Some styles, though, are incredibly timeless and classic.
Despite the numerous trends and fads that come and go, some hairstyles will forever be a staple for black women.
After searching the internet for the top hairstyles for Black women, we narrowed it down to three that we think everyone will agree with. Here they are!
Ponytail
We love ponytails for a plethora of reasons. They can be done on virtually all types of hair, with or without extension hair, and are not too hard to install yourself. They are also incredibly sexy, elegant, and chic.
Don’t be afraid to be creative! You can add hair to your ponytail and switch up the length, texture, and volume. We know how unique and different we love to be with our hair, and ponytails let you do that!
Braids
There’s a reason braids have been a hairstyle for centuries. Look through the history of cosmetics and beauty, and you will see braids across many ethnicities and backgrounds. It’s no secret that Black women have set the standard for braiding styles.
Not to mention that the styles are literally endless! Box braids, Senegalese twists, kinky twists, Knotless braids, Beyoncé’s famous Lemonade braids, and more. The amazing thing about braids is their ability to continue to be relevant no matter what!
Bob
Last but far from least is the bob. How many ways do we love the bob? We love its effortlessness, customizability, powerful appeal—everything! Bobs are the classic hairstyle for the Black woman! Look through the famous movies of the nineties with a majority Black cast. You’ll see bobs in all of them!
Bobs can be done with your own hair, depending on the length, made from Box braids, created through hair extensions, or simply made from a wig. Either way, a bob is and has always been a beautiful staple style for the Black woman.
So, when you’re planning your next hairstyle, take these into consideration. All of these styles can be done in a way that is not stressful on the hair and can even be a protective style, especially braids!
Remember, when doing any style, always assess the current state of your hair to ensure that it is strong enough to handle the style. For example, hair that is thin and fragile may not be ready for box braids that can weigh the hair down.
No matter what style you choose, make that style unique to you! It is the continual personalization of these timeless hairstyles that keep them fresh, new, and always authentic.
