Yes, it’s coming up to that time of year again when we re-assess, think about what we had planned and didn’t fulfil in the current year and create another list of broken resolutions for the coming one. Get a gym membership, check, eat more healthily, check, learn a new language the list can go on and on…
How about creating some resolutions for your hair that you can keep? Winter is upon us and that can be a very harsh time for natural hair You’re probably wearing a protective style at the moment, a weave, a wig to keep those tresses underneath safe from the cold elements, but are you really taking care of your hair? How will it look for Spring or Summer? The same way you have to train and exercise your body it is exactly the same for your hair.
Protective styles can sometimes cause friction damage around the hairline, you may also during this time of year neglect to wash and treat it regularly due to the weather, eating that winter warming comfort food rather than choosing healthy options, so not just turning your body but also your own hair into a couch potato. Using that weave, braid extension or wig and hat like your favourite pair of sweatpants will not be the road to happy natural hair.
So what do I do you cry! Well first step is to know what you want to achieve hairwise for the New Year. Are you trying to grow it a few inches, cut off a few inches, shave it all off and start from scratch, plan on dying it or do you just want to give your hair some love? Just like exercise you are advised to consult with a doctor first before jumping on that treadmill. You should do the same with your hair. If you know a natural haircare specialist go and have a consultation, ask them for at home hair therapies that you could do yourself, especially if one of your new year resolutions was haircare on a budget.
If your hair is transitioning back to its natural texture or your hair is already fully natural or loc’d there are a few things you need to do first. Step one, check your health, are you eating right, drinking enough water? Are you under any stress, has your hair been overly processed with relaxer, overtwisted if loc’d – causing hairline and follicle damage, too tightly braided extension or weaves – if it’s too tight it ain’t right! Frizzy or split ends due to heated hair equipment, or excessive shedding.
The next step like exercise is to start gradually, try a soothing nightly head massage to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, use a protective oil such as coconut oil, black castor oil, and shea butter to strengthen and reduce frizz while doing this. Try to get rid of the stress in your life whether person or thing – easier said than done, I know. If you have not been eating right, start! You may also want to begin taking vitamin and or mineral supplements to help promote hair growth / re-growth. Wash and treat your hair regularly, get ends trimmed regularly, this will make hair look fuller and thicker and give even growth. If you follow these simple hair resolutions, by the time summer arrives, your hair will have been whipped into shape ready to be styled, prepped and preened for a fabulous new look.
Happy New Year!
Embrace Your Inner AfroDeity
Zunammie K.