adminHELLO there folks, I hope you are well this week. I have had several people write in about natural hair and how to maintain it. This subject has so much information. I could go on for months and months writing about iy. But I found this letter below interesting.
My mother has accepted my natural hair!
It’s been a long road, but I feel like my mother has finally accepted my natural hair. Just to give a little background, she was never very approving of my decision. She originally thought it was just a phase, but after realising that I was actually sticking to it, my mom was the major source of opposition towards it. I regularly received comments that my hair looked a mess or unkempt. It really got under my skin for a while, but then I shook it off and overcame it. I didn’t need her acceptance of my decision to grow my strands freely the way God designed them to do so.
Months passed and it wasn’t until she came to visit me last month that I realised her opinion of my hair changed. She stepped out of the car and I welcomed her with opened arms as she stepped back and said “oh, your hair looks nice!” Those four simple words were enough to put an instant smile on my face and a slight look of unbelief. We then talked about my new styling methods and she told me she loves how my curls had flourished, but didn’t fail to mention that they have come a long way.
After her visit she even showed photos to her co-workers who then complimented my hair. I never told her how much her acceptance means to me, but it meant a great deal. Although I didn’t “need” her acceptance, that admission was enough to make me feel like I am doing something right. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t value her opinion so I could have easily given up on my journey a long time ago but I didn’t. I found beauty within myself and kept going and I’m so glad I did.
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This letter was written by a young lady who decided that she wanted to go natural. As much as many of us say go for it, but at the back of some of our minds we judge those people who start going natural. Natural is in fashion this season and will be more so in 2016.
So here are a few tips to help those who are transitioning into the natural and want to ensure growth. When it comes to our personal hair goals, a lot of times they have something to do with growth and maintaining length. If you are looking for hair length retention, remedies that are completely safe, natural, and easy to follow for the beginner to the experienced natural, then check try adding these to your daily regimen.
1. Give yourself a scalp massage
Massage your scalp daily- even if you are wearing extensions of any type. Carefully massage with the soft part of your fingertips also known as your finger pads, never your nails as they can tear into your scalp and create follicle damage and cuts. You can add an essential oil based in a carrier oil like almond, grape-seed, sunflower or warm olive for added healing qualities. Use 15-30 drops per ounce of liquid, less for stronger essentials like cinnamon, cinnamon bark, tea tree, rosemary to name a few.
2. Use a tea spray
These types of refreshers are not only moisturizing, but detoxing depending on what kind of tea you choose. The herbal infusions of tea sprays are healing for the scalp and help keep strands soft for easy detangling. Easy detangling regimes will promote hair growth because you are not pulling out more hairs than would release naturally. Choose an organic tea line since pesticides in your tea do not assist with hair health and growth, steep your tea 15-20 minutes and pour your liquid into a spray bottle or use as a rinse. Take it to the next level by using spring distilled or structured water to boil for your mix.
3. Detangle in 12 or more sections with conditioner and oil
50/50 blend is fine for curly & kinky coily hair types. Doing this during your co-wash routine will help you to grow longer hair because you are able to feel more areas and become more aware of your true length when you treat your hair and scalp massaging. Every hair must get some attention through saturation. The T square is a thing of the past.
4. Protect with twists or braids–with your real hair
Depending on your hair’s texture, density, length, and type, styling may be your best ‘natural’ remedy. Kinky coily hair, you need more braids, flat twists, two or three-strand twists, and no hairs should be missed. Growth is key. Tight curlies, wavies, or loose curlies should do a French or herringbone braid. Use a bit of castor oil to manage the frizz, or cinnamon essential oil. For straight hair, go light on the oil–grape seed should be fine. Fortify with avocado or olive oils. Exfoliate with my Felicidad Hair Sugar to lift those dead skin cells blocking growth. This will also draw moisture into your hair.
5. Co-wash and deep condition every single week
Having a consistency will help your hair grow faster and healthier. Light brushing of straight and wavy hair is a beneficial natural remedy–with lavender, bergamot , ylang ylang or rosemary essentials oils in your soft to medium boar bristle brush along with organic coconut oil. Brush some in, massage and also eat a spoon or two for the omega fatty acids. Thicker textures should opt for lighter semi-drying oils like sunflower and safflower –blossom like the sun and absorbs the rays for protecting hair. Commit to the time and be disciplined about your regime for the best results.
Have patience and persevere.
Anastasia is an ex-photographic model, a blogger (annruthenburg.blogspot.com) , a writer, and a fashionista and can be messaged on 0733285730 or emailed at [email protected]
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