Embarking on a new journey is not always easy. The natural hair journey is no exception. Being newly natural should be an exciting time of getting to know and love your hair. For some, it can be very frustrating causing them to commit crimes against their innocent curls. Here are 3 common crimes that new naturals may be guilty of committing.
1. Curl Negligence
If anyone has ever told you that maintaining natural hair doesn’t take work, then I’m sorry to tell you that they lied! Although natural hair has a strong appearance it is actually the most fragile of all hair types. This means that your curls must receive consistent tender loving care.
Failure to do so can result in dryness, breakage, and unhappy damaged curls. So, stop neglecting your gorgeous curls and start giving them what they need by moisturizing with a water-based leave-in conditioner, sealing with oil, and protecting your ends.
2. Not Giving Hair Products a Fair Trial
Trying a product just once is not enough to convict it of fraud. Granted, there will be some products that just aren’t for you whether it’s because of their scent, consistency, or performance. I’ve found that in order to be a fair judge of a product you need to have all the facts.
Try obtaining background information such as product ingredients and company information. Knowing what ingredients to look for in hair products will aid in knowing the difference between what products will or will not perform to your liking. Also, witnesses such as product reviews can be a great help in making the final decision to purchase a hair product.
3. Stealing Every Hair Care Regimen
Keep in mind that no two heads of curls are the same. Therefore, developing a hair care regimen that is specific to your hair’s needs is a must because what works for others may not work at all for you. Take notes on the methods and products that you use on wash day. This will help you pinpoint the process that your hair responds well to.
Hopefully, your curls haven’t fallen victim to these vicious curl crimes. If they have, I recommend that you immediately start giving your curls the proper care that they need and deserve.
It’s all about learning to work with what you have. Investing in healthy hair will not only make your hair happy, but it will also make you happy to see that your hair is thriving. So, just say no to the criminal curl activity and remember, if you do the crime, then you’ll do the time… the time repairing your hair that is.
Independently Yours,
Are you guilty of committing these curl crimes? What other curl crimes are there to commit? How did you solve the crime?
Cherese “Afrophire” Agee is a young navy wife with a passion for natural hair, fashion, lifestyle, and beauty. Afrophire.com is a natural hair blog that incorporates her unique and independent take on life.
I have stick straight hair and I used to think having natural curly hair would be fun. But after watching my sister for years with her natural curls I am content with the straight. If she does not use the right things her hair gets so frizzy. I am still jealous of her hair but I am content with mine lol
I am a scaredy cat when it comes to changing anything about my hair. It is to my knees almost and never permed, dyed, or anything…and I am 38. My biggest reason is that I am allergic to a lot ot things and with my luck perms and dyes would be on that list.
To you knees? *faints* I’m am struggling with mine to my hip! I can understand that. I’m allergic to alot of things myself. 🙁
My husband has to braid it nightly after he washes it because if not he and I get tangled in it at night…LOL
I am guilty with # 2 and 3. I almost have tried all hair care in the market. I even tried one that gave me an allergy. Most of the times, I want to copy hairdo of some celebrities here. I thought it will give same look on me but I often failed, lol.
I don’t have curly hair, but I agree that trying something once and tossing it is wrong. You have to give it a second, third and fourth try before “it’s not for you”
Yes, sometimes a product may appear as a miss on the first try but after using it a few more times it works better.
I have naturally curly hair and I definitely agree that you must take care of it. I have learned to take care of it well over the years with the help of great products and I absolutely love my natural curls.
Natural curls are gorgeous for sure. The biggest thing is finding the right products and technique.
LOL! I admit that I have been guilty of some of these crimes. My hair lets me know when she is thirsty. Thats about every 3-4 days. That means that I have either wash her or moisturize her. Its so much work, but I love my natural curls. I love this post! 🙂
You hair sounds like mine. How I address my moisture needs purely depends on my mood. LOL
If I let my hair air dry, I have natural waves, but sometimes they’ll frizz if I brush it. Do you recommend the same products for wavy hair?
Yes, my hair is wavy and I use the same products that curly girls use. I just use less of the product.
I love my natural curls but also like to do a good blow out every now and then… I have been rocking my curls since I was a child though so it’s so funny to me when people ask “how do you get your hair like that?” It’s not something I have to work at, it just is what it is. I use a variety of products though. My latest fave is As I Am. I love Shea Butter and Miss Jessie’s too. Thanks for sharing the curl crimes – it’s definitely hard work to maintain until you get used to it and form your routine.
I have a container of As I Am that I have yet to try. I need to get on that. You are right once you find the right products and your routine, it does get easier.
I am blessed with curls, but can always go back to straight hair. Curls are my favorite though.
I have naturally straight hair and wish many days for great curls. I had not idea how challenging natural curls could be.
They definitely take work. A wash n go really isn’t a a wash and go. LOL
I commit the ultimate crime- using the flat iron! My hair is naturally curly, but just seems un-tameable! Sometimes I like being able to straighten it, but I know it’s a bad, bad thing to do… the shame!
It’s not always bad. If you are not doing it daily and always using some type of heat protect, heat can be used without damage. I also keep the temp low on my flatiron.
I’ve been guilty of #3. Wanting to do EVERY hair style and failing at a lot of them. I would also add that trying to use products made for relaxed hair should be a crime.
Oh ChiChi, you are so right. The funny thing is I can use product for naturals. However, when I was natural using products for relaxed hair was a big no no. LOL
Yes, I totally agree with you ChiChi. It’s tempting to want to try any and everything because you just don’t know what works. I remember trying to use some of my old products from my relaxer days not realizing that they were for maintaining sleek straight hair. My afro was not having it!
No. 1 is something a lot of ladies back in my place assume. It’s difficult changing that mindset.
I know you have been working hard and bringing products in for ladies. That’s all you can do if they are resistant.
You’re definitely right about it being difficult to change that type of mindset sis. All we can do is be the example by caring for our hair and making sure it is healthy. Hopefully, they’ll take notice and want to invest in maintaining their natural hair. Thanks for sharing!