By: Ariana Wiggins (’19), Staff Writer
It’s not easy being natural. Every day brings another surprise that makes us question the best way to take care of our natural hair. To make matters more simple, below are some of the most important things to know as a natural. Take heed to this information, and your hair will snatch everyone else’s edges straight out of their scalps time and time again.
While Transitioning
Rule #1: Hide your edges and hide your kitchen. Nothing petrifies me more than seeing the drastic difference in textures between the roots and the shaft of someone’s hair. Wear a headband to mask that. I’m begging you. Also, consider getting a protective style (braids, wigs, sew-ins, etc.) or try a heat-free style that will blend your two hair types (bantu knots, perm rod sets, etc.).
After Big Chop
The first step is to face reality. Yes, you’re baldheaded. No, it will not touch your shoulders within 3 months. You’ll probably remain at least remotely baldheaded for a good hot minute there. Also, LOL, your hair type will probably not be 3C like a lot of those YouTube gurus. Just know your hair is beautiful either way. Accepting this is the first step to becoming comfortable with your new ‘do. So don’t stress over it; just use this time to ease yourself into learning to take care of your natural hair before it’s too late.
In Bad Weather
If you don’t remember anything else, remember this: DO NOT unravel your overnight styles (i.e. two-strand twists) before checking the weather app. If you do, you might be asking for a frizzy hair day, and it’ll be a waste of the precious hours on end you spent styling it. Trust me — I’ll be the first to admit I’ve had my own fair share of heartbreaks from rocking a first-day twist out in the rain or humidity. My fluffy fro turns into a tight helmet within 10 minutes every time. Avoid this at all costs.
At Work
Professionalism, somehow and for some reason, dictates what hairstyles are and are not considered appropriate in the workplace. What does this mean for naturals? Not a damn thing. Wear your hair however you deem suitable.
While Broke
Honestly, I don’t have much advice here. Being natural means your hair products fall in the 2-figures price range, and being broke probably means you don’t have any “2-figures price range” money. I’d tell you to get a protective style, but that costs money too. Just try to go light on the amount of product you use on your hair. Maybe wear a hat until payday (or until you get a job if you’re really struggling). Try to push through.
In General
Really, there’s no right or wrong way to be natural. Experience it however you wish. Lay your edges — or don’t. Bleach it — or don’t. Taper it — or (you guessed it) don’t. It’s your own natural hair journey. Make it what you want it to be.
