What they don’t tell you about natural hair

In this article, we will discuss issues that affect our natural hair journey and what our dearest and beloved influencers on YouTube, Instagram and other social media channels do not really talk about. In our previous article, we have discussed issues about  natural hair’s growth, health and how to care for our natural hair. If you have not read this article please read it here. http://denaturelle.se/how-to-take-care-of-your-natural-hair/

# 1 Stress and unhealthy diet

What we put in our body impacts the health and growth our natural hair. Lack of nutrients causes brittle and thin hair which leads to hair loss. Make sure you drink a lot of water, eat fruits and vegetables. It is also good to exercise to relieve our body from stress. But when we exercise, it increases blood flow and circulation to our skin and scalp (see http://www.rehairducation.com/fit-for-growth-how-exercise-helps-with-hair-growth/).

# 2 Overmanipulation

All head of curls are not the same. While some hair types requires little manipulation to thrive, others need lot of nurturing. This is true for those who have type 4 curl pattern. Trying every new style, you’ve seen on your favorite YouTube channel. Those who have fine/thin natural hair know what I am talking about! Manipulating your hair strands everyday can lead to breakage.

# 3 Negligence

You cannot expect to grow waist length hair if you do not make the time to care of your hair. I have heard many naturals say that natural hair is too hard to take care of especially from naturals with type 4 hair. Our hair pattern requires us to take care of it in a special way. It cannot be cared for like other hair types.

# 4 Using too many products

I have been natural for four years and I have spent more than two years trying different products that promise to elongate your curls, beat humidity, grow your hair overnight, many of which were pricier and left me disappointed.  

# 5 Using heat/heating tools

In the beginning of my journey, I was afraid to use heat even if it meant sparingly for fear of heat damage. Now I have decided to take up a challenge and blow dry my hair every week. I have 4c fine natural hair and I have noticed that stretching my hair with a blow drying reduces the knots and tangles in my hair.  So far, I have not experienced any heat damage. The most important is to take the necessary steps to protect your hair with a heat protectant before applying any form heat to your hair.

# 6  Using hair grease

We have heard from many natural hair gurus that hair grease contains chemicals such as petroleum, mineral oils etc. that can clog your pores and therefore prevent hair growth. I have taken up the challenge and used hair grease for a month and let me tell you my hair has been thanking me for this. Grease can be used to combat shrinkage and reduce tangles and knots as well as dry hair that comes with living in a country with harsh winter (Read more here https://bglh-marketplace.com/2014/08/how-to-hair-grease-yes-grease-can-help-retain-length-in-natural-hair/).

Remember that it takes a lot of nurturing and patience to grow natural hair. There will be a lot of trials and errors on your journey but do not despair, you will eventually get there. But if everything fails, chop it all off and start all over again.

What setbacks have you encountered in your natural hair journey. Please leave your comments below.

This article is also featured on odoliv.com by the same author.*