by Bennii Blast of The Culture Pine
Sharing my story regularly has become somewhat of a reflective process, and I guess one could say therapeutic. It has allowed me teach but more importantly to learn. For some of us, the only time we may feel supported in our hair journey is when we visit natural hair sites. For others, it’s more than acquiring knowledge, but a sense of belonging amongst like-minded souls.
It amazes me sometimes just how little I knew about the care of natural hair prior to reaching this chapter in my life. Not to mention the myths…Oh my, the myths! I remember people would say (me included) that water would break my hair off and wash away the relaxer. Little did I know that water would turn out to be my best friend, and that these relaxed ends would stay with me for a LONG time to come. I can’t help but wonder that if I knew what I know now about the damage relaxers can cause, would I have been so eager in persuading Mama Jay to get that very first one all those years ago, or is the reality of it all that yes – I probably would have. You see, I believe that my mind-set at that time would have gladly ignored the cons of a relaxer, but focused on the ‘benefits’. I believe that everything happens in the right space and time that God intended, and that the wisdom and strength I have now was non-existent back then.
Along with allowing me to reflect, my hair journey so far has introduced me to a catalogue of products and a library of knowledge that have proven both beneficial to my hair, and also my life. The most invaluable hair tip I have received, is the importance of recognizing the beauty of uniqueness. When we realise that each curly headed girl is different, it encourages us to appreciate what we have and not waste time, products and tears trying to achieve someone else’s hair pattern/texture/thickness. I realise that before transitioning, I was reaching for something that wasn’t made for me, which resulted in my constant dissatisfaction with my hair. This advice in particular has set the tone for not just my hair but my perspective on life, and for that very reason; I am truly glad someone took the time to share it.
What natural hair advice/product are you grateful that someone shared with you?
"Use a moisturizing and protein deep conditioner." Best advice I have ever received! My hair has never been the same since!
Yeah! Washing my hair in sections saved my transitioning hair from tangles. That piece of advice was gold for me. Add Kimmaytube's leave in conditioner recipe and the ease of two strand twist, and I got 5-6 inches of growth in 12 months with 2-10 inches of relaxed ends tagging along (I got scissor happy with my relaxed ends in the back one day to check out my curl pattern). Thanks so much CurlyNikki community, I would be near bald without you!
I'm grateful for the following advice I've received: 1) drink lots of water, moisture starts from within; 2) wash your hair in sections (this makes it so much easier to get the scalp and hair clean and 3) learn your hair to understand what works best for your head (this may be different than everyone else).
I'm grateful for all the wonderful ladies like CurlyNikki and Teri LaFlesh for using so much time and energy to give fellow curlies quality information.
A product I'm thankful to know about is TRESemme! I use their conditioners as leave-ins and they're lifesavers!
I am grateful for a fellow curly who told me about Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. That product completely changed my wash and go results from a hot frizzy mess to beautifully defined curls.
I'm so grateful to all of the naturals that freely give their advice on this site and others. I don't think I would be having such a successful transition with out them (I'm going on month 10).
I'm also grateful that Nikki and others introduced me to Henna. I think it's made a true difference with my hair.
Last but not least, thanks for stressing "patience" during this time of transition. I am very impatient, but having so many ladies say that "patience is key" helps me stay calm when otherwise I'd be rushing thru this process and making mistakes.
I'm thankful for all of that advice + all of the information women on the web, including Curly Nikki research to help women around the world achieve healthy hair and feel comfortable in their own skin. =)
I have 3:
It's only hair, what's underneath your scalp is what matters most.
Condition, condition, condition.
The most important thing is what you put into your body, not what you put on it.