TAKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO NATURAL HAIR CARE IN 2022
*HOLISTIC- Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole. *Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness.
Happy New Year Natural Hair Rockstars!
This year we’re taking a holistic approach to natural hair care. We’re acknowledging that caring for our hair is a small aspect of taking care of our whole selves. We’re learning that feeling good in our skin and feeling confident in our Kinky Curly Afro crowns, in many ways, is a byproduct of how well we feel overall.
But don't be alarmed! The holistic approach to natural hair care doesn't mean you have to find more time to add more items to your already overflowing to-do list. Quite the opposite! These ten tips are in line with the resolutions you already made for the new year. These ten tips are meant to help you reclaim your crown (edges and all) plus reduce time spent in frustration over your hair; all without making it too complicated.
In other words, these tips will remind you of what you already know and re-ignite your passion for natural hair that is healthy from the inside out.
1. STAY HYDRATED
Communication within the body is optimal when the body has enough water to do its work. When approaching natural hair care holistically, drinking sufficient water is a great way to promote hair success. Start off the new year with a glass of water and find new ways to keep water high up on your list of preferred beverages.
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip: Gauge your hydration by the color of your urine. The lighter the better. & Make drinking water fun! Try new brands. Try sparkling water like LeCroix. My favorite LeCroix flavor is Pamplemousse aka Grapefruit. Drink it out of a fancy glass. Become obsessed with LifeWTR. They’re always featuring new artists on their labels!
2. TAKE A DAILY MULTIVITAMIN
Check in with any healthcare professional and they'll ask if you’re taking a daily multi-vitamin. Adding a daily vitamin to your lifestyle will ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to keep your body, mind and cells that surround the roots of your hair functioning efficiently. Of course we want to get the majority of our nutrients from the foods we eat, but chances are, we may miss a few from diet alone. The daily vitamin is the back up plan!
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip: My favorite daily vitamin is a gummy by vitaFusion. It’s natural fruit flavors and ease of use makes it a winner in my book. Each morning at the start of my day, I pop two in my mouth and feel ready to tackle the day!
3.GET ACTIVE
Physical activity is a great way to make sure your bodily systems are running smoothly from your hair follicles all the way to your immune system.The next step in our holistic approach to natural hair care is getting active! Physical exercises like power walking and jumping rope gets your blood pumping. Those activities help move good things (like your vitamins) in; and old things (like built up stress) out. Weightlifting tears your muscles. As your muscles repair themselves and become stronger, new life is created within you! Weight lifting keeps you young that way. Want to increase your chances of steady hair growth this year? Commit to physical exercise regularly and see the myriad of benefits it produces.
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip: Try walking 30 minutes daily. No gym membership required!
4. WEAR A BONNET EVERY NIGHT NO EXCUSE!
Now that we have our holistic foundation taken care of, it's time to get practical. Reclaim your crown by wearing a bonnet on your head every time you go to bed. No excuse. The bonnet is your layer of protection between the moisture sucking material of your bed linens or blankets and your delicate Kinky Curly Afro textured hair.
Wearing a bonnet insures that the moisture you have in your hair stays there plus it keeps lint, dirt and debris out. This magical headgear will also help you reclaim your crown by protecting your delicate edges from being tugged if you toss and turn in bed. Plus it will prevent unnecessary breakage due to night time activities (wink).
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip: Have at least two bonnets in your arsenal, you never know when one might want to get lost. Also, if you want to look sexy in bed, keep the bonnet on the nightstand and put it on after you’re done cuddling. If it's on the nightstand already you won't even have to get out of bed to put it on.
5. INVEST IN A SATIN PILLOWCASE
No bonnet is 100% safe! You might accidentally take it off while you're sleeping. Maybe you bought three bonnets and you can’t find a single one! Having a satin pillowcase is the backup plan. Even if your bonnet comes off, satin is a great material for your Kinky Curly Afro crowns to get close and personal with. It won't strip away your moisture or create friction when moving. Invest in a satin pillowcase or an entire satin sheet set. You can thank me later.
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip: Satin pillowcases also help prevent the skin on your face from becoming too dry. You’ll never guess who has them for the low!! Dollar tree.
6. PRACTICE THE LOC METHOD
Reclaim your time by utilizing the LOC Method of product application. Say goodbye to the exhausting hunt for the “right products” and simplify your wash day routine. Based on the science of our hair, following The Loc Method on wash day will hydrate your hair, seal the moisture, and leave you with soft hair that has a lasting sheen. After following The LOC Method you will have hair that’s ready to set in your favorite no-heat stretching method.
The LOC Method is a three step method of product application, used after washing and conditioning your hair. L is for Leave-In Conditioner! Begin by applying a moisturizing leave-in to damp hair. O is for Oil! Next, use oils that replicate the natural sebum to coat and protect the hair follicles. C is for Cream! As the final step to lock the moisture in place, apply a thick, creamy product. The thickness of the cream will prevent the loss of softness and sheen.
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip:Properly sealing moisture in your Kinky Curly Afro hair will significantly reduce frizz, greatly enhance the definition of your texture and leave your hair noticeably softer to the touch.
7. FIND YOUR GO-TO / SIGNATURE STYLE
What is a signature style? It’s the style or element of your style that makes you glow. The style that makes you feel the most beautiful, the most strong, the most empowered, the most authentically you; that’s the signature style. It’s something you come to time and time again for its simplicity and complementary effects. Save time in the long run by discovering your signature style. How?! Take a weekend and stay home in front of your mirror playing in your hair and makeup until you have something that makes you glow.
Try styling your freshly washed and moisture sealed hair, then try styling your dry hair. Then try styling your freshly washed and blow dried hair. Then try styling with gel. Then try a hair accessory. Have fun with it!!
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip: Complete the look! Try on a large pair of earrings. Try on a small pair. Get your eyebrows done. Go to a makeup counter and get a makeover. Watch hair styling videos. Depending on your length of hair, do a set of two strand twists. Then spend 30 mins pinning them up and styling them.
Put on a v-neck or u-neck shirt. Pick out new combinations of your clothes that look good with your new hair. Go buy a new outfit! Take a million selfies. Edit them. Have a glass of wine. Pamper yourself with a bubble bath with candles and bath salts.
8. CONSIDER A FUNKY NEW CUT OR COLOR
After being a Natural Hair Rockstar for several years, you can find yourself in a rut. A style rut. You know how to moisturize your hair, you know what products make your hair sing, yet you’re not feeling as fly, as fresh or as turned on by your hair anymore. Reclaim time wasted by considering a funky new cut or color. A new cut or color in the New Year might be just the change you need to get your natural hair groove back.
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip:Decide to keep trying new things. Don’t ever quit playing in your hair until you find a way to wear it which makes you feel like the queen you are!
9.COMPARE NOTES WITH A FRIEND WHOSE HAIR YOU ADMIRE
Reclaim your time by getting information directly from the source.Do you have a friend, relative or co-worker with hair you admire? Have a friendly chat with her about her hair. Ask what products she recommends. Does she follow the LOC Method without calling it that? Where did she get her bonnet? Instead of spending hours filtering through the vlogs and advertisement filled websites, compare notes with a natural in your world and see what nuggets of value she has to share.
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip: Don’t be afraid to speak to a beautiful natural you see out and about! Start with a sincere compliment about her hair and let the conversation naturally unfold.
10. FORGET THE RULES! ROCK YOUR HAIR IN A STYLE THAT INSPIRES YOU.
If the past two years have taught us anything it has taught us the value of life. It has taught us not to take time and freedom for granted. With this new determination to live our best lives; in 2022 forget the hair rules! Forget hair politics! Rock your hair in a way that inspires YOU! Rock your hair in a way that empowers YOU. Whether that’s a shrunken afro, a blow out, two strand twists , braids or a sew in featuring the most expensive hair in the beauty supply store. DO YOU!
Natural Hair Rockstar Tip: In 2022 make up your mind that you’re done with hair politics. The only thing that matters when it comes to your hair is how you feel about it. Period.
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