Stop jumping on every natural hair trend. That “natural hair guru” does not have your hair type, and that wash and go is not for you, sis. LOL!
Here are some popular natural hair care tips and tricks that DID NOT work for me. (And let me add that just because it didn’t work for me, doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.)
So do a little trial and error, without becoming a product junkie, try to get advice from people with similar hair characteristics, and let’s go. Watch the full video here.
“Do This One Thing for EXTREME Growth”
There is no magic pill. One ingredient will not outgrow your inability to retain growth. Get a simple regimen, and stick to it. Small changes in the right direction every day will have you reaching your goals faster than you think.
The “No-Poo” Method
For those unfamiliar, the “no-poo” method involves skipping traditional shampoo in favor of cleansing your hair with conditioner or other natural alternatives. While this method has worked wonders for some, my hair seemed to rebel. It craved a good cleanse, and I found that occasional clarifying shampoos were necessary to remove buildup and keep my scalp happy. Imagine taking a shower with lotion instead of body wash. Yeah, that’s the same thing to me. HA!
Coconut Oil, Olive Oil and Butters as Leave-Ins or Moisturizers
I read countless articles touting coconut oil as the ultimate leave-in conditioner. For many naturals, it’s a holy grail product. But for me, it was a greasy mess. My hair refused to absorb it. It sat on top of my strands and weighed down. I learned that not all oils are created equal, and lighter options like argan oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, etc. worked much better for my hair.
“Wash-and-Go” Styles
The wash-and-go is all the rage, and I gave it a try. However, my version was more like a “wash-and-oh-no” situation. My coils didn’t seem to cooperate, and I ended up with a frizzy mess. I realized that my hair prefers more defined styles like twist-outs or braid-outs.
Super Expensive Products
Falling for the notion that expensive products are always better, I invested in high-end hair care lines. However, I found that some budget-friendly products worked just as well or better for my hair. Quality isn’t always synonymous with a hefty price tag.
Using a Lot of Food Products in the Hair
I rather eat food than put in on my hair. Whether it’s rice water, onion water, eggs, mayo, avocado, honey… it’s a no for me. And it could very well work for some, I just rather focus on making recipes for my meals (not my hair.) Frr me, it’s best to ingest.
Brushing to Distribute Natural Oils
The idea of brushing your hair to distribute natural oils from the scalp down the length of your hair didn’t quite work for me. It often led to excessive breakage and frizz. Finger-detangling and gentle combing were more effective and less damaging.
Airdrying
The “no-heat” movement encourages avoiding heat styling tools entirely. While minimizing heat is essential, occasional, controlled use of low-heat settings can be safe and effective for certain styles. Plus, as a kinky-haired girl, stretched styles help my hair to tangle less. So, airdrying actually has some damaging effect for my strands.
Natural hair care is a highly personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s all about understanding your hair’s unique needs and quirks. While these popular trends and tips didn’t quite do it for me, they might still be perfect for you!
Remember, it’s okay to experiment, make mistakes and discover what truly works for your gorgeous natural hair. The beauty of our hair journey lies in the learning and self-discovery along the way.
September 24, 2023
Whew I’ve dealt with a lot of these popular tips and most of them didn’t work for me at all lol. Like you said natural hair is a personal journey and everyone should do what is best for him or her.
September 24, 2023
HAHA! Exactly. I’ve been led astray way too many times from these trends.