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In 2019, I noticed my hair wasn’t as thick as I once remembered it to be. My hair felt dry, limp, and wouldn’t curl at all. I didn’t understand my curly hair or what a curly hair routine consisted of.
Growing up there wasn’t a huge consumer market for natural curly hair, like there is now, after the “natural hair boom” in 2016. During, the 90s-early 2000s, bone-straight hair was the popular style and I just assumed it was easier to do that than maintaining my natural curly texture.
Ironically enough, curly hair wasn’t a heavily taught subject at the cosmetology school I went to. I had to learn what my hair *in it’s natural state* needed to be healthy! My hair repair journey started because I was eager to learn more about curly hair and the proper hair care needed for textured hair. (eventually, giving me a deeper understanding of healthy hair practices in general, for all hair types and textures.)
I also colored, highlighted and styled my hair to a crisp so I really had no other choice.. my hair was brittle, thin and breaking off! I needed a full factory reset! The first step in repairing my hair was to completely stop everything I was currently doing! No more chemical services, no more hot tools, and I started maintaining hair cuts every 3 months until I was rid of damaged hair.
I started doing intentional research on what I needed for my specific hair type, condition and goals.. “Products for dry hair?” “Products that repair hair damage?” “How to maintain curly hair?” “Curly hair products?” “Hair growth products?” “Types of Hair Mask?” Etc.. I invested in many treatments and stylers marketed to hydrate, moisturize and strengthen— my hair needed all three! For about 6 months, consistently, I was in a testing phase. Just trying new curly hair products, new heatless hairstyles, understanding my natural hair better, and enjoying the process…
Before I knew it, I had a basic hair care routine that I was able to do without feeling overwhelmed. I picked one day out of the week to do a full wash day. On Sundays, my basic routine consisted of—hydrating shampoo/conditioner, moisturizing treatment, leave-in conditioner & styling cream.
As I’m slowly finding my groove, I started introducing different treatments and techniques that would be helpful for my hair and lifestyle, such as, protein treatments, clarifying products, scalp oils, satin hair accessories, scalp massagers etc.. taking my hair care to the next level!
Adding to my routine little by little completely changed my hair. My hair was growing faster than ever, and my curls were becoming fuller and bouncier! (See photo timeline)
During my haircare journey, I learned what it truly means to be natural and how to maintain my natural hair type. My main goal was to eventually have fun with hair color and hot tools again, but now with a knowing of how to treat and protect my locks through every process.
I’ve never been too attached to my hair; I always loved to use my hair as a form of self-expression, changing my color, manipulating my texture from curly to straight and trying new hairstyles. This journey has taught me more then just how to repair my hair!
I learned to love my natural hair texture, to take some extra time for myself, for self care.. because we simply deserve it! I felt more connected to myself. It also gave me a boost in confidence, I was so happy to see my hard work paying off in big ways!
To care for your hair is a form of self love many hairstylist often forget to talk about. Taking personal time for yourself, putting intentional love & care into your hair makes such a huge difference in your overall wellbeing!
My hair journey has supported me in helping others understand their own hair type and needs based on their specific lifestyles. When we understand our natural hair type better, we can do any color or style and manipulate our hair anyway we’d like with the confidence that we are not damaging the integrity of our hair.
When you began your hair care journey, remember to have fun with it, get the music or your favorite tv show going and begin your weekly self-care ritual for YOU! Let this be my personal hair testament, that any hair dream is possible, and that your healthiest hair will only come with a consistent and intentional hair care routine!
