THICK HAIR PROBS!
Let’s hear it for the gals (and guys) who deal with hair so thick that you can not see their scalp without using a magnifying glass!
It is both a blessing and a curse having thick hair. Never having enough bobby pins, running out of conditioner before shampoo, and soo many broken brushes are known struggles for those of us with lions manes. But fret not, there are ways to cope! Follow my 5 steps and you will have thick hair PRIDE:
Photo by ARYANE VILARIM from Pexels
Patience is Key
First things first, when dealing with thick hair, patience is a must! While it may take some a matter of minutes to style their hair, it can take you longer. Plan ahead of time to do your hair on a day you aren’t busy or at night before going to bed.
Routine
This is one of the most important steps, having a hair routine. If you lead a busy life, like most college students, then dealing with crazy, tangled hair does not fit into your schedule. Having designated “wash days” where you dedicate most of your day to your hair is common among the natural hair community. For wash day I usually follow this simple procedure: wash, condition, detangle, deep condition or protein treatment, dry, and prepare for styling.
It’s How You Use It
There is a never ending list of products on the market that claim to magically fix your hair. But regardless if you use the best shampoo in the world, if used incorrectly, the results could be horrendous. A few quick tips:
wash and condition your hair with lukewarm water
when drying, it’s better to use an old t-shirt versus a towel that can snag hair
wear protective garb (satin bonnet, hair wraps) at night
The best way to decide on a product is to look first on the ingredients label. Try to avoid products that use sulfates, parabens, or words that look hard to pronounce (usually words ending with -acetyl, -ate, or -amine). These chemicals can be harsh on your hair, stripping them of its natural oils and even causing long term effects.
Divide and Conquer
When washing, drying, braiding, etc. it is always a good idea to divide and conquer- section off your hair. Generally, sectioning off your hair into four large sections, then working one section through at a time works.
Embrace the Mane
After establishing the other steps, know that your hair, thick and full of life, is amazing the way it is. Because your hair is thick, you have more room for versatility than others. And remember that everyone is different so try not to compare your hair to anyone else's; all textures are beautiful.
Photo by Godisable Jacob from Pexels
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