Why
So a few months ago while trawling through YouTube (as you do), I came across a video where a woman was talking about tips to help grow and maintain healthy long natural/afro hair. While a lot of what she said was things I was already doing, there was one thing that really stuck out: less manipulation. Even though I’ve never styled my hair every single day, at the time I was styling it twice a week, tugging and pulling at it when I did. I thought back to when I started my hair journey and how I would only braid it once a week, and how much my hair had grown. After this, I decided I wanted to style my hair less and vowed to return to my once a week styling.
How
How I’m currently maintaining my natural hair isn’t as hard or crazy as you would expect. On the day that I’m styling, I make sure to dowse my scalp in moisture to make sure it doesn’t get dry or itchy during the week. I use the Blue Magic Tea Tree Oil Leave-In Conditioner, ORS Monoi Oil Anti-Breakage Leave-In Conditioner, IC Shea Butter Deep Oil Moisturizer, Soft & Beautiful Botanicals Ultra Nourishing Moisturizing Lotion, and moringa oil. During the week I also rub a generous amount of IC Shea Butter Deep Oil Moisturizer to my hair and finish off the Paltas B.K.C Leave-In Conditioning Spray. At night, I sleep with my head wrap every single night.
Is Once A Week Styling Hard?
Yes and no. On the one hand, it’s great because it means I get an extra hour back during the week. But on the other hand, by the fifth day, my hair is starting to look a little rough and like it could do with a redo. However, all-in-all, I’d say if it means there’s less tension and pulling on my hair, I’m willing to do whatever I need to.
In the future I want to be more intentional about manipulating my hair less. Right now I’m looking into protective styles that suit my lifestyle and me. I can’t wait to share more with you in the coming weeks.
For my full wash day routine, you can check out my YouTube video here. To see how I get my signature low bun, check out my YouTube video here.
alice
xo
