Hands In My Hair: Guest Blog Post by Nadia … a fellow curly friend of mine

I big chopped on July 17, 2009. I did it for many reasons but probably the most important was because I knew it was what was best for me and my health. After lots of research I came to the realization that relaxers are unhealthy and damaging to your hair. Most of us know that you usually have to work hard to get something you want whether it be a new job, a degree, a good relationship, etc. So why should it be any different with a healthy head of hair?

In the past few months I’ve come across several women be it on forums, chats, or twitter who want their natural hair to be “easy”. They just want to wake up and do nothing or very little. At first when I chopped and had a TWA, I’m not going to lie, it was pretty easy. Co-wash daily, put some moisturizer in and seal with oil. Pretty basic. But as time passed and my hair grew longer I realized that things were changing and my hair care regimen would have to change also. You can’t expect to have great healthy hair without putting in the research, time and effort into. I’m not saying to become a product junkie and try all sorts of crazy methods and ideas. But you definitely need a routine for your hair. 

It seems like every other day there’s someone complaining about how they’ve been natural for years and their hair isn’t growing, or it’s dry and lackluster, or they’re tired of doing protective styles, blah blah blah. Look ladies! If you want gorgeous hair you’re gonna have to work for it. It doesn’t just come out your head beautiful(well at least for most people, lol). In order to get that great hair you’re striving for you’re going to have to come up with a routine/regimen that works for you! 
Most ladies with healthy hair have a pretty basic but effective routine:

• wash/co-wash
• deep condition
• moisturize
• and protect 

Some ladies aren’t fans of protective styling and that’s fine but know that you’ll have to pay even more attention to how your hair responds to being “free”. Notice I didn’t say find someone who’s hair you admire and do exactly what they’re doing because that doesn’t work. I’ve been there, done that. It was not good, lol. You have to see how your hair responds and figure it out on your own. It’s trial and error.

Look, tt’s not called a natural hair journey for nothing: a journey is something you go through and you’ll learn and make mistakes along the way.

My advice to anyone who’s contemplating going natural is this: being natural is amazing, great, fabulous! Your hair is so much healthier free from chemicals and so versatile. But don’t think it’s going to be a walk in the park. The good days, in my opinion, definitely outnumber the bad days but there will be times when you’ll get frustrated. Do not be dissuaded! Stay strong and know that you’re doing this for the right reasons! Nothing happens overnight. All those bloggers/vloggers that you see and envy, that’ll be you someday. But you have to pay your dues, and put in the work. Trust me it’s worth it. I’m only 8 months into my journey but I can already see the fruits of my labor and I cannot wait to find out what’s ahead!

-Nadia

You can find me here:
http://sillynads.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/xtremelyperfect
http://public.fotki.com/xtremelyperfect/

If you would like to do a guest blog post for StrawberriCurls, email me at gelizzy88@gmail.com. Make the subject line “Guest Blogger”

-Have a happy hair day