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Home • Natural

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural

Everyone wants to have natural hair these days, but do you know what it really entails? Read these lessons before deciding to wear your natural curls.
By Deena Campbell · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Create your own rules

No head of curls are the same, so why should you listen to every natural hair care rule and think your strands will have the same results. Try their methods and lessons, but if it doesn’t work, create your own routine.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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02
Length Isn’t Everything

Who cares if your hair is shoulder length, bra strap length or down to your butt? What matters is the health of your hair. Healthy hair is happy hair.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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03
Avoid comparing your curls

A curl is a curl is a curl. Don’t worry so much about how loose or tight your curls are. And, never compare your curls to a hair crush. Be happy with your curls. Instead of focusing on the negativity, concentrate on understanding your texture and porosity.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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04
Don’t spend money—make your own products

Buying products can be costly. So sometimes it’s great to discover what your hair really needs and buy those ingredients. For instance, if you know your curls love coconut oil, why spend the extra money on products that include coconut oil and a bunch of unnecessary oils, when you can buy coconut oil on its own?

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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05
Track your progress

Sometimes we can get into a runt and we feel as if our hair isn’t growing and nothing is changing. If you take photos and measure your hair isn’t a great form of encouragement on your down days.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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06
Don’t Be Afraid to try color

We’re not saying your should try blonde or platinum—unless of course you want to—but, a semi-permanent rinse won’t kill your strands.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
07
Ignore the naysayers

The only person who needs to love your hair is yourself. Everyone else can kick rocks!

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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08
Make Time

Don’t think you can wash your hair, complete a twist-out and be ready to walk out the door in two hours. Sorry, not happening. Be smart, plan ahead and prepare for proper hair care.

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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09
Be open-minded

Sometimes natural hair can have a mind of its own, and when you start out creating a style you don’t always end up with what you want. But, that’s okay. Embrace it!

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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10
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

Caring for your curls can be a major challenge. Your hair might break off, become super dry or just never have the volume you dreamed of. But, it’s all good. Go with the flow and everything will fall into place!

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Natural
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