5 Things to Do When You Want to Quit Being Natural

1BlessedNatural: 5 Things to Do When You Want to Quit Being a Natural
(Photo credit: Darren Johnson / iDJ Photography via Visual Hunt / CC BY-ND

Happy Monday, my blessed naturals,
As naturals, our journey can be fun, but it can also be challenging. What do you do when you keep trying to style your natural hair, but it just won't come out right? What do you do when you keep experiencing breakage, and it looks like your hair is not growing at all? These situations can be very frustrating, and I know because I've been through them. Here are 5 things you can do to get past those tough times, and continue on your journey to healthy natural hair:

1. Find natural hair inspiration. The Internet is filled with natural hair inspiration! I'm talking about pictures and videos of naturals that will make you remember why you became natural in the first place. If you are not sure what I mean, check out my Instagram page!

2. Ask questions. If you are visiting this site or another and you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask questions. They can be the difference between natural hair problems and successes.

3. Accept your journey as being different from others. Always remember that everyone is on their own unique hair journey. A lot of times, some of us naturals can get caught up in comparing ours to others. It's important to remember that everyone's journey is not the same. For example, you might see a style and try it. You use the exact same products and technique, but your hair comes out completely different.

Although you may think you have the same texture and/or pattern as another natural, everyone's hair is different. What works for me may not always work for you and vice versa. Believe it or not, there is beauty in that fact, and accepting it will help you along the way. You will discover new ways of styling and maintenance that are easier for you.

4. Find other naturals who have gone through the same thing. If you are in a styling rut, having a maintenance issue (e.g. single strand knots), or natural hair disaster, you can always find people who are or have been in the same boat as you. My issues with heat damage, protein overload, moisture overload, seborrheic dermatitis and other problems had me ready to pull my hair out on several occasions, but I had to find other people who were experiencing the same things. Even if their solutions were not my solutions, it felt good to see that I was not alone.

5. Take a break. If you are having a hard time styling your hair, try protective styling. I'm talking about wigs, weaves, braids, twists, hats, and scarfs/head wraps. This week, my sister C. is going to get Marley twists because she became frustrated with her natural hair. Sometimes, it is good to relax your mind (not your hair lol) and take a break. You will find that when you come back to your natural hair, you will feel more refreshed and able to try again.

Have you been frustrated with your natural hair?

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