By Jordan Ensign
When I was 17, I decided to step away from the straightener and finally embrace my natural hair. There was only one problem: I had no idea how to care for curls. I was in uncharted territory. While I’m certainly not an expert, I have spent the past three years learning and loving my hair. So, if you’re ready to embrace your curls, here are the top five things these three years have taught me:
Confidence Changes the Game
One of the first things I did when I decided to take care of my hair was to seek out curly hair content creators. People like Mell Guido and Ashley Reuben (two of my favorites) make it their mission to embrace their natural curls and help others do the same. Seeing their love for their curls gave me the confidence to tackle my own hair care journey.
Learn What Works for You
Everyone’s hair is different– what works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay! Looking at inspiration is great, but everyone’s hair has different needs. It might take some time to find what’s best for your hair but be patient! If a product or styling technique isn’t working after a few fair tries, move on to something new. Experimenting is part of the process.
Good Things Take Time
Your hair probably isn’t going to reach its full potential overnight, especially if, like me, you’re up against years of heat damage. It can be tempting to give up, but I promise the wait is worth it! Consider a big chop to get rid of some damage, embrace the process, and be patient!
Less Is More
Embracing your curly hair doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Looking at all the hair products out there can be overwhelming, but you don’t need them all! Having a few reliable products that work for you is all you need. Along those lines, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better– don’t be afraid of drugstore brands! While some more expensive products can definitely be worth the money, most of my favorites are found on the shelves of my local CVS.
The “Perfect Washday” Is a Myth
At the end of the day, it’s just hair. It might change with the seasons, fall flat, or be uncooperative some days, and that’s okay. Part of what makes your hair beautiful is that it’s unique to you. Even on my worst washdays, I feel more myself than I ever did with straightened hair. Don’t let a false idea of perfection get in the way of living your life!
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