Many people go months, even years, without ever handling their natural hair. A lot of the time, we find this is because of frustration, anxiety and a general distaste for their own hair, which can manifest in them constantly resorting to fake hair and relaxers to the point of dependency. This in itself is very unfortunate, but with patience and understanding, you can overcome this process and begin to see the beauty in your locks.
Above all, try not to talk about your hair in a negative light, even if you are experiencing issues. If you remain patient and seek to gently resolve the issue, you’ll find that remedies will come more naturally to you – as opposed to when you’re physically rough, furious and bad-mouthing your hair.
Also, little by little, expose yourself to your own hair, allowing it to flourish in its natural state. By doing this, you are slowly reprogramming your mind to become accustomed to your hair, and affirming your confidence in it.
Moreover, get to know your hair. Touch it, understand it, and familiarise yourself with its nature. In the book Colonised Hair, Decolonised Mind, Narisse Monkam encourages curiosity within her salon, stating, “It’s essential to ask all your questions before the service begins. In my salon, I take the time to understand my clients’ needs thoroughly before starting any service. This ensures that we are aligned on expectations and helps achieve the best results for your hair.” This process within itself illustrates the fact that in order to achieve optimal results with your hair, you must first seek to acknowledge and understand it.
