[+Podcast] How to Minimize Breakage
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You may have heard this topic being discussed in the natural hair community. But still, I don’t see naturals talking about the REAL explanation of what it takes to produce those outcomes we’re always looking up on Google and Youtube. Minimizing breakage is one of them, why? Because we want long hair! Everyone has their own method to how they care for their hair and yes, of course there can be certain products and systems adopted from other naturals that could work for you too. BUT depending on others’ advice for the sake of your hair’s health is where we go wrong. So what I’m sharing with you today to help you minimize all breakage may sound a little unorthodox but if you want to stop constantly looking to the internet for answers on everything, these 3 points are what you need to embrace:
Enjoy what you see in the mirror
You’ll see me say things like this time and time again. Success is a mindset thing. And I mean with your hair too! When you’re experiencing a lot of breakage, stop and ask yourself if you’ve been on top of your hair care a natural’s structured routine to carry out basic and/or specialized hair care practices
“>regimen lately. Have you been neglecting keeping your hair moisturized because you’ve had a frustrating/exhausting couple of days? Have you been touching and messing around with your hair too much because you haven’t been able to find a style that’s pleasing to you? Pay attention to the things you do subconsciously because it has a major effect on the outcome and health of your hair. It’s absolutely necessary to see and enjoy what you look at in the mirror. Your hair is the way it is for a Godly reason. Except the good and the flaws because I promise you, the grass is never greener on the other side. There’s things about your hair other naturals would kill you for (hypothetically lol) so if you can’t love your own hair, how do you expect to achieve a hair goal you don’t yet have? Love your beautiful kinky curly self.Educate yourself
Another important thing after you first love yourself. Because it’ll make education feel like a fun activity and not a task. Take the time to study yourself. I don’t know anyone who’s seen success in any way by accident. Be practical and prepare yourself to reach your hair goals by getting to know what keeps your hair moisturized. This will keep your hair stronger so she’s less prone to breakage. Also, make sure you’re not being counterproductive by detangling your hair incorrectly. Detangling is vital to the length of your hair so it’s important that you know what you’re doing there. Be deliberate and bold about getting to know everything there is to know about YOUR hair. No one cares about your hair as much as you do. And that’s the way it should be. Stop depending on people you think have your same hair type for all the answers. Even if their natural hair is similar to yours…it’s NOT yours. There’s something unique about your hair and you need to figure out what that is and cater to it.
Don’t be lazy
I had to throw this one in there in case anyone was like me. Sometimes, (even now) I can go through pits of being on top of moisturizing/detangling/styling my hair routinely. And other times, I fall off and the difference is very noticeable. But if you are going to enjoy what you see in the mirror and educate yourself then you have to make sure you’re not neglecting your duties. Remember natural hair is like a growing child and she can do things for herself but not everything. She still needs your guidance. And she needs you to show her that you’re not going to fold under pressure and get frustrated when things are getting very complex. I get it. Life happens and we can’t be our 100% best selves at all times. Sometimes, we’ll fall asleep without a bonnet on and wake with a load of hair knots to detangle the next day. It’s okay. It’s normal. Just take the time to get balanced again because it’s not the end of the world and you and your hair are not a failure because you had a bad “hair” day. It’s when that frustration or disappointment carries on into days of neglect that it gets dangerous for your success. Show your hair that you two were meant to be together….she’s not going anywhere (unless you chop her off and I don’t think that’s what you want to do).
You may have thought that I was going to give you tactics and tools that I use to minimize breakage…and honestly, I did. But I didn’t need to tell you what products I use because our hair isn’t exactly the same and that’s not what will help you reach your goals. There’s a lot of videos and advice out there but many forget to mention how you FEEL is a direct result of the success you produce. This is a very important step and one that’s overlooked by so many. This is the best way to approach your goals before you start fluffing up your shopping list. Remember to love yourself, educate yourself, and stay on top of yourself and you’ll see your hair grow like wildfire!