Hair Tips for the Lazy Natural
Within the last year or so I have become a lazy natural. My opinion of a lazy natural is someone who takes care of their natural hair but doesn’t necessarily do it themselves.
That is me.
At one point, I did enjoy doing all of the natural hairstyles I could find on YouTube. From the twist and braid outs to the flexi rods and bantu knots. I lived for going into the beauty supply store to re-up on my favorite natural hair product and picking up a new one to try. Those small activities used to give me joy.
Now it just seems like so much work! Perhaps because of me getting older and my lifestyle changing. Now, I pay for someone just to wash my hair. I also realize I function better when my hair is already done so I can start my day faster.
My natural hair majority of the time now is in a protective style so it is not in the way for me or an extra task that has to be done. Something that I have struggled with because of this is: how to take care of my natural hair during my protective style breaks.
I called my dear friend and professional hairstylist, Imani Hudson, to ask her what exactly should a lazy natural like me incorporate in their hair care routine.
Imani Hudson graduated with her cosmetology license in 2019, specializing in natural hair. She has been doing hair for 7 years while being a professional for 3 years.
Check out what she had to say below!
Hair shedding is normal.
“There is no real way to avoid shedding. Your hair can shed 100 strains a day so going weeks or even months without combing, all the dead hair stays in your hair. The longer you go without combing, the more hair you’ll see when you do. There is no reason to be alarmed. It is important to deep condition before and after protective styles to add moisture and strengthen the hair.”
Research hair treatments that contain protein.
“Paul Mitchel’s protein treatments are great for moisture and protein. Also, I have been using Nature’s Blessings Pomade since my childhood. It’s all natural and not expensive. All you need is a small amount on your finger tips to put on the scalp. If clients use that product regularly, the PH of their scalp will balance out if they have been having a dry scalp.”
Hair growth depends on your specific hair needs.
“It varies person to person, there is a lot of trial and error in the natural hair community. We can all benefit from a protein treatment to rebuild hair within the shaft. Oiling the scalp 2-3 times a week will help too.”
There are many natural hair myths but these are facts that will help.
“Tying your hair up at night in a satin scarf is very important. I would suggest investing in a satin pillow case. Massaging your scalp for hair growth is a fact. Blood flow circulates to feed oxygen to the hair strains to help it grow.”
Avoid sleeping with your hair tied tight in scrunchies.
“The slick back hairstyle is not always your BFF. It tends to break off your edges (like it did mine). Braiding or twisting your natural hair before bed is a great way to protect it.”
After working for other salons for the last 3 years, Imani recently opened her own hair studio. Seven Hair Studio in Middlesex, NJ! If you would like to support this black woman owned business, follow her on Instagram: @faithinimani_ & @sevenhairstudionj.
Did this inspire you to change up your hair care routine?
Let me know in the comments (: