Hair Envy

 

Do you have hair envy? You absolutely love your natural hair but you often wish or are impatient with the texture and/or length of your hair? You regularly make statements such as "I wish my hair was that long” or “Why can’t my hair do that?”. It’s okay we’re all guilty at some time or another. Generally, you find yourself experiencing hair envy during times when you’re out of your hair comfort zone. For example, during my transition process I so wanted my natural hair to be more wavy so it would be easy to manage more similar to the relaxed texture that I was used to. This also began the transition out of my hair comfort zone into the hair envy zone. Then I big chopped and was completely out of my comfort zone and had to quickly learn how to care for my natural texture. Even within my natural texture I still had some relaxed hair and hair that was more wavy than curly which proved to be a challenge for me. For almost two decades I had only styled and maintained relaxed hair which is typically one texture. After becoming completely natural I had to learn three to four textures simultaneously. *sigh* Talk about hair envy!!! I wish my hair was like my friend who had what I thought was the perfect texture.

The second most common phase where many women experience hair envy is when you’re “torn”. My hair isn’t short but it isn’t long either. I want to cut it because I know how to do my hair at the shorter length but I really can’t wait until my hair gets longer. Sound familiar to anyone?! I remember this phase very well. Sometimes with natural hair it’s hard to see your hair growth but believe me its growing. And really fast too! It is always my recommendation to learn your hair as it grows. It’s easier to experiment with products, styles and techniques at the shorter lengths. When your hair is finally bra strap length, you already know what works and what doesn’t. When you transition long term with braids or weaves you’re trying to tame the lion of the jungle versus a mere kitten figuratively if you big chop. I like to think of it this way, your hair is you crown and with a great crown comes great responsibility.

Maybe you are a long-term transitioner so the first two phases don’t really apply to you. The big chop is not for everyone but there are some possible risks associated with not taking that leap into your natural journey. As a long-term transitioner, you have made this decision because you’re afraid to step out of your hair comfort zone. And that’s ok. We are glad you have decided to discontinue the use of chemical straighteners. Let me encourage you not to be afraid of what you will look like, what people will think or how your hair will act…the unfamiliar is scary…remember a similar situation where you entered uncharted territory and were successful, recall this experience when feeling anxious about trying a new style in your hair. This advice goes for everyone.

For all naturalista, focus on your hair positives. If it’s short your prep time is shorter. If its long you have the advantage of pulling your hair back. For those in the in between stage you’re in a great place because your half way to your hair goal. You can still wear the same hairstyles incorporate some cute hair clips and other accessories to add more versatility to your hair. The main thing to remember is that your hair is unique to you just like your fingerprint.