Do You Feel That Your Natural Hair Is A Lot Of Work?

[Theresamonet]

I agree that a lot of the problems naturals have stem from trying to force their hair to do something it doesn't want to do. We embraced the natural movement but still want our hair to behave like relaxed hair - sleek edges, zero frizz, perfectly shaped, etc. That accounts for a lot of the people who feel like they have to redo their twist outs everyday.

When I do a twist out (or any other style) it looks perfect for the first day usually. After that it starts to frizz, but imo it still looks fine. I don't mind if my edges aren't perfectly laid or my curls aren't uniform.

If I redid my hair every time it stopped looking perfect I'd be styling everyday and probably driving myself crazy.

I agree with this. However, when I went natural the first time, all I ever heard was about how natural hair is oh sooooooo versatile. It’s really not... For some textures, there are some styles/looks that you just can’t get or easily maintain, unless you’re willing and able to put in hours of labor, risk damage, etc.

I see some naturals talking about how easy natural hair is, and how they have no trouble at all. But they be outside with shrunken fros and Celie braids. Yeah, I imagine it is easier for them. But it you prefer a more polished aesthetic, sleek, glamous even, it’s not as easy to pull it off on a reagular basis with type 4 hair.

 

[SAPNK]

A comment on a YouTube video I was watching.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

I agree with this. However, when I went natural the first time, all I ever heard was about how natural hair is oh sooooooo versatile. It’s really not... For some textures, there are some styles/looks that you just can’t get or easily maintain, unless you’re willing and able to put in hours of labor, risk damage, etc.

I see some naturals talking about how easy natural hair is, and how they have no trouble at all. But they be outside with shrunken fros and Celie braids. Yeah, I imagine it is easier for them. But it you prefer a more polished aesthetic, sleek, glamous even, it’s not as easy to pull it off on a reagular basis with type 4 hair.

That's the other extreme. People who think "natural" means just roll out of bed and go. I remember when I first went natural it seemed like everybody had this idea that if you had natural hair you had to wear a fro all the time and dress like Erykah Badu or India Arie.

A lot of people don't consider natural styles to be polished (unless it's done on Type 3 hair). There are plenty of natural styles that are beautiful and elegant, and they do take time, but for a special occasion it's worth it. For everyday wear though, I think we just have to accept that natural hair is not going to be perfect with zero frizz and every hair in place, all the time.

Another thing I've noticed is that a lot of women (like people I know personally) who say they can't wear their natural hair out because it "doesn't look right" have no problem leaving the house with a ratty, matted, sloppy wig on their head looking a complete mess.

 

[discodumpling]

So I slept on it...natural hair is neither easy nor hard to manage. Some styles and process' are more challenging than others. It's all about what you trying to do with your hair. My hair can do anything. All I need is time for it to go from curly to straight. Braids to twists. Lace to weave. Yall know how we do.

 

[Cattypus1]

I totally had some unrealistic expectations of what my natural hair would do and look like before I went natural because I had been chemically processed since I was a teenager. Once I big chopped and got my hands on the real deal then I understood exactly why I was relaxed in the first place.

 

[discodumpling]

^^Why?

 

[Cattypus1]

If the “why” was for me, I was raised during a time when the press and curl ruled the day. I sweat like crazy and always have. A p&c would last maybe a day and that assumes I didn’t want to move, swim, run, wear a hat (and then take it off at some point), etc. I took ballet and gymnastics and was a cheerleader. I climbed trees and rode bicycles; in other words, I was a normal healthy black girl. I’m from a generation before there were umpteen products and techniques for naturally kinky, curly hair on the internet, which by the way didn’t even exist as we know it today, where we could easily find what we needed. I’m from the “good hair/bad hair” era and that was not a good time for kinky-haired girls like me. My grandmother relaxed my hair because I needed to look presentable for more than an hour. I kept relaxing because I didn’t know any other way until now.
If the “why” wasn’t for me then I just wrote the condensed version of my hair-story because I thought it was.

 

[LadyRaider]

I agree that a lot of the problems naturals have stem from trying to force their hair to do something it doesn't want to do. We embraced the natural movement but still want our hair to behave like relaxed hair - sleek edges, zero frizz, perfectly shaped, etc. That accounts for a lot of the people who feel like they have to redo their twist outs everyday.

When I do a twist out (or any other style) it looks perfect for the first day usually. After that it starts to frizz, but imo it still looks fine. I don't mind if my edges aren't perfectly laid or my curls aren't uniform.

If I redid my hair every time it stopped looking perfect I'd be styling everyday and probably driving myself crazy.

Good thoughts here!

 

[LadyRaider]

I hope people don't go back in mass to relaxers. But I understand the impulse. The lady I work with, the only black lady I'm around, just says she relaxes because "her hair isn't like mine." So I realize I have some "privilege" and I can't know what I would do if I had kinkier hair. But I'd hope I'd hang out with you guys, or on you tube and make my hair cute like a lot of 4Bs do.

Not getting relaxers anymore was a revolutionary act for me. I never got them that often, anyway. I was never that great with my hair, so it was always a mess, so I usually went 6 months or more between relaxers. I remember thinking, "I need a relaxer" when my hair just got too unmanageable.

That thought makes me mad. I NEED to change something that grows naturally out of my head?
Just pisses me off.

 

[King of Sorrow]

A lot of work to do what? And compared to what?

I went natural because my hair is thin and fine. It looked pathetic when relaxed and never grew past my shoulders. Sure, I didn't have to do much for it to be presentable, but it was just there and blah.

I value the illusion of fuller hair that my natural hair gives and all it asks in order to be at its best is that I follow these styling rules:

1. Four to eight individual braids, cornrows, or flat twists. No more, no less, and never in individual twists.
2. If out, it needs to be clumped together in its natural pattern. Not a manufactured one from a braid or twist out. Certainly never an afro.

Between those two rules are where my styling options lay. I can either choose to honor the particularities of my hair or fight against it. If I choose to do a style that breaks those rules, then it has to be a count on one hand in a year thing, lasting up to 5 days and I'm to grin and bear when the tangles, breakage, and dullness inevitably come.

If you believe that natural hair is a lot of work and don't even enjoy or find any bit of it part of the pampering process, you should ask yourself why you are natural and if it's still worth it for you.

 

[waff]

A lot of work to do what? And compared to what?

I went natural because my hair is thin and fine. It looked pathetic when relaxed and never grew past my shoulders. Sure, I didn't have to do much for it to be presentable, but it was just there and blah.

I value the illusion of fuller hair that my natural hair gives and all it asks in order to be at its best is that I follow these styling rules:

1. Four to eight individual braids, cornrows, or flat twists. No more, no less, and never in individual twists.
2. If out, it needs to be clumped together in its natural pattern. Not a manufactured one from a braid or twist out. Certainly never an afro.

Between those two rules are where my styling options lay. I can either choose to honor the particularities of my hair or fight against it. If I choose to do a style that breaks those rules, then it has to be a count on one hand in a year thing, lasting up to 5 days and I'm to grin and bear when the tangles, breakage, and dullness inevitably come.

If you believe that natural hair is a lot of work and don't even enjoy or find any bit of it part of the pampering process, you should ask yourself why you are natural and if it's still worth it for you.

Very great points. Another reason that pushed me away from relaxers are the health dangers. The list of the very dangerous side effects of inhaling potassium hydroxide are scary. I have experienced many side effects my self (burned scalp, temporary breathing issues, and severe skin irritation), plus some possible scary long term effects. The decision to go natural is not only an "aesthetic" or a look, it's strongly related to health for me.

 

[LivingInPeace]

I stopped getting relaxers because I was concerned about the possibility that they were permanently damaging my scalp and causing my edges to thin. Going natural was a great decision for me. I love my big, thick, 4a-4b hair. I’m hoping that being natural will give me more years of having my hair on my head instead of dealing with a balding crown and edges.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I’ve been natural since 2005.

Depending on what I’m doing wash day can last from 20 minutes to 8 hours.

I wash and go out of pure laziness. It’s easier and quick. If I didn’t sleep in I could cowash my hair every day and be happy. I like sleep more than my hair so.

In the fall and winter I protective style. If I lived in a warmer state I would wear my washngo all the time.

I like doing my hair. It’s my me time. My toddler is at the age where I have more time so it’s a lot smoother but I’d be happy if I could put my hair in 4 plaits after washing and keep it moving.

I wear a hat at work so it doesn’t really matter what my hair looks like under it as long as the hat fits.

 

[pikkonoloidlee]

No I don't. Looking at the numbers I spend quite a bit of time on my hair but it doesn't feel like work, I enjoy it. It's one of the many ways I take care of myself so I value that time.

I wash my hair 3-4 times a week and it takes 30-40min (that includes the amount of time it takes for me to shower). Sometimes the 4th one is extra luxurious and might end up being closer to an hour.

That's all of the time I spend on it per week so that's 120-160 min per week total.

I don't feel that the amount of time will change much as my goal length isn't far off.

 

[kimpaur]

Do you think locs will be the next phase? Locs are amazing for sure.

Yes!
Sisterlocks are growing in popularity, a cousin just got some
I'm currently growing my hair out for locs (braidlocs or sisterlocks)
Instagtam /FB/ YouTube have def increased visibility and showing how versatile they can be
Loc/sisterloc vids often have several thousands views on YT
Locs will definitely become more popular

 

[discodumpling]

Locs are a big undertaking imho. I have always wanted them and I know I will have them eventually. My cousin from Antigua was just here visiting and my loc envy was on a 100! Her dreads are thigh length and so beautifully moisturized and styled. Her teen daughters hair isnt far behind and I kept calling her my African Princess and she couldn't stop blushing!
My yankee husband ain't down for the locs...however in another 6 yrs when I'm ready to do it...who gone check me boo?

 

[PeaceFlow]

Yes
Yes
Yes


Not when it was short but once I started getting length it was a nightmare. And I wasnt trying to do any fancy styling. Just detaingling was awful.

I firmly believe its because my strands are super (super) fine and tangle easily. I've cut it all off now which hurt my heart because I'd been natural most of my life, but never had long hair before.

 

[SAPNK]

Yes
Yes
Yes


Not when it was short but once I started getting length it was a nightmare. And I wasnt trying to do any fancy styling. Just detaingling was awful.

I firmly believe its because my strands are super (super) fine and tangle easily. I've cut it all off now which hurt my heart because I'd been natural most of my life, but never had long hair before.

Are you keeping it short now?

 

[Crackers Phinn]

Booooo!

I been natural on and off since 2006 and still have no cure for single strand knots when I wear my hair in a puff and I can only keep my hair in twists or flat twist through one wash before the arm burning hours of take down and redo are necessary because my hair locs, not tangles, locs, when washed in protective styles. So yeah I still find it hard. I also dismiss outright the claims of people who have 1/4 the volume of hair that I have saying how easy natural hair is. If your entire scalp is left in my comb when I detangle then don't trivialize my experience. We obviously don't have the same hair problems.

I struggle with the decision to get locs because as much as I hate doing my hair, I hate the concept of having to get back on a stylist (loctician) schedule for retightenings.

 

[MilkChocolateOne]

yes, that's why I am a straight hair natural 80% of the time. I would have to wash/rinse my hair 2-3 times a week to wear a wash n go. Twist outs take less time than a wash n go for me but I have to re-twist nightly. I am not about the wet bun life so I keep it straight for predictability and convenience.


I have 4a hair, bsl, fine strands, medium density and cotton like texture with major shrinkage.

 

[MilkChocolateOne]

It's interesting hearing why people feel it's a struggle.
If plaits and celie twists were socially acceptable, that would change a whole lot.

but they are not

This is not cute on anyone over the age of 8.

 

[discodumpling]

^^Not I. I'm cute with plants, twist, and when I wake up with a smooshed fro. I'd venture to say imma be cute with a bald head too.

 

[SAPNK]

but they are not

This is not cute on anyone over the age of 8.

Well damn, I think they look cute on me, but okay.

 

[Crackers Phinn]

^^Not I. I'm cute with plants, twist, and when I wake up with a smooshed fro. I'd venture to say imma be cute with a bald head too.

How often do you go to work witcha head lookin like that tho?

 

[Covagirlm]

I like primping on myself so it's not work to me. I love all of it, I like washing and styling my hair.

 

[Crackers Phinn]

but they are not
This is not cute on anyone over the age of 8.

I hate to move in to Jazzy Aunt adjacent topics but I find it interesting that there used to be a line between styles that looked "too grown" for little girls and too juvenile for grown women and that line seems to be blurring. I don't know how I feel about that.


This woman doesn't look bad. That said, there is a rolled out of bed quality from the neck up tho.

 

[MilkChocolateOne]

I hate to move in to Jazzy Aunt adjacent topics but I find it interesting that there used to be a line between styles that looked "too grown" for little girls and too juvenile for grown women and that line seems to be blurring. I don't know how I feel about that.


This woman doesn't look bad. That said, there is a rolled out of bed quality from the neck up tho.

This is an ad but I have seen too many little girls under the age of 10 with a head full of long curly crochet hair.

 

[MilkChocolateOne]

I hate to move in to Jazzy Aunt adjacent topics but I find it interesting that there used to be a line between styles that looked "too grown" for little girls and too juvenile for grown women and that line seems to be blurring. I don't know how I feel about that.


This woman doesn't look bad. That said, there is a rolled out of bed quality from the neck up tho.

I admit it. It's conditioning but I would feel juvenile walking around with my hair like this. I think I could get away with mini braids or twists but not this size.

 

[SAPNK]

Booooo!

I been natural on and off since 2006 and still have no cure for single strand knots when I wear my hair in a puff and I can only keep my hair in twists or flat twist through one wash before the arm burning hours of take down and redo are necessary because my hair locs, not tangles, locs, when washed in protective styles. So yeah I still find it hard. I also dismiss outright the claims of people who have 1/4 the volume of hair that I have saying how easy natural hair is. If your entire scalp is left in my comb when I detangle then don't trivialize my experience. We obviously don't have the same hair problems.

I struggle with the decision to get locs because as much as I hate doing my hair, I hate the concept of having to get back on a stylist (loctician) schedule for retightenings.

This may not be helpful, and I'm not an expert, but I really don't think anyone should wash the full length of their hair multiple times while in a protective style. That's not something I'd expect to be able to do. I'll admit, I've only discovered the issue from trying to wash marley and mini twists while keeping them in for more than 3 weeks. My hair was matted and I tore out some of my mini twists, because they were locking. I think if your hair is like mine, short term protective styles that take less time to install, make more sense. Take them down to wash your hair.
I've made posts about my hair webbing, tangling and not being easy to part, but I think that washing once a week, so I can fully detangle and remove shed hair, using a comb instead of finger detangling, and only styling while wet seems to be helping me.
Also, I probably have SSKs on the ends of 80% percent of my hair. I know they're bad, but I don't think it's a huge deal.
Maybe you already tried everything, but I just thought I'd put my two cents in, since I have similar issues.

 

[LynnieB]

Not spamming but giving a heads up to my natural sisters who maybe struggling a little bit managing their natural hair especially if having difficulties styling for a wng and/or twist/braid outs.
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