Five Reasons You’re Over Natural Hair

If you're on your natural hair journey and find yourself saying, “I’m so over this!” Take heart, many of us have been there. Here are five common reasons you’re probably flirting with the idea of shaving it all off and committing yourself into the nearest nuthouse.

1. Your “wash-n-go” is more like a “wash-n-no.”

We’ve all seen them. Those pictures of the perfect wash-n-go naturalistas floating around social media sites, reminding us of how not-so-perfect our curls are. And the hashtags read a little something like this: #FrizzyHairDay, #50thDayHair, #JustRolledOutOfBed. Meanwhile, you’ve spent hours perfecting your curls (which are still not dry yet) and you’re almost positive that sticking your finger into an electric socket would yield you the same results. And if that isn’t bad enough, the second-day hair you think you’re going to get, (you, know? The hair you piled on top of your head before going to bed thinking you can just shake it down like #Taren916 in the morning) well, that hair just doesn’t exist because instead of preserved curls, you’ve got a mash of stiff, matted hair. What to do? Embrace it. We need more women out there displaying the beauty of their “not-so-perfect” perfect curls.

2. Your wash day literally requires an entire day.

Remember those chemically straightened hair days when you just hopped into the shower, washed your hair, and ran a wide tooth comb through it? And all in under ten minutes? Yea, well those days are long gone now. Alas, the days of endless sectioning, conditioning, and detangling. Yes, many naturalistas find that it can take several hours to wash their hair from start to finish, sometimes extending drying and styling to the next day. What to do? If you need to wash your hair but don’t have the time to do all of the steps, then don’t do all of the steps. A clean scalp is way too important. Just get into the shower and wash it. Let the rush of the water naturally detangle your hair and save thorough detangling for a day that you have more time. If you need to style your hair in a rush, grab a cute patterned scarf, your emergency wig (you know you have one!), or simply pick your hair out and rock your fro unapologetically.

3. You’re at an awkward length.

So, you don’t exactly have a TWA, but your hair isn’t exactly hitting your shoulder blades either. Now that you’ve perfected the styles for your former length, your hair wants to betray you and grow to length that you can’t do anything cute with it. What to do? Trust me, you can achieve numerous cute hairstyles with your newfound length. Just be patient and play with your hair to gage which styles best compliment your face. After all, our signature hairstyles almost always emerge through happenstance.

4. Your friends/family hate it.

You look so much better with straight hair. You’re putting a wig over that, right? I sure hope you don’t think you’re finding a man with your hair like that. I’m sure most of us can add to these commentaries. You were so excited about your decision to go natural, but you’ve experienced one too many Debbie Downers and you're starting to question your decision. What to do? While unsolicited commentary from the people we love may sometimes hurt immensely, remember that they are accustomed to seeing your hair look a certain way, and it will take time for them to grow accustomed to your new look. Stand by your decision! After all, it is the only one that counts. As your hair journey advances you’ll soon find that many of those Debbie Downers will seek you out for hair advice.

5. You’ve reached your hair goal.

So you are finally shoulder length, bra-strap length, mid-back length—or whatever length. And now that you’ve reached your hair goal you are bored out of your ever-loving mind. And even more? Longer strands are more trouble than they’re worth. Your wash days are longer, the styles that once looked cute on your shorter hair now look tacky, and you find yourself wearing a bun every day because, well… What to do? Make a new hair goal and fast! It doesn’t have to be a length goal, but perhaps a healthy hair goal or a hairstyle challenge. And if you’re just not that into natural hair anymore, take heart. It is quite possible to be a naturalista and have your hair take a backseat. In fact, I highly recommend it!

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