A few weeks back our writer Christina wrote a review of the Beautiful Textures Texture Manageability System. Here, Kara gives an alternative perspective of managing natural hair.
by Kara (pictured above)
By now I am sure that most of you are aware of these “revolutionary” systems that are on the market for curly girls to maintain straight hair that lasts for up to 6 weeks! My initial thought was that some person out there still believes that curly hair needs to be managed or let me put it bluntly: controlled! I was totally confused and astounded when I attended a natural hair event and the main sponsor was promoting a “texture management system.”
Afterward, I decided to share my tips on how I look after my textured hair without the need of having to turn to a texture management system.
1. Moisture
While embarking upon my journey to healthy hair, one of the first things I learned is that curly hair requires a lot of moisture. The curves and bends of its structure does not allow for moisture to easily travel down the shaft of the hair strand, causing curly hair to become dry. To combat this issue, I began moisturizing my hair on a daily basis using water, especially on the ends. I ensured the moisture applied stayed locked in by using my oil mixture and a butter such as shea butter or Darcy’s Botanicals Shea moisture curl cream.
2. Satin pillowcase or scarf
I used to wear the foot of a stocking to bed, which I;m sure many of us have at one point. Unfortunately, that is a recipe for disaster for our curly tresses, as it sucks the moisture out of our hair. Ensuring that textured hair stays moisturized overnight means your hair will remain flexible and pliable. In turn, this flexibility makes it easier to manipulate your hair into whatever style you desire. I have a lovely purple satin scarf I like to wear to bed. Investment in a satin bonnet or pillowcase is worthwhile. If you have extra pennies to spare maybe treat yourself to a silk pillowcase or bonnet!
3. Styling tools
Although I prefer to finger detangle, there are a few hair tools that have assisted me in the past. The wide tooth comb was an essential tool that I used to detangle my hair. Later on, I jumped on the craze of the Denman brush, which was also great for detangling. Both the wide tooth comb and Denman brush were great for me, but it’s important to find the styling tool which best suits your hair.
4. Deep conditioning
Find yourself a good deep conditioner. When I started out on my journey, I was deep conditioning religiously once a week because my hair was dry. I now deep condition every other week, because I have listened to my hair and now know I can go longer without deep conditioning. I like to use a moisturizing deep conditioner such as Bee Mine Balanced Conditioner or my recent favorite, Shea Decadence Clay Mask. Applying heat while deep conditioning allows the conditioner to penetrate the strands allowing for super soft manageable hair.
5. Styling
During the week, I love wearing low manipulation styles. However, on the weekends, I will sometimes wear my hair loose. My low manipulation styles typically consist of braids or twists that I style. During the weekend, I just release it for a twist or braid out. If you want to reduce the likelihood of tangles, wearing stretched styles will usually do the job. When I wear a braid or twist out, my hair is set in a specific way so my hair strands follow the same pattern. This also decreases the likelihood of tangles which definitely comes in handy when wash day is approaching.
You can make your own decision on whether or not you want to try a texture management system. However, just remember that your hair is manageable. Accept the uniqueness of kinks, coils and curls and learn to love your hair for what it is and not what someone else thinks it should be. As for me, I am not in a hurry to use a texture management system, my hair is manageable.
What techniques or tools have you implemented into your hair care regime to improve the overall health of your hair?
Kara is a London-based health professional who teaches individuals with physical and mental health disabilities how to live independently. She is also an active natural hair vlogger. You can find her on YouTube at NaturalCurliesTV and Instagram @NaturalCurlies
