Embracing Au Naturel
Get started on a natural hair journey.
Words & Styling by Meggie Copeland Photos by Eric Morales
When it comes to beauty, we tend to put a lot on the line, especially when it involves our hair. For many, hair routines and upkeep involve obsessively dyeing healthy locks to chemically straightening beautiful curls. Let’s be real here, unless wearing wigs later in life is the goal, you might as well put down the straightener and cancel this month’s color appointment. These looks we impatiently seek to accomplish with harsh color treatments and blazing temperatures rarely leave luscious locks “next season ready.”
Going Natural Is Key
Wearing your hair the way it is meant to be worn does not have to be dull or trendless. In fact, coming to love your natural color and fine baby hairs is part of loving yourself. The first step to achieving the natural look is taking the time to find what works best for you. Sometimes the best part of natural hair is the uncontrollable groove it has. The way your strands like to play probably won’t be perfect, but they don’t have to be.
Find Natural Hair Products
Removing dyes and chemicals from your monthly routine is the way to go, but incorporating all natural shampoos, conditioners and styling gels is crucial to the everyday health of your locks. The way your hair lays and frays has to do with so much more than switching to the latest and greatest conditioner. Keeping your body healthy is imperative when it comes to keeping your hair strong and shiny. Stress, diet, and staying hydrated are all key factors when it comes to healthy hair.
Pamper Yourself
Once you’ve come to understand your hair and how it thinks, then be proud of what your mama gave you and spend a day giving it a little TLC. Whether it’s once a month or once a week, plan a hair care day to just pamper those locks. This intentional time may include a hair mask, a deep conditioner for hydration, or even just letting your locks rest from the daily struggles of hair-ties, braids, and headbands.
Learn to Love What You Have
After all is said and done, your opinion is the only one that matters. Simply come to love the luscious mane you possess. It’s the only one you have. At the end of the day you can’t tame a lady or the locks she has, so stop trying. Wear it big, wear it wild, wear it proud.
