3. You must protective style for length retention
So many naturals have blown this rule out of the water. It was pretty much treated as true when natural hair really starting becoming big a few years ago. We have several veteran naturals with long, luscious tresses like Kim Love or Kimmaytube, who protective styles probably around 90% of the time and attribute that (among other factors) longer hair.
Elle from Quest for the Perfect Curl is one of the many naturals who have blown that non-truth right out of the water. With the right techniques like washing hair in sections, finger-detangling and the right products to give ultimate moisture retention; every natural does not need protective styling in order to achieve there length goals.
4. Only certain hair types can do certain styles
OK, this is more of a perception than a rule but for many newly and veteran naturals, these perceptions are gospel. I prefer the wash and go and only two-strand twist when trimming my hair.
For a long time I thought my twistouts looked horrible when in fact it was my preference of liking my hair better as a wash and go. We have our own opinions on styles and we can push that opinion onto what is better looking but honestly, any woman can rock any style she sees fit.
There is no standard for wash and go’s, twist-outs, bantu knots or any style a natural can create. What you come out with is the perfect style! Wash and gos do not have to have defined curls. Twists do not have to big and chunky and afros do not need to be two feet around to be fab. The bottom line is to rock your do with your home-grown texture any way you see fit as your creation is always the right style.
5. Natural hair should always look perfect
I hate this unwritten rule that some relaxed and even some naturals have put on themselves. Who came up with that nonsense? Who has perfect hair every day? Naturals aren’t allowed bad hair days like everyone else? Girl please, you will have some bad days and thats just life, use your go to style and move on.
6. Old school rules that knock your shine
I get tired of women putting unrealistic expectations on our hair or feel your personal creativity is not allowed but rather what society deems allowable.
My hair has to be combed, neat and or fixed to your liking? I think not and we need to get off this notion that natural hair is unkempt if not neat according to anyone who looks at you. The bottom line is, stop allowing others to dictate how you rock your tresses, there is no rule on how you should wear your hair, wear it the way you see fit.
Can you think of any natural hair rules we need to throw out?
Helen says
This rule needs yo be thrown out, that if you straighten your hair it isn’t natural, yes it is because natural means no chemical to alter straightening it, it is still natural because their is no chemicals applied to the strands. Always your hair can still retain and gain length if properly taken care of.
Rebecca Say says
I needed this! Im always worried abt being judged on my daughters hair on the days its not perfect. Im a curlie myself, I do my research, make sure shes taken care of, and adore her hair. Its good to hear we can do whats best for us and still be proud of her natural beauty.
Hairstylemantra says
Blimey!