Become Your Own Hair Care Expert

I aim for sovereignty and self-sufficiency in as many ways as I can.  I try to exercise and experience both in as many ways and in as many areas of my life as possible.

This most definitely includes the maintenance of my locs. Before I completely dive in, let me preface this writing by saying I am not a licensed beautician or loctician. I simply understand the importance of empowering yourself with the knowledge of basic hair care alongside understanding your own personal hair. Let’s be real, the best-looking hair is hair that is healthy.

No matter how expertly styled one’s hair may be, the overall appearance is ultimately determined by its underlying health. Without a foundation of health and vitality, even the most fashionable tresses will fail to impress. It is the reflection of wellness in the hair that elevates any style, making it look truly beautiful and full of life.

In addition to being empowered with the skill of maintaining your own hair, the act of self-care will enhance your confidence and feelings about yourself.

Lastly, learning to care for your own hair will also save you money.

Another point I want to raise is that being your own hair care expert positions you to not be at the mercy of anyone else or circumstances outside your control. For example, if your loctician cancels on you at the last minute or if she is totally booked up.

So how can we be empowered to take care of hair ourselves without first developing a relationship with our own hair to be able to discern what works and what doesn’t?

Here are four things you can do to get acquainted with, build a good relationship with your hair as well as get started on creating YOUR own personal perfect regimen.

Step 1- Assess your hair’s current state?

What is the current state of your hair. Is it dry, brittle, or breaking? Or is it weighed down by product build up and lacking vibrancy?

Do your locs absorb moisture easily or does it seem like your hair never feels hydrated?

How does your hair feel right after washing? Does it still feel heavy and not really cleansed? Or does it feel extremely dry and stripped.

How are specific products affecting your hair? What products absorb easily? Which products lay atop your locs without penetrating the hair shaft?

Does it seem like your hair growth is stagnate?

Are you retaining your length or is your hair breaking?

What is the desired look and state you hope to achieve?

Do you have low or high porosity hair?

These questions will help you establish where you are and where you want to be. I recommend writing this down in a hair journal or notebook. Keep track of what you are experiencing. This is the beginning of REALLY getting acquainted with your hair type and texture and what works and what doesn’t.  

Step 2- Learn Basic Hair Care Techniques

You don’t want to find yourself in a bind if you’re unable to get to the loctician or if she has no availability. You also don’t want to be passive and clueless about what works best for your hair. You want to be an active participant in the care and basic styling of your hair. This will empower you, help you to save some coin, as well as help you build a relationship with your hair.

You want to be able to maintain and upkeep your hair between appointments.

At the very least be able to wash and do basic styles on your hair.

Even if you are unable to do elaborate styles, learn easy go to styles that are neat and polished. After some time you will become confident in how you can easily and quickly doll yourself up!

Step 3- Create a simple hair care regimen

Lastly you are going to put together a simple hair care regimen that you can easily stay consistent with. Your hair care regimen should include your wash and deep condition days as well as daily grooming and maintenance habits you can stick with.

The key here is making it simple enough that you can stick with it. Break it down to what you would do monthly, bi-monthly, weekly and daily if that helps to build a routine that you can stick with.

Real magic happens with consistency.

 My hair started changing for the better once I implemented all 3 practices mentioned above. Once I understood my hair type and established a core loc care routine, not only did my hair become healthier and more beautiful, but my entire self-concept elevated.

Don’t underestimate how these 3 simple steps can not only enhance how your hair looks but also how you feel in general. The self-empowerment acquired alone will effortlessly enhance your inner and outer beauty.