1. Cut it all off. Would you rather be bald? It's something to consider if you really hate your hair. Some women get super short cuts and never look back. Make sure you're comfortable with your decision.
2. Get over it and wear a wig or other hair augmentations. A lot of women do this and hardly ever think about their real hair. They are content to buy it since they couldn't grow it. If you care about your real hair at all, be sure to care for it while you're using your hair additions.
3. Practice positive thinking. Negative thoughts or beliefs are destructive and toxic on a mental, emotional, physical and follicular level. Recognize when you're having a negative thought and for everything negative thought, come up with a list of things you love about your hair. Write your list on pretty note cards and leave them on your mirror where you do your hair.
4. Switch your style up. Sometimes we are only frustrated with our hair when we're stuck in a rut. Try a new style or a new color (but, don't try to color it yourself and don't go to just anyone... get references). Also, be careful when using color, chemicals can wreck your hair. Use in moderation and stay on top of your hair regimen to prevent damage.
5. Treat yourself to a super lush deep treatment, an oil or splurge on a product you've been wanting to try to add some spice to your regimen.
6. Indulge. Lots of spas offer scalp massages and steam treatments, find one and live there when you're hair-hating.
7. Find someone who likes your hair and get them to dote on you until you feel better. But, also realize that you can find this in yourself with practice (see #3).
8. Get support. Find women with similar hair issues, but instead of focusing on negative aspects... try to only focus on and share the positive characteristics of your hair. Share products and methods that made a dramatic change in your hair. Hair forums are great for this.
9. Stay away from toxic people or images. If it makes you feel worse to keep seeing the stereotypical beauty standard in the media, stay away from it as much as possible. If people you associate with don't like your hair, stay away from them.
10. Collect images of women with your hair type in a file on your computer or phone, start a Pinterest or Tumblr account. When you're having a bad day and need some inspiration, play a slide show of the images.
#3 and #10 is what I do. You have to remain positive. About a month post big chop I started to obsess over hair growth and struggled with my hair length. I am learning to appreciate my hair journey which means loving my hair at it's current length. I know focus on the health of my hair and the growth will come. I have a folder of picture on my computer of natural hair beauties with different hair lengths.
ReplyDeleteAnother great post : )
I highly recommend #10. While I don't hate my hair as it is, I do collect images of where I would like to be with my natural in 1, 2 and 5 years. They keep me inspired and interested in my regimen.
ReplyDeleteI also recommend #2. I spend 6 months with my hair in various protective styles while I'm growing it out and the other 6 months in braids (2 months on/1 month off) and it gives me enough variety that I'm always happy for the next hair movement.
I love your last statement!!! I have been doing that since I cut all my hair off. I wanted to keep myself encouraged (especially with all these toxic images around) and love my God-given hair. It makes it so much easier.
ReplyDelete