Facebook question: I have been natural for 3 years now after wearing my hair in a perm all of my life. In that time I’ve experienced growth like never before which is great. I receive many compliments and most days I think it looks ok. I guess I am still not used to it and don’t really feel myself after all this time. What can I do to feel better and less self-conscious about my natural hair? I never felt like this before I went natural so it’s not a self-esteem issue.
I don’t think this is really an uncommon
feeling for new(er) naturals. Especially
if you are used to a certain look – it is sometimes difficult to deal with
change, especially physically, while maintaining your confidence. Here are a few suggestions that address the aesthetic
uncertainties you are having.
1. Plan for
greatness every single time.
Go
all out no matter the occasion. Dressing
down your look or downplaying your beautiful texture should never be an
option. Styling with a purpose and owning
your look will make you feel better inside and out.
2. Tailor your
look to fit the event.
Whether it’s casual or formal, your coils
and curls can adapt. Strategic styling
can make all the difference in your final look.
What is the occasion? How long will the event last? Is it taking place
indoors or outdoors? If you are attending a wedding, you may opt for something
more intricate and feminine. If your destination is a casual gathering, perhaps
you can afford to be a little more laid back.
3. Use your
wardrobe as inspiration.
You’d
be surprised how you can take one piece from your closet and build an entire
look, head to toe around it. Anchor your
look with a key piece and build your hairstyle from there.
4. Always have
an LBD
Be
sure to have a “go to” look. Having a
plan B, when
all else fails look, the LBD (little black dress) of hairstyles is your
reminder that if you stay ready you never have to get ready. Whether it’s a messy bun or a adding a fly
turban, it will look good no matter what else is happening around you. A full proof look can take you from the
football game to the office.
5. Add a touch
of glam.
Accessories
are a simple way of dotting your “I’s” and crossing your “T’s”. They have a huge impact on your final
look. For example, stylish headpieces
command attention and add the perfect finishing touch.
6. Be sexy with
it.
Don’t
forget to embrace you and all that you represent whatever that means for you, which always comes off as sexy and exudes
confidence.
7. Accentuate
what you consider you strengths and cover up or tweak your not so desirable
traits.
No one is
perfect so we all have to work with what we have. Don’t like your lose wave pattern? Opt for a
twist out instead for tighter curl formation. Not fond of your tighter coils? Stretch the hair by braiding, banding or any
of the many methods for stretching.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins
with one step.”
It's Friday so remember to check me out over on CurlyNikki!
It's Friday so remember to check me out over on CurlyNikki!
What tips can
you add to help when you’re not feeling yourself?
2 comments:
I've been natural my whole life and have pretty much ever only worn 'fros, braids/twists with my natural hair, and the occasional twist with extenstions-- it's what suits my personality and my face and my wardrobe. The fact of the matter is that, you should by no means hate your natural hair/look, but it might not be your best look. Just because it grows out of her head doesn't mean it's what flatters your style/face/lifestyle the most-- isn't that why lots of people [black, white, and in between?] dye their hair, curl it sometimes, straighten it other times, wear wigs, etc. ? It's a billion dollar industry! So, I say go ahead and wear it straight [lots of heat protectant,and in frequent heat sessions, for health] or dyed and don't fall victim to feeling like you're rejecting the natural you [b/c i'm sure some nazi somewhere will give you grief for it...] rather than enhancing it and using the tools available to you to make you comfortable. Good luck!
LADIES, WE DON'T GO NATURAL WE ARE NATURAL.
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