The Pros and Cons of Natural Hair

(The Good & The Bad)

Most individuals with natural hair are aware that having natural hair can be both a good thing as well as a bad thing. It can be wonderful some days and it can be challenging other days.

With that being said, let me share a couple of natural hair pros and cons that I have experienced over my four years of being natural.

Pros of Natural Hair:

Being able to wash, condition, style and go:

I really like having the ability to wash my hair, condition it, add leave-in conditioner and leave the house without a problem. For a quick and hassle-free hairdo, I simply just brush my hair upwards just as if I wanted to put in a ponytail, get a large rubber band, and insert it extremely loose, then voila, I’m done for the day. On top of that, I apply just a little hair gel on my sides, place a headscarf around my sides and soon as I take the scarf off, I’m looking like a slick Afro Goddess!

Two girls into one:

I don’t know about you guys, but I love to have the ability to wear many different styles. My hair is naturally curly, so as soon as I wash it and condition it, I wind up looking like my name is “Curly Sue”!

Every time I get bored with the curls, I just flat iron it and BOOM, I transform into a completely different person. So it’s basically like two girls merged into one. Which is awesome simply because I really like being in a position to style my hair in a variety of styles.

Defying Gravity:

You don’t need to worry about messing up your style with any sudden movement. If you’re of African American decent, just like me, then your hair will be able to defy gravity. Which basically means that in case you happen to be out enjoying yourself, you won’t ruin your hairstyle because it will remain intact! (Especially if it is a ponytail or a high bun type of style.)

I know that for a fact.

As an example, whenever I step out to a party with my good friends, I usually wear my natural hair out, especially because I love to dance and have a great time. I also love to wear my natural hair out due to the fact that towards the end of the night my hairstyle will still be intact. You also don’t need to worry about your hair sweating out, except if you have a wash and set, but aside from that, you will most likely be okay.

Thickness:

Natural hair is generally thicker than permed hair, this could actually be an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Whenever your hair is thicker, it is possible to achieve multiple great styles, considering the fact that it’s much simpler to braid and twist your natural hair as opposed to braiding or twisting permed hair.

(Why? Because perms can certainly make your hair straight and thinner.)

Cons of Natural Hair:

Difficult To Manage:

As a result of your hair being in a natural state, it is going to be noticeably thicker than permed hair. Due to that, the method of detangling your hair may possibly be extremely painful. Especially if you’re tender headed similar to me.

Tip: Be sure to spray your hair with a bit of water before brushing it into a style and be careful not to damp it.

Moisturize and Hydrate Your Hair Constantly:

Your natural hair is similar to a plant. You need to feed it (also known as moisturized) and keep it hydrated regularly.

Tip: apply water on a daily basis, moisturize it daily with leave in conditioner, and some type of all-natural based product. These natural products could be shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, etc.

Beware Of The Shed:

If you fail to keep your hair moisturized and hydrated then you may experience some shedding.

Tip: To avoid shedding you must trim your damaged ends regularly and use minimal heat. If you happen to want to flat iron or blow dry your hair, I highly recommend you should do not use heat regularly. Allow your hair to air dry instead. If you absolutely need to use a blow dryer then attempt to use the blow dryer at the coolest setting. (Most blow dryers have a cool setting on it.)

Overall:

These have been the positives and negatives that I have encountered over my four year natural hair journey. If you happen to be natural hair goddess as well, what are some positives and negatives that you have experienced?

(Comment below)

Thank you for reading.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in any guest post featured on our site are those of the guest author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Beauty that walks as a whole.

The Melanin Gawddess Author Bio: Shakiema Harris (also known as The Melanin Gawddess) is a stay-at-home-mom of one, who transformed into a lifestyle, beauty, and parenting blogger. She is also a self-published author, influencer, and instructor. Her main goals are to inspire, motivate, and inform individuals from all over.

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