Hair trauma is an overwhelmingly common experience within the black community.
Our historical journey, spanning from colonialism and slavery, to the imposition of restrictive work and school standards and the influence of eurocentric beauty ideals, has left a great mark on our community. In addition to this, the negative comments from family and peers, coupled with the all too familiar pains and burns we endured to conform to prevailing notions of “presentability,” have collectively shaped our relationship with our natural hair.
Considering this intricate history, it becomes clear why many in our community have internalised feelings of disdain toward their natural hair. It’s this internalised negativity that often leads black women and girls to seek solace in protective hairstyles like braids and wigs as a means of escaping this historical burden, consciously or subconsciously.
With the start of the natural hair movement in the early 2010s, women’s perception of their natural hair has generally improved. It is no longer like a bigfoot appearance to see women confidently wearing their natural curls and kinks in a crowd or online. Relaxed girlies are becoming fewer and sparser and wigs and braids are slowly evolving from being necessary ‘presentable’ hairstyles to mere protective styles. Despite these strides, internalised negativity remains pervasive, leaving considerable room for change and improvement. The pivotal shift required is in our mindset. No woman should face shame for embracing the hair that naturally grows from her scalp, and no woman should feel compelled to hide it.
‘Type 4 on a Mission,’ spanning from the blog to social media, was established to counteract this narrative and alleviate some of the associated pain. To add to this, this blog post aims to delve further into practical steps to facilitate this transformative journey.
Now let’s heal together sis!
1. Experiment with it!
Many people don’t realise how blessed we are with our natural hair… likee she is literally so versatile. We can do afros, wash n gos, mini-twists, mini-braids, braid outs, twist outs, bantu knots, cornrows, blow outs etc.
If you’re a beginner naturalista that just recently big-chopped or you’ve been natural all your life but never fully embraced it, then let me tell you, your natural hair is a canvas waiting to express your unique style. Embrace the beauty of its versatility, allowing yourself the freedom to experiment with different looks that resonate with your personality. There’s a perfect hairstyle waiting for you—one that not only aligns with your personal taste but also makes you feel empowered and confident. All you have to do is experiment and find it!
2. Wear your hair outside girl!
Now that you’ve found your style, the next step is to use that newfound confidence and wear your hair outside.
We’ve all faced those worries that come with showcasing our natural hair in public. Worries about its perceived fit, concerns about appearing too youthful, and the fear of others deeming it unkempt are common. There’s also the stares directed at your fro, the anxiety about wind disrupting your carefully styled hair and the constant checking to ensure the wind hasn’t altered your look, and worries about puffiness or shrinkage due to humidity – these were all anxieties I grappled with at the beginning of my natural hair journey. However, let me share a secret with you: the ultimate remedy for this anxiety is to embrace wearing your natural hair outside.
Conquer these worries by boldly styling your hair, dressing up, and perhaps adding a touch of makeup, then step out into the world. Whether it’s a visit to the park, attending school or work, or heading to a special event – just go somewhere! The confidence that you carry when you KNOW you look GOODT is unmatched. You know that confidence I’m talking about right? That confidence that makes you take the long route to your destination just so more people see you 😉
My personal theory is that by showcasing your natural hair in these glam looks, you’ll gradually reshape your mindset. You’ll begin to associate the profound sense of confidence that accompanies looking good with the act of wearing your natural hair proudly. It’s a transformative journey toward self-assurance and embracing the beauty of your natural crown.
3. Follow type 4 hair influencers and bloggers
As humans, our perceptions are significantly shaped by our surroundings and the content we consume, particularly in this digital age where online influences play a pivotal role. This impact extends to various aspects of our lives, including fashion, body image, music, and even cultural preferences. Unsurprisingly, the realm of hair is no exception.
Celebrity trends often showcase a dominance of certain hairstyles, typically favouring smoother textures over naturally kinky type 4 hair. This may inadvertently lead individuals to believe that only sleek, straight or wavy styles are deemed attractive.
To counteract this influence, consider shifting your mindset by actively following and engaging with more type 4 hair influencers—like myself, for instance—across various platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and more. Immersing yourself in the positivity and self-love that these influencers radiate can reshape your perception. Exposure to a diverse range of natural hair styles and the empowerment advocated by type 4 influencers can inspire a newfound appreciation for the beauty of your own unique hair texture. It’s a transformative journey that allows you to view yourself through a lens of confidence and celebration.
4. Give your hair some good TLC and be consistent with it!
Perhaps, the reason why you may struggle with loving and embracing your hair is because you haven’t yet reached your hair goals yet.
Before I delve into this more deeply, I just want to say that enjoying every stage of your hair journey is crucial for your self-love journey. Constantly anticipating the next stage without appreciating your current stage might inadvertently hinder your potential for cultivating a positive relationship with your hair.
Don’t wait for the next stage and have your fun now!
However, if your hair goal revolves around achieving a certain length, a well-established routine will efficiently guide you toward your objective. Consistency and gentleness in your hair care practices will undoubtedly lead to noticeable growth that surpasses your expectations. Just watch – with dedication and care, your hair will flourish like never before!
Check out all my other blog posts here to see how you can build a routine catered to your hair type for moisture, length retention and growth 🙂
Additionally, I have another theory. The more time and effort you invest in caring for something, the more you grow to love it. We observe this phenomenon everywhere, and the same principle can be applied to hair care!
So in short, fall in love with the process and watch how you will fall in love with your hair in the process too!
5. Stop the comparisons sis and lets banish some phrases
Comparisons and unrealistic expectations are the thief of all joy.
In the world of natural hair, particularly for those with type 4 textures, comparisons and unrealistic expectations can often steal away the joy of embracing one’s unique beauty. The constant yearning for a different hair texture can become a persistent thief of joy, robbing you of the appreciation for the natural kinks and coils that make your hair uniquely yours.
I don’t know about you guys but I am sick and tired of hearing phrases such as “I cannot 4c this” or “my type 4 hair could never.”
Only a mindset shift can help you to overcome this train of thought. It’s essential to recognize that every hair texture is a beautiful and individual expression. Just like a fingerprint, your type 4 hair is a distinctive part of your identity. Spending a lifetime wishing for something different not only dampens the joy of your journey but also overlooks the inherent beauty of your natural hair.
Our hair can do whatever we want it to do, within reason of course (like as a 4c girly, of course you won’t have loose 3c curls after a wash n go, but you will have beautiful coils and ringlets. Or as a 4c girly, of course you can do all those styles you saved on your Pinterest!).
So remember, comparisons may steal joy, but embracing your natural texture will lead you to a place of self-love and confidence.
Final words
So, here’s to the journey of self-discovery, to falling in love with the process, and to celebrating the exquisite beauty of our type 4 natural hair!
The journey may take time, but the rewards that you reap are incomparable, so please persevere so you can become a testament to the power that comes with embracing our authenticity, one curl at a time <3
With love,
A type 4 natural ♥
…
(Check out our latest posts down below!)
