Be Whole

When I chatted to big-time hair blogger, Carly-Robyn about her hair journey, it turned out that I’d experienced the same problems that she’d faced after her big chop.

If you’re a kinky curly girl also working through a natural hair journey, read some of the points she listed below and let me know if you can relate?

“In 2016, I was invited to a natural hair event, where hair bloggers like Own By Femme and Fro Girl Ginny from the UK, shared their natural hair journeys.

I’d been planning to get a Brazilian treatment but decided to wait until after the event.

When my sister and I walked into the venue, I was basically the only woman in the room with pin straight hair and that was rather uncomfortable.

As the ladies began to share their stories, I felt a connection. I had to make a change. They spoke with such boldness and confidence about themselves and that made me realize that I no longer have to hide behind the straight hair or go by what society wants me to be. I could finally be myself and embrace the real me.”

Post Big-chop:

“Being natural for just over a year now, I wouldn’t change a thing because my journey has been nothing but rewarding. Not only has my hair journey changed how I look on the outside but more of what I feel on the inside.”

Can you relate to these four kinky curly girl struggles?

1.     So much frizz

To combat frizz, Carly usually uses low-manipulation hairstyles like flexi rods that are only untied once they’re absolutely dry. Flexi rods will give beautiful bouncy curls without any frizz if you make sure that your hair is completely dry before removing the rods.

2.     Going through tons of products

Hands up if you use A LOT of product. Our hair needs moisture and we’re always on the lookout for better, more hydrating products.

To avoid being a product junkie, Carly and I both rely on product reviews from other kinky curly girls to determine what will work best for our hair. It’s best to try products yourself because your hair is unique but learning about what your hair’s needs, will help you narrow down the products.

3.     Struggling to maintain that day-one hair

This is literally the worst feeling if you’ve washed and styled your hair but you’re not going anywhere! Your hair always looks a little less bomb the following day.

Using a sleep cap when your hair is short, or a head scarf to pineapple your hair if it’s long are great ways to maintain definition and protect your hair from cotton’s drying effects when you’re sleeping.

4.     Sticking to a full maintenance routine

Sometimes your sleep cap slips off during the night or work deadlines cause you to miss that full wash-day routine that gets your curls popping. The best way to make sure that you’re always looking after your hair is to jot down your reasons for going natural as well as your hair goals. This will motivate you to keep up the routine even when you’re too tired to put on that satin head scarf.

Johannesburg based blogger; Carly Robyn from You Me Naturally has been busting out natural hair videos since 2015. She’s a fashion and natural hair blogger who recently started her own You Tube Channel. Follow Carly on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube  to watch her natural hair tutorials and product tips.