Society puts a lot of emphasis on women’s hair. It is important to some cultures but society and the media makes women feel insecure based on their hair texture, length, and styles. I am not #TeamNatural, #TeamRelaxed, #TeamWeave, #TeamWigs or any other team. I just want people to have HEALTHY HAIR. I’ve seen plenty of naturals with dry, brittle, matted unhealthy hair and the same goes for women with relaxers; some have thin, dry, brittle, and damaged hair as well. I’ve seen women who wear weaves constantly have some of the best edges while women who have never worn a weave have edges that are similar to Naomi Campbell’s. Hair is just hair and as long as it is healthy that is all that matters.

I found this article on Self.com entitled “Healthy Hair Defined” and this can go for ALL hair types and textures.

Follow the threes Ss: Soft, Strong, and Shiny.

Soft: When your hair is soft it shows that it has some type of moisture and bounce. If you have coarse hair like me it can still be soft. Coarse does not mean brittle and dry you just have to moisturize.

Strong: Hair sheds naturally and there is nothing that you can do about it. What you can do to make your hair stronger is reduce the amount of heat you use and the amount of manipulation you do when styling your hair. You also have to be mindful of the amount of chemicals you use. So you should be careful with the bleaches and dyes and even relaxers. That’s why I wear protective hairstyles, not only for length retention, but also to get my hair stronger protecting it from the elements of nature.

Shiny: Your hair should have a natural shine. Sometimes we need the help of essential oils, sprays, and oil sheens to give it that extra boost. If your hair is dry and likes shine you may want to consider switching your shampoos and conditioners and even doing deep conditioning treatments, hot oil treatments, and protein treatments. You should also consider using a moisturizing shampoo and purchasing cleansing conditioners for co-washes instead of using shampoo. Minimizing the use of heat will also keep your hair shiny.

FYI:

Healthy Hair is shiny hair with a smooth texture and clean-cut ends or tapered tips is generally perceived to be healthy. Hair texture and shine relate to hair surface properties, whereas the integrity of hair ends relates to the hair cortex. Hair can be straight, wavy or curly, blonde, black, brown, red, gray white, and its natural variations are important to our identity -Rob D. Sinclair

I just had this conversation with my mother about my ever-changing hairstyles and curl pattern and she basically said “It’s just hair.” She is so right. I have been relaxer free for about 5 months now. I haven’t decided if I want to go fully natural, but I have been wearing protective hairstyles since March. I had a weave, a curly weave cornrow combo, and now box braids. I like to switch up my hairstyles often ever since I made that one of my new years resolutions a few years ago, so I go back and forth from my regular relaxed wrap to different hairstyles. I have been researching different hairstyles for when I take my box braids out because I’m not sure if I want to relax my hair yet. I have been having the itch to do something different, but my main concern is maintaining the health of my hair. That’s all that matters.

Beyonce debuted her new look via Instagram and there were mixed reviews. I think some people are just miserable and find ways to spew their hatred for no apparent reason. I’ve seen Rihanna stans say Bey is trying to be like her. I don’t understand why when we all know some of Rihanna’s most infamous hairstyles have been inspired by Kelis (the grey hair and the half shaved bossy look). Maybe Beyonce wanted a change…did you ever think of that? I mean she has had long luxurious weaves and wigs for too many years. It’s nice to see a change. She has a beautiful face and the cut frames it well. I guess people can’t make a decision in life without back lash. Maybe that little fan incident was an eye opener for her and she wanted to try something new. She has the money to go and get a 46″ Brazilian lacefront right now.

If you don’t like the cut you have a right to have your own opinion, but you don’t have to bash. Everyone is not going to like everything and people should not make decisions in hopes of pleasing everyone. You are just going to add stress to your life and that is not healthy for you physically, and it sure isn’t good for your hair, because that is what’s important. If someone else’s hairstyle stops you from living, then I suggest you look deep within and see what truly matters.

So be happy and be healthy and do what you want with your hair as long as it is healthy!