What My Mane is Teaching Me About Life

One of the most frustrating, but often fulfilling, things about being a naturalista is that you basically become a part-time hair stylist – without pay.

LifeUnless you hit the salon every week, you are responsible for making your own tresses look presentable. Which is reason No. 1 why I usually default to protective styles. Sometimes I just. Can’t. DEAL.

But there are other times when I enjoy spending time with my hair. I usually dread wash day, but yesterday was different, maybe because I tried a few new products including Shea Moisture’s African black soap purification masque and Gold N Hot’s conditioning heat cap for deep conditioning, and Camille Rose’s nourishing cream leave-in. My hair is happy now, and so am I.

As I was taking the time to care for my mane, I thought about the ways it’s teaching me some life lessons that I will carry with me always:

It’s best to work in sections.

I have Type 4 natural hair which means it’s much more kinky than it is curly, and the shrinkage is REAL. In order for me to manage my hair (and not just stand in front of the mirror sobbing uncontrollably about how I don’t want to deal with the drama that my wet hair brings), I have to break it up into smaller sections and tackle it one section at a time.

The same method can be applied to life. If you have areas of your life that you want to work on, you will get overwhelmed if you try to handle them all at once. Keep it simple and improve one area before you move on to the next.

You can’t get definition without help.

My hair doesn’t “clump” together in curls like other hair types, so I have to rely on butters, creams and pomades to get the curl definition I desire.

In life, you won’t learn everything on your own. There will be people who come into your space to teach you lessons – both good and bad – and help you make sense of things. Yes, independence is important, but you will often have to rely on your relationships with others to gather meaning.

There is no one-size-fits-all.

Snapchat Stoplight Selfie!

Snapchat Stoplight Selfie!

My hair is not like anyone else’s. Just because a certain combination of products or a hair care regimen may work for you does not mean that it works for me. It will take some trial and error before I get it right for my situation.

This is also true in life. As I’ve said before, my journey is my journey. I can most certainly soak up advice and inspiration along the way, but my route is custom-made and I’m more than fine with staying in my lane.

Has your hair taught you any life lessons? Feel free to share in the comments.

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6 thoughts on “What My Mane is Teaching Me About Life

  1. Alexis says:

    As someone who is currently transitioning, I find this post hilarious. I’m glad I have so much unpaid hair styling labor to look forward to when I finally take the plunge of the Big Chop.

    *Found you on #bgbchat

    • Girl, the struggle is REAL, but it’s also fun. 🙂 I don’t regret my decision to go natural; I love the versatility of my hair. Thanks for checking out my blog, I’m following you on Bloglovin’!

  2. Michel says:

    I have very thick hair. I use the Shea Moisture coconut hibiscus line! That’s how I’m able to comb my hair! I use braids as a protective style but eventually I’m going to try and style it myself. Right now it’s so difficult for me to handle.

    • I use the coconut and hibiscus line as well. I like the hair stuff but the body wash is really wonderful. Like I said, working with my very thick and kinky hair in sections is the only way I’m able to manage it. Good luck on your hair journey, Michel, and thanks for reading!

Would love to hear your thoughts