That moment you spot a natural with the most phenomenal head of hair. I mean, this girl’s twist out is giving you more life than any life you have ever been given in one serving. Because you want to be the giver of life as well, you decide that you just gotta know what her special blend is to making the twist out of your dreams come true.
Not the best idea.
Here’s 5 reasons why you shouldn’t ask another natural what products she uses on her hair:
1. You don’t share the same texture.
When most naturals think of texture they think of their curl pattern. Texture is actually described by Pivot Point International Salon Fundamentals textbook as, “the diameter of the strand in addition to the look and feel of the hair.” The hair strand is categorized as being either fine, medium or dense.
Texture definitely impacts what products you use and how you go about applying those products. While you may have the secret behind her special blend that doesn’t guarantee that you will have the same exact results.
Having a texture opposite of your current hair muse could possibly lead to results that aren’t remotely close to what you had in mind.
2. You have different porosities.
Porosity is determined by the hair’s ability to absorb liquids, creams or chemicals and is categorized as low, medium or high. Porosity can impact what products you use and how you go about applying those products to your hair.
For example, those with low porosity have to invest a bit more time into making sure their hair throughly absorbs liquids, such as water and creams that are typically used for setting styles.
3. You don’t share the same hair density.
Density is the amount of hairs per square inch and is categorized as low, medium or high. Density plays a huge role in how full/big our hair is.
If you are hoping to get the same results from the young lady you spotted with the dope twist out and your hair is on the low side in the density area while hers is leaning towards the high density side you’re going to be quite disappointed.
4. You may live in different climates.
When it comes to natural hair, climate is a critical factor for choosing either styling options or products. This means that someone living in the city of Chicago who lives in close proximity of the lake will likely need to use different products/technique than someone who lives further inland.
Living close to the water usually comes with the presence of added moisture in the air, while living inland or in a region that isn’t at all close to the water could result in having to deal with moisture being pulled from your hair. Make sure your curlfriend isn’t visiting on vacation!
5. You have completely different lifestyles.
So, let’s say you do 3-5 days a week of hardcore cardio and the woman whose hair you admire spends absolutely no time in the gym. As you gush over her unbelievable results you haven’t taken into consideration that with your current lifestyle there is no way that your hair would look remotely similar to hers on day 3.
Not being privy to such vital lifestyle information can leave you with some vey unrealistic expectations.
Here’s What To Do Instead
If asking other naturals about the products they use is out of the question, then what on earth should naturals do to find products best suited for their natural hair needs?
Before going out to purchase products it’s important for naturals to have a basic understanding of their hair’s porosity, density, texture, climate, water quality, length and desired style. Grasping the concept of these uniques elements are important to understanding how to go about getting flawless results. Stylist and co-founder of the #30DayHairDetox Aeleise Jana says that, “we’ve got to mitigate our expectations of our hair” and in doing so we will learn to love, accept and properly care for our hair as it is.
If you like to learn more about the unique qualities and elements of your personal hair it’s best to partner up with a local natural hair professional or check out the 30dayhairdetox.com to obtain accurate natural hair information from trusted professionals.
Aishia Strickland is full-time mom to a little Chocolate Prince, lover of multi-textured hair, tastemaker, Editor of Chocolate Curls Beauty and co-creator of the #30DayHairDetox!
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