Natural hair: If you love it, it will grow

The decision to "go natural" can both be empowering and daunting. The question of how do i style it? What do i do with it? Or what products should I use? comes to mind. But wait a minute!  Before you start dreaming and planning, know that you need have realistic expectations for your hair or you are not going to be happy. Whether you are considering going natural or have just begun your natural hair journey, I am sure you have a big plan for your hair, right? But what do you need to know about natural hair?
1. Texture - it refers to the thickness or diameter of the hair strand. This has to be the number one thing that newly naturals should wonder about. Your hair could be fine, normal or thick (coarse). Whatever your texture happens to be, just know that it is beautiful no matter what. Know that the more kinky your texture is, the more delicate and protective you will have to be with it.
2. Elasticity- this is how much your hair will stretch and then return to it normal state. Almost all natural hair have shrinkage to some extent. Healthy hair should stretch 50% or more and return to its normal state when wet and unhealthy hair 20%. Hair that is not elastic is more prone to breakage. You can use braid outs, twist outs, banding, African threading and roller sets to stretch your hair. As your hair grows longer, this will be less of a problem.
3. Moisture - preventing dry hair is quite easy. Moisturize your hair effectively to keep it healthy. If you suffer from dry hair, a good method is the LOC method. First, use liquid like water, then use an oil before sealing the moisture into your hair with a moisturizing hair cream.
4. Regular washing and conditioning schedule - it is good for you to wash at least once a week.
5. Keep your hands off your hair - constant manipulation of your hair will lead to breakage, for those with thick texture especially. This includes: Daily combing, brushing, styling or detangling improperly etc. Keep your hair in protective styles like braids or twists. The more you touch your hair, the weaker it becomes, so keep contact with your hair to a minimum.
You can't do everything everyone else does. Embrace your hair for what it is, and do what works best for you, depending on your hair type.
Black hair is complex. No two heads of hair are alike, not even hairs on one head act alike. This is what makes us unique. Embracing our natural hair is a way of empowering ourselves. If you love it, it will grow!