@bergittexworld curly cut by @curliqueyaraabdeen
While you probably make resolutions in other areas of your life, such as career or fitness, your hair might be one of those sections that gets overlooked at this time of year. But just like the other parts of your life, your curls deserve a dedicated list of goals to kick things into high gear.
These are the top ten Curly New Year’s resolutions to add to your ultimate plan.
1. Give up on “perfect hair”
While this may seem counterintuitive to making a list of hair goals, it’s actually the first step in the right direction. Too many naturalistas stress about their curls and how to make them better. While this is a great way to keep your tresses lovely, it can also lead to overly high and mostly unattainable expectations. Don’t let the chase for “perfect hair” derail your hair journey this year! The most important thing is to accept your hair for what it is and make it the best it can be in terms of health.
2. Schedule your trims in advance
Trims are a necessary evil. While they may seem like just one more pesky thing on your already full to-do list, they shouldn’t be swept to the side for more important tasks. Your hair is important, too! If you know you will need a trim about every three months, schedule those appointments in advance so you make them a priority and have one less thing to worry about on your to-do list.
3. Buy that one big hair care purchase you’ve been putting off
There are lots of products we tell ourselves we will buy eventually and keep putting it off until later. Maybe you want a better blow dryer or a flat iron with more settings. Maybe your old steamer broke and you’ve been putting off buying that replacement you know your curls deserve. Whatever that bigger ticket purchase is, just go ahead and get it out of the way at the beginning of the year.
4. Take the Big Chop
If you have been contemplating going natural for a while and the idea of the Big Chop makes you nervous, you are not alone. It can be a scary step, but it is a step in the right direction, and lots of naturals end up adjusting to the Big Chop eventually. Be bold and take that big leap this year!
5. Add one new accessory a month
A lot of curlies are intimidated by the idea of hair accessories. From head wraps and headbands to more elaborate additions such as beads in your braids, accessories can certainly dress up your strands with a little something extra. A good way to get over the fear of trying something new is to add one new piece a month to your collection and make that the look of the month. This is also just a lot of fun as a way to learn what options work best for you overall.
6. Coily? Embrace the ‘Fro
Some people are intimidated by the ‘fro. These people are misinformed! Maybe you think it’s too much work, or damaging in some way, or worse, you may even worry about the social reactions to this beautiful natural look. However, embracing your afro is a great way to gain not only a new sense of confidence in your texture, but also a new go-to style you might love!
And we need to make 2022 all about LOVE, wouldn’t you agree?
iStockphoto
7. Discover your curl type
Knowing you have curly hair means nothing without knowing where you fall on the curl spectrum. For instance, a naturalist with type 3a curls needs different care routines and products than a type 4c. The more you know about your curl pattern, texture, and the overall needs of your type, the easier it is to get gorgeous, healthy curls! We even have a quiz to help you out with this, so if nothing else, you can say you aced this resolution in under 10 minutes. Impressive!
8. Get a sleep routine in place
If you aren’t wrapping your curls at night, make this a top priority for the New Year. You should be applying your favorite oil to your hair and wrapping it in a silk scarf or bonnet overnight. This will cut down on friction, lock in moisture, and reduce tangles.
9. Connect with your fellow naturals
Trying to figure out your hair needs on your own can be a little lonely and confusing. When you connect with other naturals, you widen your scope of knowledge and make some new friends in the process! Whether this means joining a forum discussion, catching up with your favorite YouTuber, or simply starting the conversation with your neighbor about natural hair, it is great to have lots of channels (pun intended”> for information in your natural hair journey.
10. Make healthier choices for healthier hair
Finally, make sure you choose healthy New Year’s resolutions overall because the health of your body dictates a lot of what goes on with your strands. For example, if you are dehydrated, your curls are dehydrated. Whether you want to set a goal for daily water intake, consuming less sugar, or eating more lean protein, just remember that healthy hair starts on the inside.
What’s your New Year’s resolution this year?
