Almost a two months into the New Year and things are already so hectic… especially this temperamental weather. I can never keep heads or tails of what to expect. Snow, sun, rain? Oh my!
Regardless of the type of precipitation, I can count on being accompanied by my fellow, unsuspecting naturals in the marathon for shelter, or on some occasions, fashioning the plastic grocery bag as a cap in attempts to duck whatever liquid is falling from the sky. And here are five reasons why!
SHRINKAGE
While water provides moisture to those strands, the shrinkage is REAL! Shrinkage or the act of shrinking, is the natural tendency of your kinky, wavy, coily, or curly hair after wetting it. It doesn’t indicate your true length BUT it does signify your hair’s health. The more shrinkage and curl elasticity, the better shape you’re in. So I actually challenge you to embrace the shrinkage!
2.
TANGLING
We put in so much time and energy into detangling our hair, and work hard to keep it in that state. Rain can be the ultimate tangling agent if you let those curls go unaddressed. Unattended tangles can lead to breakage – every natural, relaxed, or whomever’s absolute nightmare. If your fro is subjected to prolonged rain exposure, make sure you take some time to tend to its care.
3.
UNWANTED FRIZZ
Now I’m not one to completely knock frizz. For me, just the right amount of frizz makes a perfect style – it can add depth and volume. But there’s a limit to the frizz I can take, especially when it’s unexpected. I’m sure we’ve all had one of those days where our hair was fire…until we looked in the mirror and Don King’s look-alike was staring back at us. If you find yourself in this situation, and you can’t handle all the frizz attacking your head, make sure you’re prepared with your handy hair tie to pull off a nice little updo.
4.
PRODUCT RUNOFF
A fresh style with some settling product or dye can be disastrous in the rain. Runoff of products can lead to damaged clothing, face stains, ruining of makeup, rinsing out product (which can lead to deactivation of product), and the list goes on. At times the best way to avoid this may be the emergency poncho, plastic cap/bag, or of course an umbrella is not available.
5.
JACKED UP DO
Ugh! Ok, we already know unexpected shrinkage sucks. Especially after you’ve achieved the PERFECT wash and go. It just stinks. And rain will present a culmination of the above issues i.e. Jacked up do. But don’t let it ruin your day, ladies (and gents). My Quick Tip: Always have a hair tie, scarf or some Bobby pins and mini jar of gel on deck. You’d be amazed at the styles you can achieve in a car, corner or public restroom! As we know, it’s like that sometimes.
PIN ME!
PIN ME!
