My (sort of) Hair Plan for 2016

I think I’ve decided to try growing my hair.

Just a recap on where I’m at: I’ve been natural for 4 years. I cut my hair about two years ago to half its length and it’s grown back to the length it was and them some. It currently goes past my shoulders when it’s stretched. In terms of growth, I know that last year it didn’t grown much. I know that a big reason for the lack of growth is because I had it out and about, which is always fun especially for selfies but not great for length retention. I really enjoyed my hair last year so growing it wasn’t really the plan for this year but I’m seriously considering it. Especially considering these days my time is quite limited, I like the idea of leaving my hair be for longer. I came across some bloggers and vloggers that have inspired me to grow my hair more. Since then I’ve been trying to figure out the best ways of doing this long-term.

Weaves

I’ve been doing weaves a long time. The problem with weaves is I always have to leave out some of my hair (that t-section in the front and parting) to braid in order for it to blend with the rest of the hairpiece. So I love weaves but that’s a downside for me at the moment as well as the task of taking it out every two months, letting it rest for a bit and the fact that I always have to call someone to install it for me. It’s nothing I can quickly do on my own. I’ve also gotten over straight weave styles. The last time I had one in I got bored of it in a week. The curlier, the better at the moment. But as you know, it’s always been a struggle to find a good afro kinky hair weave locally. Holla at me if you can recommend any.

Braids

You know my deal with them. I’ve been there, done that. I had to do it all the time as a teenager. They’re just not my go-to thing. I love the end result but the process to get there always dissuades me. It just takes too much time. I’d rather do something else that’s quicker for me to end up with a style that I can also take down quicker. What would be brilliant is a wig or weave that is braided. I’ve seen a couple of them here and there on Instagram but I feel like they’re phantoms. Again, holla at me if you know of any local, affordable ones!

Wigs

After doing my research (and watching Wendy Williams’ fab wigs everyday), I figured long term wig wearing could actually be an option. Here are some of the benefits I’ve come across:

• I still have access to my hair. It’s not sewn in like a weave so I can still moisturise, wash and treat my hair with ease. With weaves, some women don’t bother washing. I like the idea that at any given time that I get tired of the wig, I can easily remove it and that’d be it. So if I need to wash, detangle or just enjoy my own hair I can still do it.
• It completely covers the hair. I won’t need to leave that T-section out to get braided or to blend with the hair piece, which would be more manipulated than the rest of the hair. I would just leave my hairline out as I’d done last year during my wig wearing months.
• I can install and take it down myself. I’ll be saving some cash not having to call my stylist every couple of months to install a weave for me.

My proposed wig routine:

• Co-wash my own hair every other week, as I currently do. Clarify and deep condition it once a month it so it’s completely clean under my wig.
• Braid my hair into about 8 big braids. Spray the braids and my scalp daily with my Daily Spritz to keep it moisturised.
• Wear the wig in the mornings, flatten my edges so you can still see my hairline.

I think my challenge with doing it long-term over the course of this year, is I might get bored with the style. You know I love styling my hair differently every day so I’m hoping that wouldn’t be too much of a problem considering my time and energy is so unpredictable at the moment! So to avoid that, I may need to just get 1 or 2 more wigs if that’s what I choose – just to change up the style every week or every month. This would also help to make the wig last longer. I still love experimenting and I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to share something completely new with you on this lil’ blog of mine…my other platforms. Heck, knowing me, I might end up doing a mix of all three kinds of styles!

What’s your hair plan for 2016?