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The Ten Natural Hair Commandments

Monday Jan 11, 2010 – By Laquita Thomas-Banks

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For those of us who have made, are in the process of making, or contemplating the great Exodus from chemical hair straighteners…

I – Thou shalt be thankful for the hair that adorns thy head. Your hair is your ‘crown of glory’ treat it as such.

II – Thou shalt not idolize the hair that adorns another’s head. The hair on your head is unique, it’s what makes you you.

III – Thou shalt not take the hair that adorns thy head in vain. Be aware of the damage that chemicals and heat can cause, some of the damage is irreversible.

IV – Remember to take the necessary time to pamper thy hair. Create a routine, set aside specific days for sealing your ends, massaging, trimming, washing, conditioning and styling your hair. A healthy head of hair will be your reward.

V – Honor thy mother, father and ancestors for the beautiful traits that they have bestowed upon thee, one of which is your natural crown of glory. Wear your natural hair with pride.

VI – Thou shalt not attempt to use a fine-tooth comb to detangle thy hair. Even before using a wide-tooth comb, use your fingers to detangle, and when detangling always start from the ends and work your way up towards your scalp.

VII – Thou shalt not be ashamed to wear your natural hair in public. Wigs, weaves, braid extensions etc. are all wonderful temporary ‘protective’ and ‘transition’ styles, but they don’t compare to the beauty of your natural hair.

VIII – Thou shalt not kill the hair follicles on thy head – with high heat, harsh chemicals or tight styles. Stay away from pore clogging, dry scalp causing petroleum based products; use natural essential oil based ones instead. Be gentle with your hair, seek out professional stylists who have experience in styling your hair type.

IX – Thou shalt not bad mouth thy neighbor’s hair. Be respectful and encouraging to those who have not yet chosen to wear their hair natural. Negative comments will only turn them away from the natural hair community.

X – Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s hair; thou shalt not covet it’s texture, nor it’s curl pattern, nor it’s length etc. Appreciate the hair that you were blessed with. Try different styles and accessories that accentuate your very own personality and style.

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25 Comments – Add Yours

  1. whit whit says:

    Great Idea. I always need to read natural hair encouragement from time to time. :) Thanks!

  2. joijoy joijoy says:

    I love these commandments! I’ve been natural for over 10 years and it has been fun to watch my hair go through its own transformations on a daily basis..:-)

  3. This is a great post. I am sharing with my sisters.

  4. Khambria Khambria says:

    Love this! I need to make this a poster and put hang it up or something lol

  5. a/n a/n says:

    Great hair commandments..i live this one the best

    ” IX – Thou shalt not bad mouth thy neighbor’s hair. Be respectful and encouraging to those who have not yet chosen to wear their hair natural. Negative comments will only turn them away from the natural hair community.”

    Sometimes we naturals like to bash non natural hair wearers because they haven’t given up that creamy crack. We just have to remember that many of us(not all) were at the stage at one point in our life.

  6. Martamique Martamique says:

    lol @ commandments

    im not gonna lie, I have
    most def covetted length
    before..lol

  7. grace grace says:

    HI- this is great. I cut off all my relaxed hair for the new year. I am trying to embrace the natural me. It is a process. I depend a lot on online support groups with women who are on the same journey. It helps.

  8. ... ... says:

    Can anyone recommend some essential oil based products?

  9. JuJuGee JuJuGee says:

    @grace- keep with the natural. It is a process.. Exploring and learning your natural hair texture is a process. Don’t be discouraged if certain products don’t work.. No matter how many you have to try until you find the ones that works for you. it’s trial and error.
    I’ve done the big chop twice now… I had a minor relapse two years ago and got addicted to the creamy crack.. BUt I’m all better now. and loving my curls again!
    Now that it’s grown out a little over a year later, I constantly am asked who put in my weave… I acutally have to let people (other black women) feel my hair and roots to prove that there are no tracks in. :) So, stick with it. You’ll grow and feel blessed.

  10. JuJuGee JuJuGee says:

    Oh- my profile pic is a wig.. haven’t figured out how to change the picture yet.

  11. thandiwe dee thandiwe dee says:

    Yesterday I had to go out and buy a pick, something I haven’t needed for so many years. It’s because I’m letting my natural grow out. I had some doubts that I’d find one in the beauty supply place with all kinds of straight hair for sale in the back, but was glad that it’s still around. After years of wearing locks, then a short afro, I’m experimenting with other styles.

    I feel good in my natural hair and I’m glad to model to others, younger folks in particular, that it is a viable choice for professionals and others. I think I’m seeing a few more naturals that aren’t locks. Yay!

  12. thandiwe dee thandiwe dee says:

    Let me clean that up. I love locks. It seems to be the most common form of natural hair of late. I celebrate them and afros, that are becoming more visible.

  13. Sparkle Sparkle says:

    I love it! :)

  14. Laquita Laquita says:

    @the essential oil product based products

    Here are my latest finds:
    Nu Ade – http://www.mynuade.com
    Peace, Love and Sunshine Products – http://www.etsy.com/shop/Peaceloveandsunshine
    Lil’ Better Butter – http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28455071
    Natural Shampoo Bars – http://www.etsy.com/shop/Laquita33

    Natural Hair product sites – where you can check out all types of brands, ingredients, get reviews, etc.
    Afro Kinks – http://www.afrokinks.com/
    Sistas Place – http://www.sistasplace.com/
    Naturally Curly – http://www.naturallycurly.com/ (click on the their CurlMart shop)

  15. Rae Rae says:

    I am sick to death of tryna work out what to do with my hair.
    I have recently gone back to the weave, after wearing braids for a few months and cutting off the relaxer at the ends of my hair.

    I can recommend Anita Grant products for natural hair (and skin).
    They have definitely made a difference to how I treat my hair.

    Anita Grant is an online mail order company (she delivers to the US!) and is available at:

    https://anitagrant.com/

    Enjoy!
    xx

  16. With natural hair, it’s a question of styling. A straight style is fine for some, because they can easily straighten it weekly, or even more often, and keep it that way for a week or two.

    Plus, not everyone likes braids. Wearing it loose can be hectic, because if the hair is long(er), knots can be a challenge. Wash and goes aren’t practical for certain types of hair and by length.

    I applaud any book, or magazine, that shows hairstyles that don’t make one feel like she’s back in grade school, or will be damaging to the hair long term.

  17. Shari Shari says:

    Places to find Natural Hair Products:

    http://www.afroveda.com
    http://www.qhemetbiologics.com
    http://www.oyinhandmade.com

    http://www.aubreyorganics.com (Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner is great for deep conditions.) If your hair is protein sensitive, be careful with some of their products. Be sure to read ingredients.

    http://www.jcsolutions.com (I only use the Nourish & Shine to seal my hair). Also some of her products contain sulfates, so be sure to read the ingredients before purchasing.

    You can also purchase some good products from Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and The Vitamin Shoppe.

    Hope this helps!!!!

  18. kristina kristina says:

    I know at times i sure do need some encouraging cause my hair is thick and i can get discouraged and when I do that I want to cut it so LOW…and start all over again…but I love my wittle cotton ball yes i do.

  19. [...] Repost via Clutch Magazine [...]

  20. cb cb says:

    Best article ever. Gave me a great laugh. 10 was my fav. The fine tooth comb one should be first, been there done that!! I’ve been natural half my life (14 years hehe). I like natural hair articles and pics.
    Ignore my profile pic please until I change it. lol.
    I swear by KCCC now for twist outs.

  21. [...] 10 Natural Hair Commandments February 1, 2010 Leave a comment Go to comments This article was originally posted on clutch.com by Laquita Thomas-Banks // // [...]

  22. Great post! I have been natural all my life, baby, and it is a learning process to the end. But it is supposed to be fun, so I love these commandments. Keepin’ it easy and fun is so much better! Best thing I EVER discovered was the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse.
    Like, whoa.

  23. Ghanaba Ghanaba says:

    GR8T COMMANDMENTS… should keep them coming,serves as a motivation….
    i’m almost 8 months into my natural hair and i’m only 4inches long……. is my hair really growing, or do i need vitamins supplements???? would really appreciate your comments and advice.

    • SFL70 SFL70 says:

      Hair grows at its normal rate an average of one-half inch per month – 6 inches in a year.

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