every now and then, we get an email like this – and because it’s such a common feeling for people to experience at different times in their journey to natural hair, we thought we’d address it here in our blog! please feel free to share your own stories in the comments.

dear oyin: the longer my natural hair gets, the harder it is to manage. i can’t believe how dry it gets. sometimes, to hide my frustration, i put my hat over it when i go out which dries it out more. i just want it to get long enough so i can pull it back. today i just wanted to cut it because it was easier to deal with shorter but i want to grow it out at some point.

should i put a texturizer in it?

first, we here at oyin support your right to do whatever you want to do with your hair and hope that whatever you choose to do with it makes you feel FIERCE and your best most beautiful self. of course our bias leans toward everyone embracing and learning to work with and appreciate our hair the way it comes out of our heads. however, if you’re going to make that decision, it’s probably best not to make it out of desperation or frustration. with that being said and our bias out in the open – we’d like to suggest you back away from the texturizer and breathe.

the in-between lengths are hard. this is a universal problem. find a way to wear it that makes you feel wonderful while it grows out to your desired bigness. have you tried cornrows, two-strand twists, braids or other protective styles? if you are new to styling your natural hair – find a reliable stylist that can work with your texture. protective styles are a great way to keep your hair healthy and they also lock in moisture, and keep your hair from tangling and breaking off. So if you are looking to retain length, they’re a great way to go!

having it long enough to pull back is a wonderful thing for convenience. but if you just want it out of your way, it IS possible to pull it back now. you can rock a high puff with a non-metal headband or pull it back with a pretty scarf.

figure out what it is you’re looking for from your hair. chances are, your hair can deliver it, but be clear about what you’re asking of it so it can have a fighting chance. if you want something that’s easy to care for, keeping it cut short is an ideal way to accomplish that. you’re under no obligation to have long hair so you don’t HAVE to grow it out eventually if you don’t want to! but be mindful that even the simplest wash and go style (what’s that? a shaved head?) requires upkeep. be OK with that.

keep asking questions. we all had to start somewhere in figuring this natural thing out. give yourself a break and enjoy the ride!

have a question for the transitioner’s circle? email us! info[at] oyinhandmade [dot] com and you may see your question responded to in a future blog post!

Hair Dew

this creamy, conditioning leave-in is light enough for every day. it’s great on ‘naked’ hair immediately after a cleanse, or as a way to reinvigorate tired hair all the way through your hair care cycle.£13.99