The Struggles of the Natural Hair Girl

For many women with natural hair, the struggle is all too real.

From dealing with shrinkage to finding the products that actually work, it can be a constant battle to embrace and maintain the natural beauty of their hair. The journey to loving and accepting natural hair can be a challenging one, but it is also incredibly empowering.

One minute, you’re admiring your coils in the mirror, feeling like a queen, and the next, you’re wrestling with a comb that refuses to glide through your hair strands. It’s a love-hate relationship, a never-ending adventure filled with triumphs, disasters, and everything in between.

The natural hair struggle starts early on wash day. Unlike straight-haired friends who can shampoo, rinse, and go, natural hair demands patience, arm strength, and time (lots of it). The detangling process alone can turn a peaceful Sunday into a full-body workout. And let’s not forget about deep conditioning—because skipping this step is practically a crime in the natural hair community.

Then comes styling. Ah, the endless battle between wanting a flawless twist-out and waking up to a frizzy, undefined mess. You could spend hours braiding your hair before bed, only to unravel it in the morning while looking like you just survived a thunderstorm.

Sometimes, imported haircare products become an option, but these items often cost a fortune, and local alternatives don’t always deliver the same results, leaving me struggling to maintain healthy curls without draining my wallet.

And don’t get me started on shrinkage—how does your hair grow inches overnight when stretched, yet still look like it hasn’t moved past your ears?

Of course, there’s also the product hunt. Finding the perfect moisturizer, leave-in conditioner, or gel is like searching for a unicorn. Some products promise defined curls but leave your hair as dry as a desert.

Others claim to be lightweight but turn your hair into an oil slick. And somehow, your collection of half-used jars and bottles keeps growing because this next one might just be the good one. What’s worse? Natural hair products always seem to be double the price of other hair products. Want a good leave-in conditioner? Be ready to break the bank.

And let’s not forget the ultimate struggle—finding a hairstylist who actually understands natural hair. The search for a good natural hair salon can feel like a lifelong mission. Many hairstylists are either unfamiliar with working on kinky and coily hair or charge ridiculously high prices for the simplest styles.

You want a simple silk press? That’ll be triple what someone with straight hair pays. Looking for a protective style? Prepare for a long waitlist or an overpriced session.

For me, the struggle to find a natural hair salon isn’t always an easy feat, as many hair salons primarily cater to relaxed hair, and walking into a shop with a full head of coils attracts skeptical glances or an outright refusal to do my hair. When I eventually find a skilled natural hairstylist, the cost can be overwhelming, making maintenance a luxury rather than a routine.

Then there’s the outside world—because everyone, from strangers to family members, suddenly becomes a hair expert. “Why don’t you just straighten it?” “You’d look so much better with relaxed hair.” “Can I touch it?” The unsolicited advice and curiosity never end, but we power through because, deep down, we know our natural hair is magical.

Despite the struggles, the journey to embracing natural hair is rewarding. Every wash, twist, and curl teaches patience, self-care, and confidence. There’s something empowering about owning your texture, learning what works for your hair, and watching it thrive.

The key to overcoming these challenges is knowledge—finding the right techniques, using natural hair products that truly nourish, and connecting with a community that shares tips and encouragement.

The more we embrace our natural hair, the more we redefine beauty standards and celebrate diversity. Rocking your curls, coils, or kinks unapologetically is a statement of self-love and pride. So, while the journey may be tough, remember—it’s also beautiful, and it’s yours to own.

Photo: Instagram/@naturally.mea