8 Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Natural Hair

Your handy-dandy beginners guide to healthy, happy hair.

New Rules - While there is nothing more natural than rocking your hair the way it grows out of your head, many women come to it after years of wearing styles that require a different set of rules for upkeep. And despite the dizzying array of blogs out there, it can be hard to know exactly what you should do to keep your hair at its healthy best. The result? Hi there, trial and error! But we have you covered. Here are the most common mistakes that new naturals make and how to bypass them on your way to happy hair. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Getty Images/ (c) Michael Rowe)

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New Rules - While there is nothing more natural than rocking your hair the way it grows out of your head, many women come to it after years of wearing styles that require a different set of rules for upkeep. And despite the dizzying array of blogs out there, it can be hard to know exactly what you should do to keep your hair at its healthy best. The result? Hi there, trial and error! But we have you covered. Here are the most common mistakes that new naturals make and how to bypass them on your way to happy hair. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Getty Images/ (c) Michael Rowe)

Focusing on Length - If you spend your days worrying about how long your hair is getting and using any means necessary to stretch it out (we’re looking at you blow dryers and flat irons), not only are you potentially damaging your hair, but you’re missing out on the glory that is your hair at all lengths. Each length has its positives — don’t miss them because you can’t appreciate where you hair is right now. (Photo: Getty Images/Blend Images)

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Focusing on Length - If you spend your days worrying about how long your hair is getting and using any means necessary to stretch it out (we’re looking at you blow dryers and flat irons), not only are you potentially damaging your hair, but you’re missing out on the glory that is your hair at all lengths. Each length has its positives — don’t miss them because you can’t appreciate where you hair is right now. (Photo: Getty Images/Blend Images)

Using the Wrong Tools - Not all hair tools are created equal. That paddle brush may feel good on your scalp, but there’s a good chance it’s shredding your ends if you’re using it to detangle. Seek out combs and clips that are made for your texture — not someone else’s. The same goes for products. That protein- rich moisturizer might make your homegirl’s tresses feel like silk, but leaves yours straw-like. You don't have to be a product junkie to discover what works for you, but it is worth it to try different products over time. (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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Using the Wrong Tools - Not all hair tools are created equal. That paddle brush may feel good on your scalp, but there’s a good chance it’s shredding your ends if you’re using it to detangle. Seek out combs and clips that are made for your texture — not someone else’s. The same goes for products. That protein- rich moisturizer might make your homegirl’s tresses feel like silk, but leaves yours straw-like. You don't have to be a product junkie to discover what works for you, but it is worth it to try different products over time. (Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Less Hair Breakage - Tossing and turning throughout the night tends to create friction between your hair and pillowcase. Satin lessens hair breakage because of its smooth surface and its ability not to absorb all of your hair and skin’s natural oils.  (Photo: Ned Frisk Photography/Corbis)

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Not Getting Trims - It’s easy — especially if you never straighten your hair — to go months, even years, without getting a proper trim. But the daily rigors of manipulating your hair, from detangling to twisting, can cause damage to your ends. Left alone, the damage can split up the shaft and make things look raggedy up top. How often your hair needs to be trimmed depends on your hair and how you handle it, but every six months is a good rule of thumb. (Photo: Getty Images/Rubberball)

Overdoing the Heat - The versatility of natural hair is one of the best things about it, but applying daily heat is a guaranteed recipe for damage. In fact, many women who use flat irons frequently find that over time, their hair doesn’t curl up quite the way it used to. (Getty Images/Stockbyte)

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Overdoing the Heat - The versatility of natural hair is one of the best things about it, but applying daily heat is a guaranteed recipe for damage. In fact, many women who use flat irons frequently find that over time, their hair doesn’t curl up quite the way it used to. (Getty Images/Stockbyte)

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Not Moisturizing Enough - Natural hair has a tendency to be dry. So it’s imperative to impart moisture and seal it in. From your wash-out conditioner to your leave-in to your daily moisturizer to your oil, liberal use of hydrating products (and water itself) will keep your hair elastic and healthy. (Getty Images / (c) John Lund)

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Not Moisturizing Enough - Natural hair has a tendency to be dry. So it’s imperative to impart moisture and seal it in. From your wash-out conditioner to your leave-in to your daily moisturizer to your oil, liberal use of hydrating products (and water itself) will keep your hair elastic and healthy. (Getty Images / (c) John Lund)

Not Detangling - Skipping detangling is a recipe for, well, tangled hair. Every time you shampoo, you should apply a slippery conditioner and work a wide-tooth comb (or your fingers, depending on your texture) through your strands. You’ll find that you shed less and your hair is easier to manage throughout the week. (Photo: Getty Images/Blend Images)

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Not Detangling - Skipping detangling is a recipe for, well, tangled hair. Every time you shampoo, you should apply a slippery conditioner and work a wide-tooth comb (or your fingers, depending on your texture) through your strands. You’ll find that you shed less and your hair is easier to manage throughout the week. (Photo: Getty Images/Blend Images)

Using Chemicals - “Hey,” you might say, “I don’t use chemicals. I’m natural!” But just because you forego relaxers doesn’t mean you’re not using harmful stuff in your hair. Products with parabens, alcohols, silicones, sulfates and more can leave your hair dry and damaged. Many of the best products stick to things found in nature, like shea butter, marshmallow root and argan oil. (Photo: SheaMoisture.com)

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Using Chemicals - “Hey,” you might say, “I don’t use chemicals. I’m natural!” But just because you forego relaxers doesn’t mean you’re not using harmful stuff in your hair. Products with parabens, alcohols, silicones, sulfates and more can leave your hair dry and damaged. Many of the best products stick to things found in nature, like shea butter, marshmallow root and argan oil. (Photo: SheaMoisture.com)

Skipping a Scarf at Night - Leaving relaxers behind doesn’t mean you can leave your head scarves in the drawer. In fact, kinky-curly hair is even more prone to snag on cotton pillowcases. Use a satin-textured or silk scarf or bonnet every night to help keep your hair healthy and maintain your style. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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Skipping a Scarf at Night - Leaving relaxers behind doesn’t mean you can leave your head scarves in the drawer. In fact, kinky-curly hair is even more prone to snag on cotton pillowcases. Use a satin-textured or silk scarf or bonnet every night to help keep your hair healthy and maintain your style. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)