On any given day, the natural hair community gathers on blogs and social media sites like YouTube and Instagram to share natural hair trials, fails, tutorials, and inspiration. The connections and encouragement in these social spaces are invaluable. But what if I told you that social media is killing your natural journey? Would you believe it? Read on to find out how. 

Misinformation is Rife on Social Media

Even if a YouTube video or Instagram post gets millions of views and likes, it doesn’t mean it holds any truth. Literally anyone can post hair content on social media regardless of their level of hair education. Plus, even videos that contain factual information may not be relevant to your hair type. Still, many take social media tips and tricks as fact and ruin their hair in the process. 

Social Media Content is for Show

It’s so easy to forget that social media content is created to be seen - it’s for show. Because of this, you can reasonably expect that most of what you watch isn’t 100% honest. Take bloggers, for example. Many bloggers write about transitioning to natural hair, but only a fraction have actually transitioned. This reduces the credibility of a lot of the content out there. 

It’s Too Easy to Compare

Someone said, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and they were right. Consider a situation where your hair health took a nosedive, and you began to experience some breakage. Continuing to watch natural hair influencers with waist-length hair or painstakingly defined curls could worsen things for you. You might find yourself comparing your journey to theirs and wondering why your hair isn’t thriving like theirs. It’d be better to focus on your progress instead of someone else’s highlight reel on social media. 

You May Be Tempted to Overuse Products That Aren’t Suitable

Most social media personalities and gurus share products they love and recommend (or peddle products for a commission). And when you hear or see how great a product works for your favorite hair Instagrammer or YouTuber, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and run and buy it. Over time, you might find yourself slathering on many different products without rhyme or reason, leading your hair and scalp to suffer. 

How to Enjoy Social Media Without Ruining Your Hair Journey

You might be wondering if you need to stop engaging in social media. No, you don’t. But as you enjoy the hair tutorials, blogs, and other content, keep the following tips in mind for the best results: 

• Take recommendations with a grain of salt since they may not be rooted in research or real experiences. 

• Remember that what you see on social media is a snapshot of the creator’s life or hair journey. It’s not reality. 

• Focus mainly on your own hair and what it needs to thrive, not what everyone else does. 

• Realize that a hair journey is a marathon, though social media may make it seem like a sprint. Avoid quick fixes and trends with outrageous claims. 

Professional Hair Guidance is Best

When it comes to caring for your natural hair, getting professional guidance is so important. These experts have the training and certifications necessary to give sound recommendations based on facts. If you need advice on restarting your hair journey or improving your existing routine, pick up “The Great Hair Restart” by Karen Hill. The insights in this book empower you to give your hair the best possible care. 

So, there you have it - how social media is killing your natural hair journey, how to keep social media in check, and where to get expert guidance. I hope you found all the information you were looking for, and I wish you the best with your hair!