Unlock Your Best Curls: 5 Essential Hair Resolutions for Thriving Natural Hair in 2020 and Beyond

As the calendar flipped to a new year, the popular mantra “New Year, new you” echoed everywhere. But for those of us blessed with beautiful curls, this often sparks a different kind of reflection. It’s not about transforming into someone else or conforming to societal beauty standards that favor straightened hair. Instead, it’s about embracing our natural texture, revitalizing our tresses, and rocking plump, hydrated, healthy curls that truly reflect our authentic selves. If 2019 left you feeling frustrated with your curly hair journey, there’s renewed hope and expert guidance to help you fall head over heels in love with your coils and waves all over again in 2020, and for many years to come.

Leading the charge in this natural hair revolution is the immensely popular YouTube vlogger, Whitney White. Known to her massive community of 1.12 million subscribers as Naptural85, this 34-year-old mother of two has meticulously built a thriving curly hair empire. Her journey began in 2009 when she started sharing her personal experiences and invaluable tips for natural hair care online. Over a decade later, she’s not only a trusted voice in the curly community but also the proud founder of her very own Melanin Haircare line. Despite her busy schedule, Whitney recently took a moment to share her invaluable insights, outlining what she believes should be the top five curly hair resolutions for anyone looking to nurture and celebrate their natural tresses in 2020.

1. Keep It Simple: Streamlining Your Curly Hair Routine

For Whitney White, simplicity is not just a preference; it’s a fundamental principle for successful curly hair care. “We’re all super busy these days,” she exclusively told Hollywood Life. “So doing the least and getting the most out of [your hair] will be key.” This philosophy resonates deeply with anyone navigating the demands of modern life while striving for healthy hair. Curly hair veterans, especially, understand the profound benefits of incorporating protective styles into their regimen. Styles such as braids, two-strand twists, and even simple buns and updos, are championed as some of the most effective ways to keep things straightforward and minimize manipulation.

Protective styles work by tucking away your hair strands, shielding them from environmental aggressors, friction, and daily styling, which can often lead to breakage. Whitney elaborated on this benefit in an August 2019 YouTube video discussing how to grow long, healthy hair, stating, “It gives your hair a chance to relax and breathe and grow on its own without you playing in it with hair tools…” The less you manipulate your hair, the less stress it endures, creating an optimal environment for growth and retaining moisture. By opting for these low-maintenance styles, you not only save precious time but also contribute significantly to the overall health and longevity of your curls. Remember to ensure your hair is adequately moisturized before styling and avoid keeping protective styles in for too long without proper cleansing and re-moisturizing.

2. Prioritize Quality: Invest in High-Performance Hair Products

It comes as no surprise that Whitney, now at the helm of her own haircare line, possesses an unparalleled obsession with product ingredients. She firmly believes that the foundation of healthy, vibrant curls lies in the quality of the products we apply. “Again, we want to get the most out of our routine,” Whitney emphasized. “So using high quality hair products like those from my line, Melanin Haircare, that use natural, highly effective ingredients that repair the hair from the inside out, while styling, will be key in making your efforts go as far as possible.” This resolution transcends mere product endorsements; it’s a call to conscious consumption and understanding what truly nourishes your hair.

Many commercially available products contain harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and heavy silicones that can strip natural oils, cause build-up, and ultimately hinder hair health. Whitney’s philosophy, reflected in her Melanin Haircare line and her years of DIY tutorials, focuses on ingredients known for their restorative and hydrating properties. A quick glance at the ingredient list for Melanin’s Twist-Elongating Style Cream, for example, immediately reveals her dedication to natural, effective components. Ingredients like aloe vera, known for its soothing and moisturizing benefits; jojoba oil, which mimics the hair’s natural sebum, providing deep conditioning; and argan oil, packed with vitamins and antioxidants for shine and protection – all of these are a true godsend to dehydrated, brittle hair strands. Investing in such quality products ensures that every application contributes positively to your hair’s internal structure and external appearance, leading to genuinely healthy and resilient curls.

3. Embrace Freedom: Do Whatever The Heck You Want With Your Style

Perhaps one of the most liberating resolutions Whitney offers is the encouragement to break free from perceived limitations and strict styling rules. “The days of adhering to strict rules are gone,” she declared with a refreshing candor. “Experimentation and authentic expression are the name of the game for 2020.” This is a powerful message for anyone who has ever felt confined by certain curly hair norms or worried about whether their curls were “perfect” enough. The beauty of natural hair lies in its versatility and its ability to be a canvas for personal expression.

This resolution invites you to explore new styles, whether it’s trying a bold new cut, experimenting with different colors, or simply playing around with various updos and down-dos. It’s about finding joy in the styling process and allowing your hair to reflect your mood, personality, and current phase of life. Gone are the days of feeling pressured to achieve a specific curl pattern or a perfectly defined look. Instead, Whitney advocates for a more intuitive approach, where you listen to your hair and allow your creativity to shine. Embrace the frizz when you want to, rock a sleek bun, or let your wild curls cascade freely. This freedom of expression not only makes your hair journey more enjoyable but also contributes to a deeper sense of self-acceptance and confidence.

4. Leverage Innovation: Take Advantage Of New Hair Technology

The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and the realm of hair tools has seen remarkable advancements designed to simplify routines and enhance results, especially for curly hair. “There are so many amazing new hair tools on the market these days that simplify and/or can help speed up your routine,” Whitney noted, underscoring the importance of staying current with technological innovations. “So investing in, and taking advantage of those will be key.” From time-saving dryers to innovative styling devices, hair vloggers and enthusiasts alike can’t stop raving about the efficiency and improved results offered by these modern marvels.

Tools like the Revlon One-Step Paddle Dryer and the RevAir Reverse Air Dryer and Straightener have garnered significant attention, with Whitney herself reviewing both. These devices promise to cut down drying time, reduce heat damage, and offer versatile styling options for various curl patterns. The Revlon One-Step, for instance, combines drying and styling into a single step, making wash days less daunting. The RevAir system, on the other hand, uses reverse air technology to gently stretch and dry hair, minimizing tension and heat exposure. While investing in new technology requires careful consideration, researching and selecting tools that align with your hair type and styling goals can significantly enhance your routine, making it more efficient and less damaging. It’s about working smarter, not harder, to achieve your desired look while maintaining hair health.

5. Self-Love in Strands: Embrace And Love Your Natural Texture

Whitney White wisely saved what she considers the most paramount hair resolution for last: the profound importance of embracing and loving your natural texture. This resolution transcends mere aesthetics; it delves into self-acceptance and body positivity. “Let’s leave curly hair idolization in the past,” she firmly stated. This powerful sentiment challenges the prevalent culture of aspiring to a singular “ideal” curl pattern or type, which can often lead to frustration and self-doubt for those whose hair doesn’t conform. Instead, Whitney champions a more inclusive and healthy perspective.

She clarifies, “Beautiful hair is healthy hair, no matter the texture or pattern, so in 2020 we’re moving past ‘Curly Hair Goals’ and embracing ‘Healthy Hair Goals.’” This paradigm shift is crucial. It means letting go of the pressure to achieve perfectly defined spirals if your hair naturally has looser waves or coily kinks. It means celebrating the unique characteristics of your own hair, understanding its needs, and nurturing it to its healthiest state. This resolution encourages you to appreciate the intrinsic beauty of your individual texture, whether it’s 2A waves or 4C coils. It’s about fostering a healthy relationship with your hair, one built on acceptance, care, and genuine love. This journey of embracing your natural self, starting with your hair, is not just a resolution for 2020 but a lifelong commitment to self-love and authentic beauty. It’s a beauty resolution for all year, every year, promoting confidence and genuine self-expression from the roots up.