New Year’s hair resolutions are a good use for your pencil! I’ve talked about hair-care related ones, now it’s time to broaden the topic a bit and share some of the general hair-related decisions I think all of us should be making in the New Year! Do take a look even if you’ve already done your New Year's hair resolutions, as you might decide to update them a little bit.
1 I Will Be Brave
Some of us are dying for a new hair color, others are considering a different cut and yet we’re too scared to act on it and really and truly make it happen! Promise yourself this one will be different than all new year’s hair resolutions you’ve made so far! You’ll be braver this year and you will do what you feel is right. You go girl! Dye your hair even if it means some clothes (or colors, to be precise) will be off limits for you due to a new color or cut it short even if you’ve worn it long for the last 5 years!
Frequently asked questions
2 I Will Spend More Time Styling My Hair
Having a low maintenance cut doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to styling! Sure, you’re free to enjoy it, spend more time doing other things and still look good although you should promise yourself to do something nice with your hair every once in a while. You can curl it, braid it, put it up, experiment with tons of different styles and you don’t even have to have a really special reason to do it! A walk or dinner with your hubby, a boring Monday – it doesn’t really matter! You can be the busiest woman in the world and still have time to do it at least once a month. Because every woman deserves to get her hair done, put some make up and clothes to match and enjoy being and feeling flawless like a movie star at least once even 30 days! And that, my ladies, is something you should put in your resolution for new year!
3 I Will Restock
Throw away products with expired dates, pass along or swap the ones that are not doing it for you, don’t wait for your brushes to fall apart before you decide to get new ones and, trust me, not having a pair of decent hair clips is not something to brag about! Restock, woman! Invest in good quality brushes but opt for cheap accessories so you could get more. As for the products – either use them or pass them along but definitely ask for samples before you invest your hard earned cash in something that may not work as good as it sounds!
4 I’ll Beat My Flaws
Speaking about things to put in your new year’s hair resolution – could this be the year in which you’ll finally stop hating your hair? It sure could and it sure will be! Time to learn how to mask those tiny flaws that are making you feel bad! Invest in a proper teasing brush (not a plastic comb – a natural bristle brush), learn how to tease and enjoy that volume you’ve been dreaming about! Frizzy hair, unmanageable curls, waves you never know what to do with or a pin straight mane that would need a miracle to curl – all of those common problems are solvable and you’ll find plenty of posts here to help you get started! The first step is up to you, of course and I really hope this will be the year in which you finally learn to love and manage your hair.
5 I’ll Spend a Bit More
But only on the right products! If you love a certain product or you’ve managed to get some samples and decided it’s truly fabulous, don’t let the price stand on your way. You would spend the same (or roughly the same) amount of money randomly purchasing cheaper products in hopes you’ll find a budget-friendly replacement. “Every expensive product has its cheaper dupe” rule does work but you have to be really lucky to find it on the first try! Wanna talk statistics? Well, you actually have better chances of finding the first, pricier product with reduced price!
6 I Will Disregard All Age/Hairstyle Stereotypes
Take a good look at your new year’s hair resolution and cross everything that sounds like a stereotype! “I will cut my hair because I’m not 30 anymore” has to go and the same can be said for “I will streak my hair or go blond because my grays are showing” and “I will stop wearing my hair this way because it looks age-inappropriate”. Don’t let the society tell you who you ought to be! Enjoy your thick, long hair as long as you want and if you decide to cut it, do it because you needed a change, not because some stupid rule says you should. Don’t cover your grays if you like them simply because someone out there may hate it – a beautiful woman is a beautiful woman with or without grays! Look at Patricia Field and Vivienne Westwood - do you think the society would approve something as radical as their looks and hairstyles? And yet, they are absolutely brilliant, full of life and totally amazing!
7 I Will Accept Compliments with a Smile
Gorgeous hair will attract attention! People will compliment on it if you choose to follow up with the decisions listed above and you should learn to accept all of those compliments with a smile. Don’t be shy, don’t go like, “Oh, come on, it’s nothing!” Because it really is something…something you should be proud of!
8 I Will Deep Condition
One way to get those compliments is to make a commitment to deep conditioning. It only takes a few minutes, but you'll notice the difference and so will everyone else! There's no time like the present to get started. A regular deep conditioning treatment will help lock in your hair's moisture and keep it looking fabulous now and all year long. Look for great products at drugstores or talk to your stylist about ones that are perfect for your beautiful hair type.
9 I Will Try Some Accessories
There's nothing more fun than vamping up your new look with some way cute accessories. Don't be afraid to try things (see tip #1) and don't worry that you're too old (see tip #6). It doesn't matter your age, your hair type or your typical style choices. Accessories work on any girl and you'll be so glad you gave them a try. How about a sparkly headband for the office or a great bow on a low ponytail for brunch with your guy? Bejeweled bobby pins, hair ties with silk flowers or small barrettes are other fun choices.
10 I Will Get New Tools
Curling irons, flat irons and hot rollers aren't designed to last forever. I know - why not? But, if you've had the same styling tools since your college days, it's time to toss them in the garbage and shop for new ones. Not only is that fun, but it means you can style your hair with less damage and your new 'do might even come together more quickly and better looking than ever before. A girl couldn't ask for more! A good rule of thumb is to shop for new styling tools if you notice a smell emanating from your current ones or if you simply can't remember how long you've had them.
11 I Will Start a Hair Schedule
What in the world is a hair schedule, you ask. Well, it's a great way to remember hair maintenance tasks you tend to forget. Get out your calendar for the year and pencil in hair cuts, color appointments, a regular deep conditioning treatment and any other hair care things you need to get done, but often fall by the wayside. You don't have to commit to specific dates, but a general timeline can help you remember to set up appointments when the time comes. Get ready for a year of looking absolutely gorgeous, no matter what kind of relationship you have with your hair.
12 I Will Perfect My Curls with Plopping
Curly-haired ladies are probably familiar with plopping already, but if not, take note! Plopping is a technique where you basically plop your wet hair and wrap it in a towel or T-shirt, twist and secure both sides of the shirt or towel, and leave in while your hair dries. If you're not familiar with this technique, there are lots of tutorials on YouTube that show you the step-by-step details.
13 I Will Try Some Hair Hacks
One of the main reasons I love Instagram is all of the great hair and beauty tips you have pick up from top hairstylists and celebs. Case in point, the gorgeous Lupita Nyong'o shared on Insta that while she was glamping she forgot her spray bottle so her stylist used a steam iron (powered off) to spritz her hair and hydrate her locks. Aside from using Lupita's stylist's hair hack, you can also tote a small travel bottle of leave-in conditioner so you can hydrate hair on-the-go as well.
14 I Will Rock Imperfect Hair with Pride
Some of the sexiest and coolest hairstyles are the undone and "careless" ones. You know, random waves or curls or straight styles that don't have a razor straight edge. Rocking an imperfect top knot or not having a perfect part in your hair can be alluring and best of all-easy! Just because you can't achieve a perfect, no-hair-out-of-place style doesn't mean you're in for a bad hair day. Embrace it and rock it with pride!
15 I Will Steam My Hair
Ladies with natural hair have probably heard the hype surrounding hair steamers. It's touted to be a great tool in helping conditioner penetrate strands and strengthen hair. Even if you don't want to invest in a hair steamer, there are DIY options, check out: blackgirllonghair.com to create your own hair steamer effect with a towel.
16 I Will Care for My Hair While I Sleep
I can attest to the importance of babying your hair while you sleep. I get these awful tangles in the inner layer of my hair and it drives me insane. This year, resolve to use a silk or satin pillowcase or sleep in a satin hair bonnet or hair wrap to keep your hair protected all night long. Not only will your hair look better when you wake up, it'll prevent drying and tangling that cotton pillowcases often do.
17 I Will Not Be Afraid of Oil
Oils have taken the beauty world by storm and for good reason. Some versatile oils can be used on the hair, body, and face and offer tons of moisturizing and nourishing benefits. If you have dry or damaged hair, resolve to try a hair oil this year. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is said to be an excellent choice for all hair types who are experiencing hair loss, thin hair, or just need some deep hydration in the scalp and hair. The most important tip I can give oil newbies is to stay away from the roots. Always concentrate on the tips for the best results!
Feel like updating your hair resolution for the new year? Or you already have these covered? Which decisions are you going to stick to throughout the New Year?
This article was written in collaboration with editors Eliza Martinez and Lisa Washington.
