 New Year = New Hair The path to every new year is paved with a long list of good intentions that never seem to pan out. At DHA's DIY, we've figured out, tried, and tested the secret to making haircare resolutions stick in the year to come. Now, we want to share it with you. So here's to the flourishing head of hair you'll be rocking 12 months down the line! The trick to following through on your New Year's resolutions is a simple one. This year, rather than a lengthy list of hard and fast rules that, as the months go by, get harder and harder to adhere to, work with principles in mind. It's much easier to ask yourself, “Am I disrespecting my hair by doing this?”, before running a too-hot iron through your tresses, than trying to remember if rule #52 on the 2013 resolution list permits the use of heat every 65 or every 75 days. It's also much easier to stick to a routine, if you pick a realistic one that aims at consistency, rather than a quota of how many protein treatments you can pull off per month. Working on principle is the best way to get the ideas and the intentions that really matter to shine through. With that in mind, here are some principled resolutions to inspire you into the New Year!  I will be consistent with my hair. Whether I decide to take it low maintenance or high, I will be consistent. I will not abandon my hair for weeks on end, then try to make up for it with a 6-course conditioning session. I will not let my knots build up wash after wash, before taking the time to unfurl them. I will keep in mind that it's not just the fact you're slacking, it's the kind of slacking you do that counts. So if I know I can't go all out all the time, I'll set up minimal, but effective care for my hair. That way, I don't have the excuse of running out of time for being neglectful. As long as my hair's basic needs are well taken care of, it can flourish from being left to do its thing in the meantime. I will keep my hair well-watered. Whether that means more frequent wash and conditioning sessions, using richer products, more sealants, or more moisturisers, I will make sure my hair has just the hydration level it requires. I know that when it comes to lengthy and healthy hair, moisture is one of the biggest deciders that I have power over, and I will exercise that power wisely. I will not disrespect my hair – nor allow others to do so. Combs that pull out or slice my strands, brushes that scrape, chemical overdoses, blazing heat, skipped washes and treatments, braids and weaves too tight or too often – all of this shows little respect for my hair. This year, I will eschew every last one of these like the plague. And I I will not allow anyone else – friend, hairdresser or foe – to inflict them on me, either.  I will be honest with my hair. If it looks like I need a trim, I will not turn a blind eye nor kid myself that, because my hair is curly, the split ends won't race up them like ladders in a torn pair of tights. If I've gone too heavy on the heat or the chemicals, I will give my hair a break – before my strands start leaving in protest. If a particular style seems like it'll overly strain my hair to achieve (whether in manipulation or in heat), I will forego it, to give my strands a chance to bloom this year. I will learn my hair. I will become well-versed in how often my hair needs to be moisturised, how it feels when it's thirsty, what kinds of products and tools it likes and dislikes. I will learn whether it can stand up to heat and, if so, how much. I'll master how often it likes to be washed and how frequently it needs to be detangled. I will educate myself more about ingredients so I don't waste my time repeatedly buying stuff that doesn't agree with my hair. I will learn everything there is to know about it. And take notes so I don't forget. I will work with my hair on its own terms. Once I've learned my hair, there's no excuse for fighting with it; by forcing products, routines or techniques onto it that don't suit. I will remember that working with my hair on its own terms is the way to keep it intact. And if it stays intact, it will thrive.  I will protect my hair.
When I'm sleeping, I will let my hair get some peace, too, by laying it on a satin pillowcase or wrapping it gently in a satin scarf. I will not subject it to scratchy woollen, cotton or other short yarn fabrics. All my hats will be lined with satin, or I will gird my hair in the same before putting on the headgear in question. Before I swim, or subject my hair to chemical treatments, I will pretreat it with coconut or olive oil. I'll do the same if I wash my hair on a daily basis. And always, always before heat, I will shield my strands with a heat protectant. I will be patient with my hair. If my hairstyle is taking a little longer than I expected, I will be grateful for having a full, lengthy head of hair that requests a little bit more investment for a lot higher returns. I will always detangle my hair slowly and gently in small sections, from the ends up. If I happen upon a knot, I will not drag the comb through and hope for the best. Instead, I will take the time to untangle the knot with my fingers and, if push comes to shove, clip the knot to save the rest of my hair. I will take the time to enjoy and unravel the beauty of my hair. I will experiment with products and methods and routines until I find a few that fit. I will take advantage of those products, methods and styles that allow me to infuse my hair with the most flexibility and versatility, so that I can behold its beauty from every angle and in every permutation. I will do my hair proud! I will not abandon my hair to its fate, nor allow it to look like that is what I have done. Not only is my hair is a beacon to others who share my textured tresses, its intrinsic value and uniqueness merits me walking with my head held high.
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