The natural hair journey can sometimes seem like a slow and tedious process. Whether you are growing your hair out from the big chop or transitioning, it’s natural to feel occasionally discouraged and lose focus. Below are five tips to help you stay motivated during your natural hair journey.

1. Remember why you went natural

Your health is the most important thing. Most naturals have had issues with length retention, alopecia, nightmare hair appointments, or heat damage – just to name a few. Remember why you gave up the “creamy crack” and started focusing on your healthy hair and scalp.

2. Create a vision board and find your #hairspiration

Whether you follow your favorite hair icon(s) on Instagram or create a vision board on Pinterest, find your natural hairstyle inspiration and get creative ideas from them. Natural hair gurus have a large social media following and stay up-to-date with the current hair trends. Participate in online forums and vent about your natural hair struggles or frustration – there are a lot of other people in the same situation as you who can provide great advice and motivation.

3. Set short-term, realistic goals

Just because your natural hair icon may have long, thick hair, don’t get discouraged and think that you cannot reach that same length. They started out just like you and went through the same emotional roller coaster you’re currently riding to reach their end goal. Start off with realistic goals. If you have shoulder length hair, set your goal to grow armpit length hair; don’t strive for tailbone length hair immediately. Set other obtainable goals such as committing yourself to a weekly deep condition, trimming your ends every three months or learning more protective styles. Document your progress on a hair journal app and get inspiration from others.

4. Join a hair challenge

Hair challenges are a fun, new way to maintain the health of your hair as well as, exchange ideas; give and receive feedback; and vent to other participants who may be experiencing similar challenges as you. Join a hair challenge that encourages no heat, the use of castor oil, or to grow an inch of hair a month. Cash in on company-hosted challenges that send free products or vitamins to their participants to test and review while tracking their progress. Most importantly, remember not to compare your hair growth to other participants!

5. Add accessories and learn new hair styles

Your weekly hair wash routine – wash, twist, repeat – can get pretty boring quickly. Mix and match bold colored turbans, chic hats, flirty flower crowns, or printed bows to your wardrobe. Or color your hair a fun, new hue! Try out new hair style from your hairspirations on Pinterest, Instagram and Youtube.

How do you stay motivated on your natural hair journey? Share your tips and suggestions.