With the number of different types and uses of journals floating around the internet, you may not have heard about hair journals before starting a journey toward healthy and beautiful hair. Before beginning a hair journal of your own, it is a good idea to understand the benefits of keeping such a record, what sections to include in your journal, and what information to record.
What Are the Benefits
The first thing you should know about keeping a hair journal is why starting one benefits you. Some general benefits of keeping a record of your hair journey include tracking the changes your hair goes through as you transition to natural hair, longer styles, and healthier shine. It can be challenging to see the progress these changes add up to and whether there is a pattern to them just by observing your hair daily and trying to remember what it was like. When you keep a journal, on the other hand, you can include photos of your hair before any changes and milestone photos to see the changes and stay optimistic about the journey.
Another huge benefit to keeping a hair journal is to record what you did and did not like. For instance, if you add a new clarifying shampoo into your rotation, it can be a big help to write down the name of the product, when you started using it, and the effects you noticed. Then, as you rotate through products and try other new ones, you can look back at the journal to compare them and choose the best one for your hair. Hair journals will also help you see how long each product, tool or piece of equipment lasts to find the best deal for your budget and hair goals.
What To Include
While you can choose from various styles of journals, including some vital statistics and information from the beginning of your transition is essential. This information includes your general starting stats, such as the current state of your hair, your mindset around hair care, and your goals. This is why many people choose to use a bullet journal format, even in a printable or digital form. This format allows you to section off parts of the book for beginning stats, goals and daily routines or weekly logs.
You should also include what products, tools, and equipment you use on your hair and your typical hair care routine, and add a picture if you can. Pictures of new or different hairstyles are beneficial because you can better describe to your stylist which one was your favorite or reflect on your problems with a particular style before changing back to it.
How To Use It
To get the most benefit from your hair journal, it is crucial to update it regularly with pictures, product and tools lists, and even updated goals. Ideally, you would use your hair journal to record basic information and hair care routine once a week or when you change your routine. These entries are helpful when looking back to determine what changes you made resulted in the effects you are currently seeing. For instance, if your hair is not as hydrated as last month, you can look back at your weekly entries to see which change led to that effect. In general, you should record what you did, what you learned, and what you plan to do next to reflect on the journey when refining your goals.
Starting a journey towards healthier and more natural hair is daunting, but keeping a journal for the process can help keep you motivated and on the right track. By recording your current hair care routine and any changes you have made, you can reflect on which ones were beneficial and which were not so you can continue to improve the health of your hair. You can even take pictures each month to help visualize how your hair has been enhanced through your hard work.