College Hair Days with Natural Hair and Hair Extensions

Starting college or moving into campus housing is an exciting chapter of life. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and learn how to live and coexist with people you’ve never met before. However, this also means stepping out of the comfort of doing your hair at home and being mindful of shared spaces and others’ schedules.

While this may not seem like a big deal to some, I quickly realized the importance of establishing a routine for taking care of my hair. Thankfully, human hair extensions can be a lifesaver in such situations. If you’re unsure how to manage your hair at school, here are some helpful tips to make things easier.

Tips for Managing Your Hair Around Roommates

One of my biggest worries when starting college was figuring out how to manage my hair with roommates around.

At home, I was used to the privacy and comfort of my own room, where I never had to think about anyone watching or being mindful of my surroundings. But living on campus changed everything.

Sharing a space means learning to be considerate of others while maintaining your own hair care routine. To help navigate this, here are some practical tips for managing your hair when you have roommates.

Tip 1: Be Confident

Confidence is key, and in my opinion, this is the most important step. Many Black women, myself included, often feel nervous about doing their hair in front of strangers, especially in shared spaces like a dorm room.

The truth is, the only way to overcome this fear is to stop worrying about what others might think or say. Embrace your hair care routine as a part of who you are and do it unapologetically.

I struggled with this during my first year of college. At first, I would hesitate or overthink how my roommates might perceive me when I took the time to style or maintain my hair. But over time, I realized that their opinions didn’t matter as much as my comfort and confidence in being myself. Now, I don’t even think twice about what they might say or think I just do it.

Tip 2: Plan Around Your Roommates’ Schedules

If you’re still not entirely comfortable doing your hair around others, a great solution is to figure out when your roommates are likely to be out. This gives you the space and freedom to focus on your hair without feeling self-conscious.

For example, pay attention to your roommates’ class schedules or other routines, like when they head to the gym or library. Scheduling your hair care sessions during these times can help you avoid distractions or interruptions. It’s a practical way to give yourself some alone time to focus on your routine and get everything done at your own pace.

By combining confidence with thoughtful planning, you can make managing your hair in shared spaces much easier.

Tip 3: Always Clean Up After Yourself

Hair care can be messy, and it’s easy for stray hair or product residue to end up in shared spaces. While it’s perfectly normal, it’s also important to ensure you clean up after yourself.

Take a moment to sweep or wipe down the area where you worked on your hair, whether it’s the bathroom, your desk, or any other shared space. Keeping the space tidy not only shows respect for your roommates but also helps maintain a positive living environment. A quick cleanup can go a long way in preventing any unnecessary tension or complaints.

Additionally, store your hair products and tools neatly after you’re done. Having an organized setup not only makes it easier for you the next time but also keeps the room looking clean and shared spaces uncluttered.

Tip 4: Communicate with Your Roommates

If you know your hair routine is going to take some time or require more space, it’s a good idea to give your roommates a heads-up. Letting them know in advance that you’re about to start a lengthy hair care process can help them understand your needs and give you the space and time you require.

For example, you could say something like, “Hey, I’ll be doing my hair for the next hour or so. Just wanted to let you know in case you need the space for anything.” This simple gesture fosters open communication and shows that you’re considerate of their time and needs as well.

Most roommates will appreciate the notice and will likely respect your routine. Open communication can also encourage them to feel comfortable sharing their own needs, creating a more harmonious living arrangement.

By being mindful of cleanliness and communicating openly, you can manage your hair care routine effectively without causing any disruptions in a shared space.

Tip 5: Respect Your Roommate’s Space

If you’re like me, you might prefer to do your hair at night, right before going to bed. However, in a shared living space, your routine might conflict with your roommate’s sleep schedule or personal time.

To avoid any issues, it’s important to be mindful of their needs. You may need to adjust your routine slightly or find a way to work it into your evening without disturbing them. For example, use quieter tools, dim lighting, or set up a dedicated area away from their sleeping space if possible.

Communication is crucial in these situations. Let your roommate know your routine and find a compromise that works for both of you. Respecting their space and time fosters a considerate and understanding relationship.

Tip 6: Educate Your Roommates About Hair Extensions

When working on your hair, you might notice your roommates giving you curious looks or asking unusual questions about what you’re doing. Instead of feeling uncomfortable, use this as an opportunity to educate them about your hair care process and hair extensions.

Think of it as a mini “hair college.” Take a moment to explain what hair extensions are, why they’re important to you, and how you care for them. Sharing this knowledge not only clears up any confusion but also helps them appreciate the time and effort you put into your hair.

Once they understand the process, it’s less likely to seem unusual or unfamiliar to them. They’ll become more comfortable with it, and over time, it will simply feel like a normal part of your routine.

Plus, educating them gives you a chance to share a bit of your culture or personal care practices. It’s a great way to build understanding and possibly even spark their interest in learning more about hair care!

Navigating Wash Day

Wash day can be a long and exhausting process, and adjusting to life on campus adds its own set of challenges. Communal bathrooms, in particular, require a lot of flexibility since there’s a constant flow of people coming and going.

Even if you have the luxury of a private bathroom in your dorm room, the time-consuming nature of wash day can still cause issues, especially if your roommates need to use the bathroom during your routine.

To make the process smoother, I’ve discovered a few helpful adaptations that can make wash day less stressful and more efficient. Here are my tips for managing wash day in a shared living environment.

Prep Your Hair

Before diving into the wash day process, it’s essential to prep your hair properly. Everyone has their own routine, but my go-to method starts with detangling and parting my hair into sections. This step makes the entire process more manageable and less stressful.

If you’re using a communal bathroom, be mindful of the shared space. While detangling, you’ll likely need a mirror, so try to stick to one side to leave room for others who may need it. It’s all about being considerate of the flow of people coming in and out.

Hair shedding is inevitable during detangling, so always clean up after yourself. Make sure you remove any stray hairs from the sink or surrounding areas before leaving the bathroom. This small act of courtesy goes a long way in maintaining a positive relationship with others sharing the space.

If you’re not comfortable using the communal bathroom for this part of your routine, check for a mirror in your dorm room. Most rooms have one, and it can serve as a private alternative. Just remember, wherever you prep your hair, cleaning up is key.

Time Management

After sectioning my hair, I apply a deep conditioner and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it out. Washing my hair, however, can be quite time-consuming, and while my wash day routine might seem simple, it always takes longer than expected.

If you’re like me and need extra time for your hair care, good time management is essential. I recommend choosing a time that works best for both you and the people sharing the bathroom.

For communal bathrooms, I’ve learned to identify the quieter times when fewer people are using the facilities. Early mornings, late evenings, or mid-day breaks often work well. Washing your hair during off-peak hours helps avoid clashing with others who need to shower.

If you share a private bathroom with a roommate, communication is key. Let your roommate know in advance that you’ll need extra time in the bathroom to wash your hair. Most people will understand as long as you’re considerate and give them a heads-up.

Handling Communal Bathrooms

If you’re using a communal bathroom for your wash day, one crucial thing to remember is to clean up after yourself. Hair tends to stick to shower walls, curtains, or drains, so take a moment to remove any stray strands. Even if you can’t catch every single hair, your efforts to keep the space tidy will be appreciated by everyone.

The most important advice? Don’t feel embarrassed about doing your hair in a shared space. It’s normal to feel a bit self-conscious at first, but understand that taking care of your hair is just part of your routine. In a communal bathroom, it’s almost guaranteed that someone will walk in while you’re in the middle of your process, and that’s perfectly fine.

Your hair is nothing to be ashamed of. If others don’t understand the process, that’s okay too. What matters most is completing your routine and taking care of yourself, even if it means brushing off a few curious looks. After all, washing and caring for your hair is far more important than worrying about what others might think.

Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions

Managing natural human hair bundles is one thing, but dealing with wigs, weaves, or extensions in a dorm room can be a bit more challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you care for and maintain your extensions while living in a shared space.

Wigs

One of the biggest challenges of being a new wig wearer in college is figuring out how to store and maintain your wigs, ensuring they stay in great condition. Here are some tips to help you store your human hair wigs and care for them properly in a dorm room.

When it comes to wig storage, the key is working with the space available in your dorm room. If you have a lot of closet space, the best option is to store your wigs there. You can use a wig stand or a mannequin head, securing your wigs with a wig belt to keep them in place.

For those with limited closet space, a more affordable and convenient option is to hang your wigs on hangers. Simply drape your wig over the hanger and hang it like regular clothing. Just make sure to space the wigs out from other items to avoid tangling.

If your room doesn’t have closet space, you can get creative and use the wall for storage. By using push pins or command strips, you can hang your wigs far enough apart to prevent them from tangling with each other. This simple method works well and saves space.

Remember, spacing out your wigs is crucial to keep them from getting tangled. Whether you’re using closet space, hangers, or wall storage, these methods will help keep your wigs in great shape and ready to wear whenever you need them.

Storing Wigs Properly

When you’re traveling during semester breaks, it’s important to store your wigs properly, especially if you don’t rely on a single glueless wig. If you only have one wig, you can easily store it in a box or a container. However, if you have several wigs, keeping them safe during travel can become a bit more challenging.

One tip I learned from a friend is to place each wig in a hair net and then put them in separate ziplock bags or plastic bags before packing them into your luggage. While this method may not completely prevent them from getting a little messy, it certainly helps reduce tangling and damage.

Maintaining the neatness of your wig is essential to avoid frequent washes. The dorm lifestyle can make washing wigs a bit more complicated, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. If you’re using a communal bathroom, washing your wig with the showerhead is possible, but be mindful of others who may need to use the bathroom as well. It can be tricky, but with a little consideration, it’s doable.

If you have a private bathroom, it’s easier to take your time and go through the washing process without interruption. However, as I’ve mentioned before, communication with your roommate is key if you think there might be any conflicts regarding bathroom time. This way, you can ensure that both your wig care and your roommate’s needs are respected.

Weaves and Other Extensions

When it comes to managing weaves, clip-ins, braiding bulk hair, crochet hair, and other extensions, the process of installing and storing them is fairly similar across the board. Below are some essential tips to help you install and maintain any type of extension while living in college, along with an easy and effective way to store them.

For me, I often buy braiding hair or crochet hair in bulk and need a reliable way to store it. As we all know, braiding hair is versatile and can be used for much more than just braids or twists, making it an essential part of my hair care routine. However, one of the challenges I faced in college was figuring out how to store all this hair without it taking up too much space or getting in the way of everything else.

The solution I found that works best for me is using a simple container with a lid to store the hair. It’s a compact and effective way to keep everything organized. All of my hair fits neatly into the container, which I then place in my closet, keeping it out of the way and easily accessible whenever I need it. This method is simple, space-efficient, and perfect for college living.

Make Time!

Finding time to do your hair in college can be tricky, especially when you’re deep into the semester and juggling a heavy workload. Between assignments, exams, and social activities, it can feel like there’s no time left for personal care. You might even feel too tired or overwhelmed to give your hair the attention it deserves.

For me, the best time to do my hair was always during the weekends. With no classes to attend and a whole day to myself, it gave me the perfect opportunity to take my time and focus on my hair without feeling rushed.

If weekends aren’t ideal for you, or if you just need something more convenient, you could consider options like human hair tape-in extensions, which are quicker and easier to manage. Alternatively, you can break up your hair routine into smaller steps and work on it a little bit each day. This way, even if you don’t have hours at a time, you can still gradually complete your hair and take care of your other responsibilities.

You’ll probably find yourself spending a lot of time in front of the mirror, so it’s important to stay organized. Keep your hair tools and materials neat and out of the way of your roommate’s belongings, so you don’t clutter up shared spaces. Also, remember to clean up as you go to avoid leaving a mess behind.

If you feel like doing your hair might interfere with your roommate’s space or schedule, have an open conversation with them. Communication is key! Let them know when you plan to use the mirror or bathroom, and ask for their understanding and cooperation. While it may not be essential, taking the time to talk it through will help avoid any potential conflicts and keep things running smoothly in your shared living space.

Accept the Challenge!

Being a naturalista in college comes with its own set of challenges, and creating an effective hair routine is one of them! Whether you’re managing your natural hair, facing wash day, figuring out where to store your wigs, or finding time to do your braids, you’ll need to get creative and find solutions for each obstacle.

Look for hairstyle inspiration to keep things fresh and exciting! It’s normal to feel self-conscious at first, but trust me, after the first time, you’ll feel more comfortable, and others won’t even bat an eye.

Don’t hesitate to ask others how they handle their hair in college and pick up some great hacks for extensions or natural hair care. College is all about learning new tricks and techniques, so be open to experimenting and adapting.

Remember, communication is key with your roommates. Make sure to discuss your needs, as the space is as much yours as it is theirs. Clear communication can help avoid any conflicts and make shared spaces work for everyone.

Do you have any other tips for surviving your first few years of hair care in a public setting? How have you navigated doing your hair while living with roommates? I’d love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below!

and…

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