Want to go natural but are not sure where to start or what to do? I have a few tips that should help!
Start Transitioning: Get Rid of That Relaxed Hair!
First, you must understand that the transition period is a lengthy process and will take much patience. You can’t expect anything to happen overnight, so the first step is to commit to your decision. To jumpstart the transitioning period, you can purchase Carol’s Daughter’s Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit ($40).
There are different ways to transition. Everyone doesn’t have to do a “big chop;” you can also do protective styling or the long grow-out (curly or straight).
Protective Styling: Wear protective styles that will protect your hair’s natural texture, such as weaves, braids or twist outs.
Long Grow-Out (Curly): Embracing curls by letting your hair grow out with wash ‘n’ gos.
Long Grow-Out (Straight): Growing your relaxer out and continuing to straighten your natural hair out.
Big Chop: Cutting off all of your relaxed hair.
For more tips on how to transition, visit http://www.transitioningmovement.com/how-to-transition
Know What Type of Texture You Have
It’s important to understand what type of curls you have to decide which products and methods you should use. Know the difference between waves, curls and coils.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
2A- Wavy Swavy
2B- Wavy Curly
2C- Wavy Whirly
Type 3: Curly Hair
3A- Curly Twirly
3B- Curly Spirally
3C- Curly Coily
Type 4: Coily Hair
4A- Coily Springy
4B- Coily Crimpy
4C- Coily Ziggly
Helpful links:
http://www.naturallycurly.com/hair-types
http://kinkycurlycoilyme.com/how-to-determine-hair-type-on-natural-hair/
Get Familiar With the Lingo
There are some terms and abbreviations that every natural girl should know to help her understand her hair and how to style it. Here are some common ones:
AVC– Apple cider vinegar
BC– Big chop
Banding– A styling technique to inhibit hair shrinkage
CG– Curly girl
Clarifying– The process of cleansing and removing product build-up
Co-wash– Cleansing hair using an appropriate conditioner instead of a shampoo
Creamy crack– Chemical relaxers
Finger coiling– Rotating small sections of wet hair around your finger to create coils
Heat damage– Damage done to your hair from heat appliances, such as flat irons and curling irons
No-poo– A non-foaming, non-detergent cleanser
Pineappleing– Pulling hair into one or more ponytails at the top of your head
Pre-poo– Oils, conditioners, and other substances applied to hair before shampooing
Protective styling– Hairstyles that protect the ends of your hair from dehydration and damage
Sealing– Applying a natural oil to help lock in moisture
Second day hair– The state of your hair the day after a wash ‘n’ go
Shrinkage– The reduction of the visual length of your hair
Wash ‘n’ Go– Styling by applying product to wet hair and allowing it to air-dry or diffuse
For more abbreviations and terms, visit http://longing4length.com/hair-terms-abbreviations
Keep your Hair Healthy and Hydrated
It is very important to keep your hair hydrated and do a deep conditioning every week. Different products work differently for different hair types, so the best way to find your perfect match is to experiment with different ones.
I have hair type 3B, and I use Shea Moisture Curl Smoothie and Hair Milk, but like I said, everyone’s hair is different.
However, no matter what hair type you have, all natural girls should deep condition. Being college students, money can get pretty tight, so here are some DIY deep conditioners you can try with some ingredients you may already have at home:
Honey Conditioner
For Moisture and Shine
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg yolk
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Massage on hair in small sections. Wrap head with shower cap for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo.
Hot Oil Treatment
Provides Moisture and Gives Luster to Dull Hair
Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup coconut oil
Directions:
Combine ingredients; then warm on low heat. Massage mixture into the scalp and hair. Put hair in a shower cap, and wrap head in a hot towel for 15 minutes. Rinse.
Apple Cider Build-up Rinse
Eliminates Mild Dandruff
Ingredients:
1 ounce apple cider vinegar
1 quart of distilled water
Directions:
Combine the apple cider with the water and stir. Pour through hair to get rid of build-up and soften hair at the same time. Rinse.
Coconut Honey Deep Conditioner
For Moisture and Strength
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
Place coconut oil and honey in a small plastic bag, and place the bag in a hot cup of water 1 minute to warm. Apply to hair, put hair in shower cap, and wrap head in a hot towel for 20 minutes. Rinse.
Helpful links:
http://longing4length.com/category/notes-4-naturals
Good luck with starting your natural hair journey!