-Typically hair grows at a rate of 1/4-1/2 inches a month, so no matter what the labels say, there really is no “magic potion” that will make it grow any quicker.
-Heat can change your curl pattern… so stick to lower heat settings or no heat at all.
-Just because some products (like Miss Jessie’s, Kinky-Curly, Carol’s Daughter, etc.) work for other people, that doesn’t mean that they will work for you, find out what your hair likes, and be consistent.
-Shampoos aren’t the only way to get your hair clean, often conditioners will do the trick just fine. Shampoos are designed to strip your hair of build up, and often in the process, moisture is lost. For most, maintaining moisture is key for retaining length and the overall health of your hair. So limit your use of actual shampoo to only when truly necessary, for example after the use of gels, or products that are sitting on your hair. If you must shampoo, try to use a shampoo that is sulfate free (Kinky-Curly Come Clean, DevaCurl No-Poo Cleanser, Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, Aubrey Organics, Carol’s Daughter, Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile, Giovanni, J/A/S/O/N, Jessicurl Cleansers, Hair Rules, and Trader Joes).
-Conditioner is your friend!!! Use lots of conditioner when detangling your hair. Also be sure to purchase a good wide tooth comb or a something like a Denman brush. Also, to make sure that you don’t snatch yourself bald, detangle from the ends of your hair up to your roots.
-Terry cloth towels lead to frizz, invest in a microfiber towel (I found one at the Dollar Tree), if not use a t-shirt and try the plopping method to dry up the drippies.
-When trying to define your curls, I have found that whenever I’m using a product with Aloe Vera (Fantasia IC gel, KCCC, EcoStyler), for the best results, its important to apply to super wet hair, and to make sure to distribute the product evenly, and to limit the crunch, try to find a leave-in conditioner that plays nice with the gel.
-Shrinkage is going to happen, it is what it is….sometimes you can limit the amount of shrinkage that you have by stretching your hair, either by using heat or by banding.
Finally, in whatever state your hair is in, love it and love yourself!!
Wow…..if i had these tips the first time i did the bc and went natural i probably would have kept it natural….usefult tips and will use them
Thanks for all the wonderful tips!
Great reflections.
I love them all. I apply just about all of them to my life right now. :0)
Love the last one!
www.KinkyCurlyCoilyMe.com
Very useful information for a new natural like myself 🙂
I couldn't agree with you more! definitely going to tweet this. I think a really good point you mentioned is applying curl defining products to DRIPPING WET HAIR. a lot of people find that these products don't define their curls but dripping wet hair is key.
But yes, you've definitely highlighted some major points that I think every natural should know.
aJ
This is an excellent list of tips. Good Job! I've been natural my whole life, but only recently learned these things in the last year through blogs like this and many other natural sites. I have a few things I would add:
1. Never purchase another bottle of grease again and if you do decide to use grease, never apply it to your scalp. The mineral oil and petroleum will block out moisture, and in my case worsen scalp issues.
2. Do an apple cider vinegar rise once every other week or so and always be sure to dilute it heavily with water. You only need a small amount.
3. Apply a light oil to your scalp to keep dryness away. Fill a small spray bottle with jojoba or coconut oil and spritz your scalp every few days. Be sure to massage the oil into your scalp. This is specially helpful in the winter.
4. Butters and oils are not moisturizers. They only seal in the moisture. Always have water and some kind of leave-in-conditioner underneath.
5. Know the difference between a moisturizing product and a styling product. If there is a product that can do both, great, but usually a product designed to be left in the hair is one or the other. Always have some sort of leave in under a styling product.
6. Seal your ends with butters and/or oils every day. It is the only way to gain length. The ends are the oldest part of the hair and if they split, you must cut it.
7. Protective styling is your friend, especially in the winter. Once again protect your ends by tucking them away in your protective style to gain length.
Nice tips.