Porchia writes:
I have been asked questions about natural hair by new naturals, transitioners, and people considering going natural. I want to tell them everything I know, but our time together is usually limited. What information is most vital to give to the aforementioned people without overwhelming them? If they are receptive but think that their hair types are different from the person giving advice, what general (not specific to hair type) advice can be helpful?
I think African Export (Youtube) said it best. Clean, Condition and Moisturize.
Make sure and do your research. As some on that went natural recently, it took me a long time to learn how to take care of my natural hair, but there are so many resources. Here's a couple of places where I started:
http://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube
http://www.youtube.com/user/Nikkimae2003
http://www.youtube.com/user/curlychronicles
http://www.kisforkinky.com/
And (of course) Curly Nicki
The best thing you can do for yourself is learn about your body. Also, the hardest thing about going Natural- that I think people forget to talk about sometimes- is feeling like you're going against some cultural norm that's a bit taboo. Especially if you live in a place where you're not surrounded by people that appreciate diversity or if you have no options of diversity, it can get pretty lonely out there. So remember you have a community that has your back. The Natural Hair community is strong, so keep your head up 😛
d-_-b
I would also add to get a professional trim (with someone who is trained and has extensive experience in using the Devachan technique) once or twice a year.
Although all the above is good advice, it can be a bit much for someone thinking of going natural. Great advice but still can be simplified. I'd be daunted by some of the above. Just saying
water and wide-toothed combs are your friends 🙂
detangle hair with conditioner
I would say:
*Develop a routine that suits you and stick to it
*Not to jumping on all bandwasgons but ti do your research first
*Identify a moisture/protein balance your hair likes
*Moisturizing as your hair needs it
*Be versatile and if you use heat use a good heat protectant and good tools
*love your hair and don't expect it to look like anyelses
*Work in sections and be gentle
@ Annie L. Loving # 7 on your list! lol so True!!!
By FacingMyFears
Good advice everyone.
1) Before buying ANY product, identify what you want it to do, i.e.: moisturizer, humectant, conditioner, sealant, clarifier, definition etc.
2) Try tossing sulfates, petroleum, go easy w/oils.
3) Invest in proper tools, i.e. spritz bottles, seamless combs, Widu all-wood bristle brushes, foam pump dispensers.
4) Try pre-cleanse oiling and moisturizing hair before styling and detangling
5) Experiment! Do not take ANYTHING as gospel, no long-term scientific data or naturalista consortium has hard facts, just hypotheses.
6) Heat can permanently kill curls, be warned.
7) Accept that you will always be somewhat of a scrub to your hair as it will teach you something new everyday.
I'd like to add:
*Drink lots of water
*Don't be afraid of protective styles
*Love your hair and don't compare it to anyone else's
I would tell them the following:
1. Make sure your going Natural for the Right reasons! Not because you think its a Fad or anything like that.
2. Do your Research if you decide to take the Plung!
3. As many have already stated, Moisturing your Tresses is Key!!! Can't STRESS this enough!
4. Deep Conditon Weekly or bi-weekly, sometimes I'm Lazy! lol
5. Don't be afraid to TRIM those Ends! Your hair will grow back and Look Better too!
6. Be CONFIDENT, and exude it…people can tell when your not! 😉
7. Lastly, Enjoy "YOUR PERSONAL JOURNEY"! Please "Don't Compare" yourself to other naturals because no two heads of hair are alike.
Except what ever Curl Patttern that God has given you and EMBRACE it!!!! Love who you are!
I had this happen just the other day to me I literally had just 2 minutes to give an inquiring mind answers in regards to natural hair.
1st thing i said to her that every natural head is different and therefore product choices & recommendations will vary from natural to natural. Next i told her that there really are no rules when it comes to product choices & that she should make the choices based on her own hair, her lifestyle and her own reasearch. I said to her that the key was to keep the hair clean, well conditioned & Moisturized.
Lastly, I directed her to CurlyNikki site and let her know about the forum as well. I gave her just 2 of the many Youtube channels i personally enjoy and that i feel give accurate information as well as cute styling options.
I let her that this was just to get her started once she visited the 3 places (curlynikki and the 2 YTchannels) the floodgates of knowledge would continue to open! She was very excited and I feel like i gave her good vital info in the very brief time we had and it was enough to get her started.
The only thing I can think of that is universally general of all curl types, is that your hair is unique. What works for your sister, your mother, your father may not work for you.
Experimentation is the only way to be sure is some thing is for you (but it's not an excuse for product junkie-ism!)
I would tell them to "DO IT!". You won't know what kind of hair comes out of your hair until you try it. Give yourself time….Be patient. It takes months even close to a year before you can really see how healthy and beautiful your own hair can be. Don't compare!!!!
1. Moisturize then seal (with water than a vegetable/carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil)
2. Use gentle detergents rather than sulfates and always do a pre-poo treatment.
3. Deep treat your hair regularly.
4. Find out what works for your hair, which can only come through trial and error.
5. Take advantage of online resources for more help with natural hair, including YouTube channels, NaturallyCurly.com, and Curly Nikki, of course.
Research Research Research!
Be gentle with your locks!
Moisture is key!
HAIR PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!
1) Moisture, moisture, moisture (not grease or gel). In other words, Deep Treatments at least weekly.
2) Don't be afraid to trim the ends. Always seal the ends.
3) Henna or cassia once a month.
These three processes have completely changed my head of hair.
Everybody's hair is different. If you're VERY short on time just tell them to visit hair sites and blogs etc. A lot of people have no clue about the wealth of natural hair info available online. I wasn't aware until about a year and a half ago. Stumbled upon all the natural hair blogs by accident, which lead to youtube videos and fotkis. You could tell them about www.curlynikki.com, www.naturallycurly.com or fill in the blank with your favorite website or blog. Then add an encouraging comment about their interest in taking the plunge and a smile. That takes about a minute or two.
properly moisturize! i wish that i had known all of my life how to properly moisturize, would have saved myself lots of heartache, lol.
Vonnie
http://www.socialitedreams.com/
1. Balance protein and moisture through alternating deep conditioning sessions. Choose a time that works for you and your hair (weekly, monthly, etc).
2. Put moisture in your hair with WATER.
3. Help hold moisture using a moisturizer (hair lotion, water-based creamy products).
4. Seal in the moisture with hair oil or butter.
5. Protect your ends if you want length retention.
🙂
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