source: Le coil1. Joining Bandwagons– What’s a bandwagon? It’s going out and trying techniques and new hair tools just because others are doing it. Every month there is a new bandwagon; co-washing, no-poo, baggying, Tangle Teezer, and others are all bandwagons. While these techniques can be beneficial; if what you’re doing isn’t broken don’t try to fix it. Try only following techniques that solve a problem you currently have with your hair.
2.Hair Typing– Yes, it’s nice to feel like you’re a part of a group but honestly, hair typing is purely aesthetic. Yes your curls can look like someone elses but, it takes more than knowing your hair type to really figure out what your hair likes and doesn’t like. You can learn a lot from people who don’t have the same hair type as you do.
3. Throwing Away Products That Work– Don’t go and throwaway that “tried and true” leave-in just because, you’ve now learned about mineral oil. Trust me, when you’re having a bad hair day, you’re going to be looking for that tried and true product. Again, if it isn’t broken don’t fix it.
4. Black People, Black Hair, Black Products– Please, kick this notion to the curb. You may have more in common hairwise with someone who is not the same color as you and actually learn some great tips from other curlies. Lots of natural hair ladies use Dove, Suave, Loreal, Aussie Moist, Garnier Fructis, with much success and these aren’t marketed for “black hair”. Just find products that solve the problems you’re facing with your hair.
5. Natural Is Easy As 1-2-3– No, natural hair doesn’t have to be difficult but, we all have our days. Don’t go natural thinking that you won’t have any bad hair days or even months! Natural hair has it’s learning curves.
By keeping the 5 tips above in mind while on your journey it will save you a lot of frustration, there’s is nothing like experiencing excessive breakage or slit ends and having no idea where they came from and how to stop them. If you keep your regimen consistent, you will get consistent results.
For Your Body & Hair Butters Visit: DIY Hair Care Products
Are you guilty of any of the above?
Based on the lack of business owned and operated by African American—-I personally feel it's very important not to discount those business. Also, other ethnic groups control the hair industry and will not employ or sell to african americans.
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Quite an interesting article. I am guilty of 1 and 3. This is my third time going natural. The other 2 times before I didn't know anything about products specific for natural hair. I didn't know about mineral oil, silicones and all those other things that is said to be bad for natural hair. I simply used all the products I would normally used for my relaxed hair. I didn't have a problem then, my hair grew like wild fire. Now on this journey I jump on the bandwagon, threw out all my "tried and true" products and using all these new stuff I learn about for natural curlys and interestingly my hair is growing at a much slower rate than it did before. I probably will be going back to by "B&B oil moisturizer with castor oil". It is very cheap and did wonders to my hair for years. The mineral oil in it certainly did not hurt me.
Every single one…guilty. Thank you for being so real about this, definitely needed this!
I totally agree with 1, 2, 3 & 5. # 4 not so much because… I believe in supporting those who were, & are still there for me (so long as they work well for me & have my best interests in mind), also b/c I don't like to refer to my hair as a "problem" that needs to be solved…but a creative palate that I can work with & enhance (yes even naturally).
i think im a bandwagon joiner *blushes* or am i …… i mean im new to this and i have tp tru new things to figure out my hair right ?
#1 and #2 all the way. Wasted some good money on ish people said was a miracle worker for type 4 hair…my hair rejected it like…I don't even know, but was not for me!
After being natural for over 20 years I'm sure I've been guilty of #4 & #5. But nowadays I am into learning what it means to be in my forties and my ever changing hair texture. Being in my 20s natural hair was super easy. But as I get older, dryness and such are becoming a real challenge.
I was born with natural curly hair,my thing is when I go long now that I'm 65 it makes me look older,and my other half likes it long. The thing is it never grow out down it always grow like a bush and I hate that look. How can I get a style other that look?
I definitely needed to read this post! I wish I had read this back in April when I started wearing my hair natural.
*should have said any day, not everyday
#4 is dead on. I've been natural for 9 years now, and as a beauty-supply-aholic I have wasted a bunch of cash on bad product with good marketing. I do keep an arsenal of hair-care, but my main everyday conditioner is Aussie Moist & Aussie 3 minute miracle; it smells good, it's affordable, and it's lightweight and works well with other products. I love that stuff.
as much as i want to support products specifically aimed at black consumers, i end up going with what feels good. i've thrown out bags-full of stuff that just didn't work. but know what does work for me? Pantene! the "for women of color" line blew my mind the first time i tried it, and i ended up turning most of my friends on to it too. they also have a line for curly hair (i think it's called "curly to straight" or something along those lines) that leaves my hair feeling great. don't let the name fool you. it doesn't straighten your hair, just leaves it really soft and much easier to blow out (if that's your thing). i especially like to use that last one when i plan to do small 2-stranded twists. the twists end up very smooth and well defined, but still super soft and springy to the touch. a lot of the "black" products i've tried tend to have the same problem: they have an attractive list of ingredients that sound great to someone looking for the "natural" approach, but when it comes right down to it, they are not the best formulations on the hair. a lot of them feel really incredible when they go on, but leave my hair feeling even drier and more brittle later. and what is up with all the shampoos that result in sticky hair? there are some products black folks purchase religiously for reasons that make no sense. i have never had a positive experience with that Pink Oil stuff, but i see it in the bathroom of just about every black person i know. give that first Pantene line a try, and you will immediately toss our whatever shampoo you're using now. trust me.
Although number 4 maybe be true and a fantastic notion, I neglects the face that no one but black people is going to support those black owned and made hair care products until they get out into the national markets for all people but black people…we should support our entreupneurs who make great products before we go and buy from the people who are clearly already making money.
I would have to agreer with #4. I used to think all black products for your hair were the answer to taming my mane. I cut my hair in Sept 2010 and in between have been keeping it cut, but in Jan of 2011 I decided to let it grow. It is a process but my main thing was finding a shampoo that didn't leave my hair dry and itchy. At first I though it was dandriff, but then I thought maybe it's the shampoo. I finally settled on Motions Marula Natural Therapy products, and they work wonders for my hair. I also use hair mayonnaise for a treatment since I am trying to ween my hair from perms.
I transitioned for almost a year and it really disheartens me to hear women say they don't want to discuss hair type or what works for them. Why is it so hard to understand that new naturals need some type of guidance and it helps to hear what works for a specific hair type.
Yes there are different sub-types and different textures but at least it gives someone a foundation that will help.
As a relaxed person, I didn't stick to the normal black hair care products and did fine but that came with time and meeting different stylists who used different products. My best products for relaxed hair came from getting my hair done at chain salons who used mainly white products and I would still hear, "oh that's going to dry your hair out, it isn't made for black people," even though I had a healthy head of hair. I ended up educating stylist on products that could also be used for our hair.
That being said, as a natural now, I'm not sure if those same products will work but I am keeping them for later once I know exactly what I'm doing and what my hair needs.
Please consider that you are helping someone by revealing your hair type (why does it have to be a mystery?) and what can possibly work for the next person. I get so annoyed by people who act like they don't know their hair type or refuse to say. I understand that there are those who don't have a clue about hair typing or can't get a good feel for what their type is but if you know, please stop.
I bought Miss Jessie's curly pudding and while it made/makes my hair curl it also makes it hard/crunchy so I tend not to use it. I found a curly butter called Moisture Rich Hair Butter by shearadiance that can be used on wet OR dry hair. This works well for me on my dry hair. I can't keep damping my hair before I go out. I'll have the flu! I use the butter and use either the palm technique or the brush technique to achieve the look I want.
I'm glad I took the time to read this!I am just getting into the natural and like the curly look. I have had so many tips which led to so many products on my dresser! I'm learning what works finally and sticking to that!
lolll..Kayla @ 5:21, I truly feel you pain. I have the same confusions in my head…Maybe I would just decide to stop reading, since everytime I do there is always a contradiction.
I have been fully natural for 2 years now. This is my 2nd BC -a result of heat damage.
All i can really say is the best thing is trial and error. less is really more. My hair has flourished since ive kept my regimen simple, and two months after BC i am able to do two strand twists(that i can wear out in public).
I rotate conditioners (YTcarrots, Desert Essences Coconut conditoner, Tresemme Naturals, AOGPB, and I use KKNT as my leave in. Castor oil and water mix to moisturize and coconut oil is my staple.
Just find what works for you, not worrying about what the next person is using.Create a regimen and stick to it, changing when necessary. Your hair will thank you!!
🙂 Happy Growing!!!!
HairOlicious is the most amazing product I have ever used. Their on the web at HairOlicious.com
It's Not only an intensive hair conditioner is is also an amazing organic moisturizer for your face and hands.
I am trying to help my friend sell it but it is almost impossible to compete against the Mega-Corps of the Hair world
If you could review it I'm sure you will will agree it's amazing
HairOlicious is the most amazing product I have ever used. Their on the web at HairOlicious.com
It's Not only an intensive hair conditioner is is also an amazing organic moisturizer for your face and hands.
I am trying to help my friend sell it but it is almost impossible to compete against the Mega-Corps of the Hair world
If you could review it I'm sure you will will agree it's amazing
I'm not a bandwagon type of natural girl but I will experiment until I find something that works well for me. My hair changes with the weather and requires different products. I've never been one to buy a product based on color until I started my locs. I soon learned that diluting my fav product gave me the results I was looking for. Now that I no longer have locs it's back to trial and error. Thanks so much for the wealth of information you share with us.
Hello to all
Thank you CurlyNikki for this most thought-provoking article. I like that even though there a differences in opinions, everyone still respects the other. And what I get most out of reading all of this is…
1. We all have different types of hair, curls and all
2. We all want what best works for our hair, individually and collectively
As a newcomer to this natural journey, I first need to get to know my own hair. Then I need to find what works best for my hair under different circumstances. What works for me today may not work for me later as my hair changes and ages. But one thing for sure, I know that I have lots of fellow natural DIVAs who are going thru the same thing, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, Latina, European; young and old. I just request that we keep supporting one another on this journey called hair and every other phase in life. Please continue to provide informative briefs like this. God bless you all
everyone praises coconut oil for hair growth etc. but coconut oil does nothing for my hair , it actually dries it up , and makes my scalp itch, same thing with the jamaican black castor oil. i use oilive oil raw unrefined shea butter and organic castor oil, my hair loves it, . and no more dry scalp.
I have to say this is so true. I think I mentioned before that I am Puerto Rican and Italian and have hair that my own momma cut off because it was just too much to handle. But finally at always 29 years old…Lol, I am getting the hang of it and your blog has some Awesome tips that I am incorporating. I did use sooooo many different products before your site, but I am through with that. Thank You Nikki and Jarmelia!
I am so guilty of no 4, as a newbie joining the bandwagon has been both helpful and frustrating, I am beginning to understand and appreciate my hair and have come to realize that no 5 is a myth, natural hair, at least mine is not as easy as 1-2-3, still no looking back for me.
This is really good feedback. I told a lady who commented to me that she could "never go natural because of [her] 'bad' hair." I told her the All people have good hair in its natural state. Regarding products, Dove is one to grow on…good stuff for cleansing natural curls.
What I think is fantastic, that some of us now can pick up our shampoo along with everybody else in the supermarket instead of having to go to specialist shops and paying more money for the privilege. Hallelujah! And all of this would have never happened if we hadn't decided to go natural which I think is great.I use John Masters now, but I remember about 10 years ago, when I couldn't get my so called black shampoo and used Pantene instead and couldn't believe the results much to the horror of my black friends and I!Hair and what you do with it, is such a personal thing, is that I do worry when people talk about things being bad like flat ironing, or that you can't belong to this club because you use heat to dry your hair.I use neither but I don't believe either is bad. But If that's what makes it easier for you to deal with your hair, then I all for it.I think some people in their enthusiasm almost want to make a club with entry conditions, when in reality shouldn't we just be pleased that black woman historically, have in many cases, been made to feel bad about their hair. That their hair is a nuisance and a burden, meanwhile in many cultures around the world, hair is seen as part of your beauty. So to me in a way, there are no mistakes,we are all just on a learning curve both personally and as a community. Think about it, when I was growing up, we used mineral oil and big plaits and my hair was down my back. Later on,a huge industry in so called black hair products emerged. Now we can say, you can use any hair product,talk about progress! And in such a small amount of time. In the long term personally, I would love everybody born with black hair, to keep their natural hair, but to be able to achieve the most healthiest longest hair possible, using the most cheapest accessible products using least amount of time, isn't that what we all want in the end?
#4 is so true, we get so caught up on only buying products that have black people on them that we lose sight and money of what may really be good for our hair. All of these modern products are so darned expensive and they are all made from the same things.
I'm guilty of all of these except number 3. Much to my husband's dismay, I keep EVERYTHING – even stuff that didn't work and that I'll probably never use again. I don't think there's anything wrong with "bandwagoning." After years, sometime decades of relaxing our hair, many of us honestly don't know where to start in terms of taking care of our natural hair. If a product or technique seems to work for a lot of people, I'm open to trying it. When I transitioned, almost two years ago, I thought that natural hair would be easier to take care of. I'm finding that I spend more time messing with my hair now than I did when it was relaxed. Despite that fact, I still love my natural hair and I couldn't imagine going back to relaxers.
So TRUE! I just saw a YouTube review about a tangle teezer and was about to hop in the car and drive to salley's to get it. When I know my hair is so easy to detangle in the shower with my wide tooth comb or my fingers using aussie moist or hello hydrations!!!!
I'm guilty of number 4. I was doing just fine with aussie catch the wave mousse but I decided to try a different mousse from smooth n' shine a line that is marketed for black women (and a couple of dollars cheaper). I miss my aussie!!!! T^T This crap that I have dries my hair out and leaves my curls unreasonably crunchy. i'm going to finish this bottle (because I'm a broke college student and I can't afford to waste ANYTHING) and then I will never ever use it AGAIN! It's important that in our journey to find products that work for our natural hair that we keep an open mind and try products that aren't necessarily marketed for black women and especially black women with natural hair. I am a huge fan of Garnier Triple Nutrient shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo doesn't strip my hair of it's natural oils and I'm going to try Whenever by Kiss My Face because is smells A-MA-ZING! Like key lime pie with a hint of lavender. MMMMMM!!!!
To Anonymous, Aug 26 at 6:44 pm: I have used Black Earth hair care products by Taliah Waajid. I like her products but all of them did not "do for me"; if that makes sense. This is my 2nd natural hair journey. 1st time I used mainly ORS uplifting and creamy aloe shampoos and hair mayo. 2nd time started out w/ ORS, but silly store didn't keep products in stock, so I switched to some other product, I forget the name. Seriously regretting that switch! I was introduced to Taliah Waajid, but didn't like the way my hair felt after rinsing. Have since switched back to ORS but still use Taliah Waajid's medicated protective mist bodifier on braids/twists. Believe me, it works wonders on my dry scalp! Smells good too!
i agree totally with the article; i have had to learn about MY hair and learn what works and what doesn't. For example, a lot of people don't like mixed chicks leave in conditioner because of its ingredients, but it works perfectly in my hair. I just used Redken's smooth down butter treat, which should be too heavy for my hair ( i have extremely soft fine hair, don't know what type) and it worked perfectly. And, my hair HATES shea butter and olive oil(!!!!) You do have have to stay off of the bandwagons, and do what is best for you; and if it is mineral oil or grease – never worked for me though – so be it.
#1 – "the bandwagon" has been one of my biggest problems. i join these groups, see what other folks are trying and just have to get in on it. the problem for me is that i never get the desired results and more often than not end up with problems that i didn't even have before. i just keep reminding myself that there is no magic bullet, product, or process to get me where i want to be in a short period of time. patience is the key.
It's funny! I was going to say, I am guilty of 3 & 4, but truthfully they all tie into one another! I've been natural technically for a little over a year. (I had my last relaxer last October, but February is when I did my big chop.) And I honestly can't remember, let alone use, the products from back then. Don't get me wrong, the products I use now (mostly all natural), are great and work well for me, however, the old stuff wasn't so bad on my natural crown. Between jumping on bandwagons to try new things, to thinking that someone with a similar curl pattern to mine knows how my hair works, these are lessons that we've gone through in one way or another. I am getting better with mixing the right combos that work well for me, but it's still true that if nothing is wrong with what's been working for you, don't change it! As the article said "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".
Ha ha this is so funny. My youngest daughter was the one that inspired me to go natural. She was one that was a product junky, as she calls her old self. She has since learned to stick with what works for her hair, not to say she wont every try something new. It's just that she dosen't spend literally all of her weekly allowance on products.
Ok i am guilty of all of the above but i really want to know how to transition
Great article! You hit the nail on the head with so many of the points, especially about not always jumping on the bandwagon.
Has anyone ever used Black Earth hair care products by Taliah Waajid?
I agree with #4. Although I do shop online for products from Black owned companies.
I appreciate the post and the over all concept of sticking to what works, but part of growing and learning more about your hair is exploring. I'm all for sticking to what works, but in regards to # 1, I think we have to be careful not to throw away what works, but not to be afraid of trying something new…if you never try it, you'll never know. Like anything balance is key, but after all, at the foundation of every routine lies the experimentation that led each of us to discovering what works in the first place.
I am so guilty of 2 and 4. #2 for the reason you stated, I guess I am worried about completely going it alone with my hair. But hopefully that will fade over time.
#4 I had when I came across Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturiser…it was really moisturising on my hair, kept my two strand twists looking good, and my hair was so soft while using it…but I stopped using it because I saw it had cones in it…I think I'm going to go back and continue my illicit affair with it x (Still have half a tub somewhere)
how can i get my corners back?
Oh thank you, thank you, thank you.
I had never even heard about #2 before going natural and wondered why people ended their names with 3Q/4U/etc. and then started wondering what my "type" was before remembering that it is just hair! Especially as the inventor of the typing system seems to know very little about natural hair, that made me doubly skeptical.
And #4. I've always loved Pantene (that lovely smell) and other products not specifically marketed to Black women and now, I find that I am able to actually use cheaper products instead of specialty brands for A.A. women. Suave naturals (their aveda knockoff) works great, feels food, and is cheap!
As you stated every person hair strand its different. some folks think olive is bad, most like it. its about YOU. I dont have a problem with using any hair care product but i do get sick of tired of black people making the statement, 'get away from that, black hair, black product'. why? have you ever heard a white person tell their people that, or read it. NOPE, i bet. from an economic stand point, we should never say that CRAP. another reason i don't shop beauty supply shops owned by asian. they support nothing we do or have, yet we support their families and their country while the real black products and business are closing down. we watch our people go in welfare lines and our children go hungry. When the last time you seen an Asian at any A.A. event, restaurant, or anything.
oh, most african american products that look and package with a black face is not an african american company. so fool us. we pay more attention to what is working for our HEAD instead of using our HEADS!
I went several years without using mineral oil, petroleum ect. Recently I've opened myself up to it by combining it with natural carrier oils like coconut and castor and aloe vera. As long as you know what moisturizing your hair really means I think there's room for synthetics.
I am guilty of #4 when I realized pantene was drying my hair I believed that pantene for blacks was the way to go and even believed that it was helping my hair but in reality it wasn't. I then asked my hair stylist about a daily moisturizer she told me about an olive oil moisturizer and I was shocked at how will it worked and how soft it left my hair. I then decided to try olive oil shampoo and conditioner ( though I was a little unsure) and was amazed at how soft my hair was when I rinsed the conditioner out.
I think the model used in the ad is sooo adorable
Mrs. Roots you are so right. I'm a newbie and was caught up with the do's and don'ts until about 2 weeks ago. I couldn't figure out why my hair was always dry and hard. So I stop trying so many products. The 1st one was Shea Butter, Olive Oil, and Coconut Oil mix. Made a new mix with just Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, My hair wasn't as dry and hard. So I figure it had to be the Olive Oil and I was right. After I stopped using Olive Oil all together my hair is much more moisturized and soft.
Mrs. Roots caught my attention as well. Please people, narrow your you tube search. I'm a newly natural as well and was caught up in all the try this/that stuff. Then one day, I started looking into product ingredients and realized that most shampoos/conditioners have the same ingredients, so I stopped you-tube watching.
Later on, I returned to you-tube to look up one item and came across "Kimmaytube Channel" and was stunned at the effort she had put into her research and videos. I sat back and said to myself, it all starting to makes sense now. But, I was still missing a piece of the puzzle. No one talked much about protein treatments. Another day went by, then Kimmaytube upload a video that has changed my hair craze shopping for life. It was she who put me onto Audrey Davis-Sivasothy's book, "The Science of Black Hair" The missing piece of the puzzle was located in her book. Moisture-Protein Balance. Thank you Mrs Audrey!!!!
Msladynatural00
Yeah, what she said, and her, and her! lol But my favorite comment is what Mrs. Roots said @2:03pm …less reading/watching & more studying your own coils. I'm a newbie naturan & to this wonderful site & everyday I'm fascinated with my tight coils. I love my new look & love playing in my hair. Today I walked in the rain without an umbrella, ella ella ey ey ey. I've only tried Jane Carter products and they're absolutely perfect, esp. the curl defining creme! BTW, I really enjoy this site. It's nice to get away from people on other sites who bash and curse one another if the opinion differs. Many of your comments are uplifting and helpful. Stay peaceful divas, the haters are always watching! 🙂
This was a great article! I feel sorry for people who are newly natural and succumbing to all the "use this, don't use that; do this, not that" almost cyber-bullying on blogs and YouTube. You know what's best for your hair from your personal experience; we are simply too tentative.
Here's a radical statement: I say if you are newly natural or have a TWA, pick one or two Vloggers to follow on YouTube that you and your natural hair resonate with. Then ignore everyone else because you are going to get overwhelmed and overloaded with info. Also, you may go broke buying all the products that come with everyone's experience and philosophy.
Or do what I did at first. Adopt this edict: less is more! Don't watch anyone on YouTube, don't read too many natural hair blogs for the first six months to a year and get to know your hair's texture, density and porosity before you go seeking other's advice.
I so agree with what Anonymous said "I was a victim and bandwagoning 🙂 when I was a new natural but after I learned my hair, I know exactly what it needs to be healthy." As a newbie natural I don't know much beyond what I am reading and learning about. So I have fallen prey to bandwagon but some things I love and have been working for me. Others I move on from. When I learn my hair better I will be able to understand and know which things are best suited for MY hair. I actually thought I needed to try Af. Am products only and I've been doing the sulfate free shampoo but I've been missing my Suave and Pantene shampoos. Now I understand from this article and others that it is ok to use so I will try it again and see how I feel. I definitely see lots of great hair styles and I know my hair won't do exactly what others will but I'm finding my own groove. To continued learning and education.
personally i will not use mineral oil or anything else that prevents my hair and scalp from "breathing" but, i'm like that about everything, not just my hair, I always put the best in my body and onto my body, it is my temple and thats how I want to treat it.
Angelique, there's a LOT of studies and stuff about mineral oil and petroleum/petroletum and whatnot. The bottom line is this: moderation. Obviously, you don't want to continuously coat/moisturize/wash/condition your hair every day/week/month with products that are known to cause breakage and damage with excessive use. What you DO want to do is relax and use the products with those ingredients, if needed, with moderation. Same goes for silicones. I SWEAR by the detangling properties of the Hello Hydration conditioner, but I know that using silicones too much will not be good for me. So I use that conditioner twice monthly now. The other two weeks is with a silicone free or cleansing conditioner. Mineral oil is a great sealant and silicones really adhere to your hair strands for extra moisture protection, but use them too much and your hair won't be able to "breath".
so for the most part, i just use homemade products and call it a day. I love it and more importantly, my hair loves it too. 🙂
I have to agree with the product typing, but from the other side of the fence 🙂 I've noticed that some products geared towards 'black' hair have worked for my very caucasian hair. I had the good luck to go to beauty school with a varied class. I learned so much about all hair types and did a lot of try-outs with the 'black' hair products. There are so many factors that come into play with your hair, elasticity, porosity, curl pattern, etc. that limiting yourself to the products you use can lead to missing out on some great solutions. Thanks Nikki for your pointers!
honestly, i think we join the bandwagon (#1) because we really don't know about our hair, or a new transitioner, or a new natural, etc. I fell into this only because there is a plethora of information on products, oils, moisturizers until it is really hard to see what actually works for you, what is bad for you, when to use, when not to use, etc. So, for me I GOT EXHAUSTED doing research after research after research and not really seeing consistent comments. I'm off all of the bandwagons now and have just learned now to study my own hair to see what works.
Great list, especially #1. It's difficult since there is a great wealth of knowledge on YouTube, but the YouTubers also post ANYTHING. Just because they post a video about something does not mean we have to put all common sense aside and try it. Examples, "pre-poo" – WTH is that especially if you are going to shampoo it away; concentrate on the conditioners & leave-in, duuuh. Another, sleeping/overnight "deep" conditioning is completely unnecessary & just overkill as mentioned by Hair Liberty's blog.
So Glad I choose products based on what works… not based on ethnicity… I'm one of the curlies who adores Suave, Herbal Essence, Keracare and Garnier Fructis…and nothing brings length and definition like a $5 tub of Ecostyler gel… in season…my hair changes and I have to go with the flow. Right now my hair is loving natural coconut oil… go figure. I'm a work in progress, happy to hear from everyone what works for you. Experimentation has been my only constant.
I definitely am guilty with no.1! lol. I got the ecostyler, denman, kinky-curly and the tangle teezer. @ anonymous, if u don't want yours, i'll be more than willing to take it off your hands. lol. anyways, the whole mineral oil debate…i don't know. Everyone is different, however, i do tell people if they are experiencing dryness or pimples around their temples, to check their ingredients. it may contain mineral oil. i notice for me, a huge difference between with and without mineral oil. i hate it on my hair. My hair feels so ugly when i've put a product with mineral oil it. Even my skin feels nasty. So, for me, I can't mess with it. I could care less about hair typing, unless it's concerning a styling product. i am not going to waste my money on something geared towards 3a hair when I know it's just going to sit on my 4a/4b hair. I've made that mistake before. I have to admit that i love the hair products that arent geared towards "black hair care". Herbal essences conditioners are my staples!
I am difinitely guilty of number one. I really did go out and buy the Tangle Teezer but only because it was the last one at the store and I didnt want to miss out and have some other curly swoop in and take it from me. It sat in the box un-used for two weeks and when I finally did whip it out I hated it. It went right back in the box and has been sitting there for months now. Anybody want a Tangl Teezer only been used once LOL
I am so over the hairtyping thing it is ridiculous! Just experiment with and learn what works for your own hair! I can't say I am exactly guilty of #3, but, the minute I did toss out my conditioner that had silicones in it, I could definitely see a difference in my hair.
I agree with all, especially with the hair typing. For one, I have at least 4 different patterns on my head. Second, products that have worked for others with my "type" didn't always work for me. You have to take into account diet, where you live as far as the climate (humidity, distinct seasons, etc.) and countless other things. I have a diet which I make sure is high in protein because I don't eat certain meats. This has translated into my hair being protein sensitive because my protein rich diet feeds my hair. The only protein my hair can stand is in styling products. My daughter also has the same "type" but her hair LOVES protein. However, I know others with my "type" who say you "have" to use protein because "our" type of hair…you get the point. I look at all hair types because you never know what great advice you'll get from them.
after 18 months and a 2nd BC I can firmly say I know what my hair likes and I tend to ignore the "laws" if you will. During the first 18 months I was guilty! lol!
I was a victim and bandwagoning 🙂 when I was a new natural but after I learned my hair, I know exactly what it needs to be healthy. And I learned that from…hair typing. I agree with Anon 2:54. The biggest mistake I feel naturals make is believing their hair will do the same as someone elses hair. While no ones hair is the same, I find it crazy to drool over 3b hair that I will never have. I look at people with my hair type to see which products they use and how they use them. Trust me, I'll save you lots of money on wasted products and less days spent curl envying.
As far as the rest, I do what works for my curls. Take the time to understand your hair literally inside and out and you wont fall victim to many of these mistakes.
I'm guilty of #1 and #2, and I'm not ashamed. I did jump on the bandwagon with Eco Styler and SheaMoisture (mi amor), Denman D4, and Heutiful (haven't bought it — yet!), not using mineral oil, though, I'm not biased against silicons. And it all works wonderfully.
As far as hair typing (#2) I think it's harmless! I don't think that I can get the same advice from someone with a looser curl pattern, and someone with a tighter curl pattern. All curls are different, meaning what may work on my curls, may not work for yours. If someone with 4c hair loves, and lives by Shea butter or Olive Oil, and me with 3c hair, and it weighed my hair down, then what? I don't think it should bother anyone unless they take it to heart. Thus, it doesn't mean I wont watch someone with a different hair pattern, I will take advice on moisture any day! 😀
#3 for me. I stopped using sulfates because they were "bad", which worked for a while but now that I use a lot of condish to moisturize my hair I need the sulfate to clarify. So I co-wash during the middle of the week but have to clarify once a week. Although it may be due to hard water Idk, but I will not return to silicone's.
OMG I am so with on with the ladies that are talking about this mineral oil. I love being natural but I swear every time I turn around there are new suggestions but then exceptions and then the "oh but it works for my hair"… particularly with this mineral oil. It might make your hair look good but everything that glitters aint gold but I mean really what is the deal. I had a great regime until I kept reading about it. Is it bad or not? Do I use it cause it works for me? Clarity please!. Some of these I read about products facts seem to contradict themselves. "Do whats best for you, but its not good for you" which is it?
I used to be guilty of throwing away products if they do not work..I have since then stopped and held onto them. I will try to reintroduce them to my hair @ a later date 🙂
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I would have to agree with number 4. I have tried a few different products not "geared" towards our hair and I am truly amazed at the results. From my experience, those products work better for my hair then the so called products not for our hair.
I absolutely love #4. i have had arguments with people about that. "oh, but aren't u supposed to be using only black products if you're natural?" SCHM!! OH PLEASE!
I am guilty of #1. I joined the wave of Eco-Styler, Shea Moisture products and the Tangle Teezer. I love all of them with the exception of eco styler. I am just not a fan of gel in my hair. I love products that are not concentrated on af.am hair. Herbal Essence is the truth. I also agree with many of you, natural hair is trial and error!!
#4 Thank you, thank you, thank you. After I big chopped I moved almost completely away from "black" hair products and my hair is so much healthier. For some mineral oil and a lot of those "no-no" products is not an issue but for me once I moved away from those ingredients my hair has just blossomed. I say do what works for you and your hair.
I love this whole list. I have another one – I have an issue with people who "stay away" from products because of a particular ingredient who have never even tried products with said ingredient. I can understand if you know for sure your scalp/hair cannot tolerate things like mineral oil, but if you have never experimented with the so called "cheap" or "poorer quality" products, then you don't have a right to bash them. My main moisturizer has mineral oil in it, but it keeps my hair soft, shiny, and supple. Am I supposed to stop using it because it has an ingredient that may not be "beneficial" to my hair? I don't think so.
I don't have a problem with mineral oil. It doesn't affect my hair or its growth. What worls for one might not work for the other. Natural hair is easy in some ways but its hard also. No need to pretend that its always easy as 1 2 3.
I don't agree with #1 and #3.
You have to try different things to see what works best for your hair. Sometimes people don't realize something was broken until they try the fix. If the "bandwagon" technique isn't going to cost a fortune or break off hair, why not try it after doing a little research.
Why keep putting something on your hair or skin that’s not really beneficial, just because it gives you the look you want. I agree with Angelique. Besides using products to maintain hair health will eventually result in good hair days.
Nice post. I agree with all except mineral oil. If it's bad, I will generally stay away from it. And I love my Suave and Aussie Moist!
Okay, can someone please tell me the deal with Mineral Oil. I'm constantly told it's HORRIBLE for black hair, natural or otherwise, but then see things that states it's okay to use. I don't use mineral oil in my hair because I'd rather have a bad hair day than ruin all the work I've put into my hair, but I'm starting to think I don't know the full story of Mineral Oil. Please help.
I was definitely guilty when it comes to #4! I never knew we could use those products and furthermore that would work for our hair! I love Aussie and HEHH now!