Monday, April 13, 2015

NATURAL HAIR 101: Easy Tips for Going Natural

Happy Monday Lovies!!!

Lets Talk!! Here are a few important tips that will help you when you begin your natural hair journey.  I'm sure there are a ton more BUT these are just a few that I found to be very helpful for me.

1. RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!
When you decide to go natural you want to make sure that you are as prepared as you can be to start styling and properly caring for your curls.  There's no way that you will know every little detail before you are ready to embark on this journey because there is ALWAYS something that you can learn about your curls, but it will be much easier to knock out hours worth of stress and hassle by knowing exactly what you are getting yourself into before hand.  If nothing else, at least learn the basics.

2. DON'T GO INTO THIS JOURNEY WITH UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Meaning divorce the crazy thoughts that we ALWAYS hear concerning "good hair" and "bad hair".  There is no such thing as a right or a wrong kind of hair.  If you go into this wanting long corkscrews and your curls are of a kinkier texture you are going to be highly disappointed.  Hair texture is as different as a persons fingerprint.  Allow yourself to be free and comfortable with your OWN hair.  Allow your hair to do what it wants to do and embrace whatever it does.  Everyone's curls are different so expect and look forward to learning about your own curls so that you will eventually learn to love them.

3. DON'T STRESS OVER YOUR HAIR TYPE
Prime Example: Natural Hair Problem #74
"What's your hair type?" Well, I have 4C at the top, 3 B in the back, 2A in the upper left corner, and some type that hasn't been invented yet on the other side.  I'm sure we have all seen or heard something similar to this example before.  Hair typing is a great tool to use when you are watching YouTube videos in order to get ideas on styles or products that may work on hair similar to yours.  BUT it is not the deciding and key factor.  Lots of things determine and impact the way that your hair behaves, such as your hair porosity and protein sensitivity etc.  You can't assume that everything that is marketed towards your hair type will be guaranteed to work on your curls.  Also, if you use the hair typing system and you notice that you have more than one hair type in your head....don't get overwhelmed.  It is completely normal and most of us naturals have that.

4. REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF HEAT YOU USE
I am not going too tell you not to use any heat at all, but it is very important that you use as less heat as possible.  Too much heat on your curls can result in heat damage and that will eventually damage your curls.  Instead of using heat opt for a protective style such as twist outs, braid outs, sew-ins or any other low manipulation styles. 

5. MOISTURE-IT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
In order fro natural hair to remain healthy it requires a ton of moisture.  Deep condition your hair weekly if at all possible, seal your ends of your hair, and use a satin scarf or a satin pillowcase to protect your curls while you sleep.

6. DETANGLE YOUR HAIR-BUT BE CAREFUL
NEVER detangle your hair while it is dry.  This is a disaster in the making.  Detangle your hair when it is dripping wet and with a good conditioner that offers a lot of slip.  Start at the ends and work your way to the root.

7. JUST DO IT
If you decide to transition you will come to a point that we all like to call the awkward stage.  This is when half of your hair is natural and the other half is still relaxed.  Don't prolong the inevitable for the sake of keeping a few more inches of dead and unhealthy hair.  Cut them off.

8. HANG IN THERE!!! IT DOES GET EASIER
At some point in your journey you are going too want to throw in the towel.  Transitioning to anything new can be difficult and scary, and you will certainly go through some rough patches as your hair becomes what it naturally is.  Accept it, and be prepared for it.  Commit to a healthy hair journey in spite of.  It is possible!

9. AND IF YOU DO SLIP UP......REMEMBER THAT IT IS JUST HAIR

10. LOVE THE CURLS THAT GOD BLESSED WITH YOU!!!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!

I love you all,

Moeneak

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