The Natural Steps

Natural hair can be just as challenging as any other type of hair, but like everything in life you try and make the best out of what ever hand you are given. I say this because on the journey of becoming natural, I have encountered both the good and the negative aspects of natural hair. For example natural hair that is more curly, long and possibly even more straight in texture might be considered "Good Hair".

Hair that might be more kinky, thick and short may be considered "Not so Good hair" or "Bad Hair". My response to comments like some of those you just read is what a dear friend of mine said, which was "All Natural Hair is Beautiful!" That conversation started one day when she and I were in class. My friend has had natural hair all of her life and because of that she knows it very well. She knows what works on her hair and what doesn't, she knows a variety of styles that complement her beautiful face and features and she knows the best products for her hair. Her hair type is 3C which is a looser longer curl. I complemented her on her hair one day and being the newly natural lady I was at the time, I made a statement “My hair isn't as good as yours" or "My hair wont style in the same way as yours". My friend looked me in the eye and said "Your hair is beautiful, all natural hair is beautiful".
After that day I took a deeper look at myself and my hair and I realized that It didn't matter to me anymore whether or not people absolutely loved my hair as long as I loved it and It worked well for me. Now I am a proud wearer of my natural hair. I write to hopefully make and or solidify your own thoughts of your natural hair. If you love it great...keep on loving it and if you’re still transitioning, just hold on for the ride you will make it to your destination safely!

It can be a challenging thing adapting to natural hair if you are not given some good advice. You don’t need to know everything right away but a little good advice will go far!

Here are more steps to becoming natural:

1. Determine whether or not you wish to do the BC (Big Chop) which is when you cut off all of your hair or whether you wish to let your natural hair grow out while trimming off and even cutting large parts of your permed hair off.

2. Choosing the right hair products.

-Shampoo: Suave, Nexxus, Aveda Shampoo Shampur (works very well to cleanse the hair, leaves hair feeling a little striped but using less would minimize that feeling). Pantene Pro V (line for natural hair and women of color).

-Conditioner: Nexxus, Suave (any type is fine, however the professional line seems to work a little better), Los caballos (spanish conditioner), Mane and tale (has been around for years and still works great). Pantene Pro V (line for natural hair and women of color) smells great.

-Hair Brush: Soft brush-medium. I don't personally prefer the hard brushes even when I use gel and want to slick my hair back. I understand that for some women they may like the harder brushes but the medium ones work just fine for me. (Use your discretion and study your hair!) Also the Denman brush or one like it which Goody hair accessories sells is really good for curl definition and even detangling. I have been recently using it to detangle to ends of my hair when doing the two strand twist.

-Hair Comb: Wide tooth (easier to comb through your wonderfully thick hair). A smaller comb with a pointed edge is not necessary but will be a great addition once you start experimenting with different hair styles. This smaller comb is not to detangle but only to use for parting the hair so there can be a clearly defined separating design in the styling of your hair.

-Scissors: Trim off those permed edges. Don't be afraid to trim your hair every two -six weeks. Do it little by little (an inch at a time) if that makes you more comfortable. Again you don’t have to invest in a super pricy scissor, I got mine for $4 (small professonal kind), only use them for my hair and they are just as sharp as the day I bought them.

-Leave in conditioner: Infusium 23 (The original formula) I have seen growth and strength added to my hair after using this. I have a spray bottle and add half distilled water (water that is boiled for several minutes and then cooled. This is to get any of the impurities out) I also add half Infusium 23 and a few drops 8-10 of my favorite oils and shake well. I use this for styling in the morning as well as after I wash my hair and want to set my two strand twist.

-Protein conditioner/treatment: Aphrogee. The best I have used, hands down. It smells great, it’s smooth going on the hair and doesn't leave any residue or brittle feeling after washing out! It is affordable and you can purchase it at local drug stores, beauty stores and online.

3. Hair Accessories:

-Bobbi Pins- For styling
-Hair clips- For styling and to hold hair when doing twists or bantou knots
-Head Band- For styling and also working out
-Head Scarf- (Silk or Polyester) This can be worn outdoors and or can double as a bed scarf.

4. Sleep wear:

-Head Scarf- Silk or Polyester to help prevent hair from drying out at night while you sleep.
-Bonnet- Polyester or silk to help prevent breakage and drying of the hair.