Natural Hair Tips For Black Women Going Natural

When going natural, one of the biggest challenges is getting the top natural hair tips available.  Black women are going natural in groves and many are unsure just what to do. There are a lot of things to remember when going natural and new naturals or ‘newbies’ are often left flailing in the wind most unsure about what path to take or how long to hang in there. None want to cave and go crawling back to the creamy crack but there are some things they need to know to stay the course.

Shampoo vs. Co Wash Natural Hair

It happens to the best of women so stop beating yourself up and know there is a way to natural hair success. We often just need some guidance or tips that will help keep the pathway positive and no matter if you choose to BC or even long-term transition there are five excellent natural hair tips that will make your tresses softer, more manageable and moisturized.

So, you see ItsMyRaeRae reviewing her favorite product that left her with some banging ringlets and you decide to try it on your hair. Unfortunately, you and ItsMyRaeRae aren’t the same hair type and don’t have the same porosity, so it doesn’t work for you. This is probably one of the most common misconceptions that women in the natural community when it comes to hair and hair products and, unfortunately, it leaves some women feeling hopeless about their hair.

Favorite Natural Hair Products

I know it’s hard. I know you have 1,000 different styles in queue on your Pinterest board and I know your fingers are itching to do and try everything you see, but don’t. Don’t do it. Obsessing over your hair will drive you to resent it if it doesn’t turn out the way someone else’s did or have you buying a ton of products to try that will send your scalp and strands into shock. This obsession has led many newly naturals into hating their hair or even worse…regretting ever making the decision to go natural. Be on your Solange flow and chill. Let it flourish without manipulation, if possible.  I mean, who’s gonna check you?

After all the cutting you’ve been doing throughout your transition are we really telling you that you have to cut MORE?! Yes. Yes, we are.

You’ll notice that even though you’ve cut out all of your relaxer that some of your ends will still be straight, your hair’s gonna grow in uneven, and you may even have patches that grow in slightly straight at first…and that’s okay. Your scalp is still pretty much regulating itself to the fact that you’re not processing anymore, so once all of that is settled, you should be good to go! Don’t chop away at your hair all of the time unless you plan on keeping it short; trimming at least twice a year  is more than enough if you do not use heat or manipulate your strands a lot.

This has got to be one of the best hacks or natural hair tips I’ve ever come across in terms of detangling and overall conditioning. When I first read about it, it was pretty much a “DUH, why haven’t you been doing this?” moment.

Before applying your conditioner, let the bottle/tub sit in a bowl of hot water for about 10-15 minutes until the conditioner is heated through (do NOT warm the conditioner in the microwave or else you’ll destroy the properties of the conditioner).

What Is Co-Washing?

Apply to your hair as usual and you will IMMEDIATELY feel it working. The heat causes the cuticle to lift so that the product penetrates and conditions the hair shaft faster and more effectively, leaving you with soft, pliable hair that is easy to detangle! I honestly don’t understand why they don’t put this tip on conditioner bottles…

Too much protein will result in hard, rough hair that is hard to detangle, prone to damage and difficult to manage. On the contrary, too much moisture will result in soft, mushy hair that is also prone to breakage (also known as hygral fatigue). (Protein will strengthen hair and moisture will make hair hydrated and pliable or elastic and yes we will discuss further!) 

What You Need To Know About Hygral Fatigue For Hair

When searching for a deep conditioner, find one that will both strengthen and moisturize. Look for ingredients such as keratin, collagen, or any other type of hydrolyzed protein if you need that extra boost. Maintaining a proper balance between the two is one of the keys to reducing breakage and repairing wear and tear.

If you find that your hair reacts badly to protein (protein sensitive), look for products that don’t contain any traces of protein or try a different type of protein as there are several.  This is one of the biggest natural hair tips to take under your wing.

What natural hair tips do you want to share for newly naturals?

Sabrina

Sabrina Notes

I hope I didn’t completely lose you up there with some of those natural hair tips but know that they are valid and helpful. Once we get deeper into hair porosity and the moisture/protein balance it will make more sense. Just know they are critical to happy, healthy hair and if you EVER have a question hit me up at naturalhairforbeginners@gmail.com. I’ll answer what I can and get help from the professionals for anything I cannot. 

TWO NEW BOOKS ON HAIR LOSS!