Going natural can be hard enough without having to figure out all the new terms being thrown at you. Scab hair, line of demarcation, BC, DC and a host of other terms are all foreign to the newly natural. Add what they mean or how to deal with them and you can become quite overwhelmed.
CAN I GO NATURAL WITH HAIR EXTENSIONS AND STILL BE NATURAL?
Worry no more because we’ve got you covered and one of the best ways to keep you in the know is to define each and how it plays into your newbie natural hair life. One of the first ones we’ll tackle is a tricky one called Scab Hair.
Scab hair is an unscientific term to describe the newly grown hair after one stops chemically relaxing the hair. This hair is extremely dry, unruly and many feel it’s merely the lingering chemicals finding it’s way out of the scalp.
What is Scab Hair?
“There is no known research on the phenomenon of ‘scab’ hair. ‘Scab’ hair is a term used by naturals and transitioners to describe the initial hair regrowth after stopping the use of relaxers. Some say the hair is of a different curl pattern or is dry and unruly.” The Natural Haven
There is no way to get around Scab hair so even doing a BC (Big Chop) is not going to help eliminate you having to learn to work with it. This is something the hair has to go through when going natural but this hair is only temporary. Your natural texture will begin to grow and the scab hair can be trimmed off with the relaxed ends if long-term transitioning.
Should I Big Chop Or Long-Term Transition?
What you CAN do is to be gentle with your hair as you transition to natural to ward of breakage. Having patience is a must when dealing with Scab hair or going natural in general. Keeping the hair moisturized and low manipulation of your strands as hair goes through this process are excellent ways to keep hair healthy when first going natural.
Seriously Natural Boutique
Dryness is a common complaint when going natural but know that water is the number one moisturizer and should be a component in your routine. While many of you may be new to natural hair and what it is going through, understand that working with your hair daily will help you learn more and understand what your hair needs. It takes TIME and real effort so stay patient and listen to what your hair needs.
Have you dealt with this in your natural hair journey?
Sabrina
