If you’re new to Natural Hair Community: We would like to give you a warm welcome! Please continue reading. This is the best place for you to get started.
If you’re NOT new: Check out the Best of Natural Hair Community:
Update: We have specifically written a book for new naturals or women who are planning to go natural. Going Natural: The Blueprint to Starting Your Natural Hair Journey will eliminate the confusion that often exists for new naturals and help you create a successful natural hair journey.
Check to see the book is the right solution for you, as you start your natural hair journey
Natural Hair 101
In order to have a successful natural hair journey, you must first understand exactly what the term natural hair really means.
There are several different definitions of the term, but below I’ve provided the most common definition, and the one that we will talk about most often on the blog:
The term natural hair is defined as relaxer-free hair, which is different from chemical-free hair. Chemicals, on the surface, are often considered dangerous, but this is often times not the case at all. Most chemicals that you encounter on a daily basis are perfectly safe and harmless. For example, water or H2O is a safe chemical.
Black natural hair is sometimes labeled as nappy hair that needs to be corrected by a relaxer. We’ve heard of situations where women have been discriminated against in the workplace due to having natural hairstyles, which are deemed unprofessional by some employers. Others have been denied jobs or promotions because of their natural hair. Natural hair has also caused relationship issues for many couples.
This site is about helping you understand your hair and providing you with information and resources to naturally achieve healthy natural hair. We often interview other naturals on the site because we want to give everyone the opportunity to share their experiences with natural hair. We often learn the most by reading and analyzing other people’s experiences. It’s also encouraging when you see pictures of other women with natural hair and hear them speak positively about their natural hair journey. These stories often serve as proof that your journey can be just as successful if you’re willing to invest the time and energy into learning to care for your hair properly.
The Real Reason You’re Struggling on Your Natural Hair Journey (if applicable)
There are problems with some of the advice that’s typically given out online. Some natural hair advisors or product manufacturers will tell you that you need to find the perfect product or simply master protective styling to have a successful natural hair journey.
If you’ve tried some of these techniques and haven’t found the success that you’re aiming for, you probably know by now that you need more than generic recycled advice.
That’s one of the main reasons that we built Natural Hair Community.
Our hair care method is based on a comprehensive blueprint for building a successful natural hair journey. It’s not designed to only provide short-term results for you, but to also build a robust foundation that will lead to a lifetime of success on your natural hair journey.
The Natural Hair Blueprint will be your guide throughout the course of building a successful natural hair journey. The blueprint is based on everything that Jael and I have learned over the years reading cosmetology books, scientific periodicals, performing general research and by advising naturals around the world and watching their natural hair improve.
The blueprint is divided into three pillars: foundation, products, and styling and maintenance. Each of these pillars work to help you improve your natural hair journey. This blueprint is intended to be balanced, however depending on your strengths – you may need to spend more time on certain areas of the blueprint to see real improvements in your natural hair.
Actionable Opportunities
We like to focus on taking action and interaction. Taking action is the best way to receive benefit from this website. We try to thoroughly explain concepts and give you very specific ways to take action.
A key component of the Natural Hair Blueprint is building relationships with people in the community. This website is structured to make sure that you can get plenty of interaction with other community members. We expect that many of your community interactions will become beneficial relationships.
Understanding Your Hair Type
We tend not to focus on hair types in our articles for one very specific reason. Regardless of hair type – there are several common things that are often overlooked that everyone needs to do in order to have healthy natural hair. At times we will write articles for specific types of hair, but keep this simple point in mind – you must drink plenty of water, reduce stress, wear protective styles, limit the amount of heat you put on your hair, wash your hair regularly and more regardless of your hair type. In addition, many people have multiple hair types or categorizations on their head, so we tend to focus on those types of things here instead of your hair type.
Advice That Will Help You Start Your Natural Hair Journey
There is no right or wrong way to go natural; the important element is that you are. If you decide to transition it’s important to know that the line of demarcation is where the natural hair and relaxed hair meet. You’ll definitely notice a difference in the texture of your natural hair and your relaxed hair. Relaxers weaken your hair, leaving it dull and damaged over time.
You’ll learn that your hair will tell you what it needs and it’s critical that you pay attention to what it is telling you. Selecting your initial set of natural hair products is important and many naturals spend quite a bit of time trying new products in an attempt to find the perfect product for their hair. You must get to know your hair to understand which products will work best for you.
My advice to you: Start a natural hair journal and begin documenting everything that you do to your hair.
The Truth about Hair Shedding
Some experts estimate that shedding more than 100 hairs per day is perfectly normal. About 10% of the hairs on your head are in a resting phase (i.e. telogen), and those hairs fall out after about 2 or 3 months. The other 90% (roughly) of your hairs are growing at any given time. Hair growth occurs in cycles consisting of three phases: Anagen (growth phase), Catagen (transitional phase) and Telogen (resting phase). Hair grows at different rates for different people; the average rate is around one-half inch per month. Due to a short active growth phase, some people have difficulty growing their hair beyond a certain length.
My advice to you: Don’t worry too much about your hair shedding unless it seems truly excessive. If your hair shedding does seem excessive, you should start by investigating the following areas: tight hairstyles, diet and nutrition, current medications, stress, illnesses, nervous habits, Alopecia Areata and hormonal changes. Several of these issues may require the professional diagnoses of a medical doctor to determine the root cause of the hair shedding.
Prevent Breakage and Split-ends
Your hair is dead material, which is the reason why you can treat it with strong chemicals, cut it with scissors or apply heat to it without feeling a thing. The only problem with that is – since your hair is not alive, it cannot repair itself. Damage to the hair must be trimmed away or grown out. For example, there is not a permanent cure for split-ends. There are some conditioners that can essentially patch split-ends and make them less visible, but over a period of time those split-ends will reappear. The only way to permanently get rid of your split-ends is to trim them away. You should absolutely never burn away your split-ends.
Hair breakage is the most common cause of hair loss. Tight hairstyles (ex. tight ponytails and braids) can break off the hair and damage the hair follicle. If your hair constantly breaks you will need to identify exactly what’s causing the breakage and eliminate the culprit to prevent further breakage. The most common causes of breakage are heat, harsh chemicals, tight hairstyles and rough treatment.
My advice to you: Hot appliances, like flat irons, curling irons and pressing combs, are popular, but often lead to serious hair damage because their high heats can result in brittle, dry hair that breaks easily – especially when it’s overused. If you decide to use heat, then you should definitely use a heat protectant, but understand that it’s impossible to completely protect the hair from heat damage. If an appliance is hot enough to burn your skin, then there is a legitimate chance that the appliance will damage your hair.
Make sure that your hairstyles aren’t overly tight and stay away from chemical processes that change the structure of your hair and handle your hair with care. Too-frequent manipulation (combing, brushing, tugging, pulling, etc.) can lead to increased breakage.
Health, Nutrition, Hair Vitamins and Supplements
Generally speaking the same nutritious foods that are good for your body promote stronger, healthier hair. If you don’t eat a healthy diet, your hair could suffer.
Your hair doesn’t contain vitamins – it is not a living structure. If you’re eating a balanced, nutritious diet there is very little benefit gained from taking hair vitamins and supplements. If you simply concentrate on eating low-fat proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains you can help your hair reach its full potential.
If you are NOT eating a balanced, nutritious diet or have a medical condition or imbalance you might need vitamins and supplements to help your hair reach its full potential.
My advice to you: Eat a healthy, well-balanced, diet and save your money on hair vitamins and supplements unless you have a medical condition or imbalance.
Exercise
There is no evidence that exercise has any direct benefit to the health of your hair.
My advice to you: Exercise regularly because it reduces stress and promotes general health – which indirectly can have substantive impacts on the success of your natural hair.
Shampooing
The most often purchased natural hair product is shampoo. The main problem that I see with shampoos is that there are so many different types; one for every type of hair and/or scalp condition. It’s easy to get confused when choosing a product as simple as shampoo.
My advice to you: Choose products that are designed to be gentle on your hair and are pH-balanced. Most experts will agree that a pH-balanced shampoo is essential to preventing excessive dryness and hair damage during the shampooing process.
How often should you wash your hair?
Each head of hair is different, so there is really no correct answer. However, you can tell when you’re washing your hair too much if it starts to get dull, which means it’s time to scale back on the shampooing. By over-washing your hair, you can wash away your hair’s natural moisture which helps your hair look healthy. If you’re not washing your hair often enough, you can have product build-up which could negatively impact your hair.
My advice to you: When washing use lukewarm water, because hot water can strip the scalp of sebum, which is the protective oil that acts as a natural conditioner and gives your hair its shine. When you create your initial natural hair regimen, begin by washing your hair once per week. Record how your hair responds for a few weeks and make adjusts as necessary.
Conditioning
Conditioners are intended to deposit protein or moisture into the hair strand to restore the hair’s strength, give your hair body and to protect your hair against possible breakage. The effects of conditioners are only temporary. The term conditioner is often used to describe many different things. For example, there are finishing rinses, cream rinses, protein conditioners, hot oil treatments, deep conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners – and I’ve only named a few.
My advice to you: Start by regularly conditioning your hair after shampooing and having a deep-penetrating conditioner every month. You should document how your hair responds in a hair journal and make adjustments as needed. Also, buying really expensive products isn’t necessary, but you should beware of products that are extremely inexpensive relative to the competition.
Styling Your Hair
Protective styling is critical to the success of your natural hair journey. The lack of using protective styles is often the reason that several women suffer from excessive breakage and fail to grow their hair to their desired length.
A protective hairstyle requires minimal upkeep, gives you the opportunity to moisturize daily, and it keeps the ends of your hair safe and tucked away – protected. You can successfully grow your hair quite long with the appropriate selection of products, proper styling and handling.
My advice to you: Find a few protective styles that you like and frequently incorporate them into your natural hair regimen, so you can protect the ends of your hair. Growing long hair is about mitigating hair breakage to retain the hair that you currently have – and protective styling allows you to accomplish this.
Below are some examples of my favorite protective hairstyles. The list includes Updos, Bantu Knots, Buns and French Rolls.
Troubleshooting
During your natural hair journey, there are many different things that you might have to correct: dry hair, oily hair and dandruff are just a few.
Generally speaking you should refer to your natural hair journal when you’re experiencing a problem with your hair. It’s the primary guide to correcting your hair problems. You should begin asking yourself questions until you determine the potential root cause of the problem.
For example, have you changed anything about your regimen recently? Are you shampooing more often? What about taking a new medication? Did you recently start a stressful job? When was the last time you applied heat to your hair?
Use a root cause approach to correcting the issues that you identify. This troubleshooting technique is based on the premise that you can solve many problems that you’re having with your hair by addressing (correcting or eliminating) the potential root causes, as opposed to only addressing the symptoms.
For example, dry hair can be caused by external factors like harsh shampoo, chlorine, applying heat to hair, too much sun or wind exposure and hard shower water to name a few. On the other hand, dry hair can also be caused by internal factors such as medications, nutritional deficiency or medical illnesses.
My advice to you: Identify the root cause of your “hair problem” and address the root cause.
And finally, we’re here for you as you progress through your natural hair journey. Feel free to leave a comment or let us know if you have any questions.
Update: If you’re interested in reading more natural hair information like this. You should check to see if our natural hair book is right for you. It’s called Going Natural: The Blueprint to Starting Your Natural Hair Journey. It was specifically written for new naturals or women who are planning to go natural, and will eliminate the confusion that often exists for new naturals and help you create a successful natural hair journey.
Check to see the book is the right solution for you, as you start your natural hair journey
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About Kenneth
Very helpful and insightful. Thank you
Hi Poetyk – Thanks. I’m glad you found the article helpful.
This is my 2nd time reading this..I actually just printed this out to keep in my bag (in the case I’m too darn lazy to just simply go to this webpage and view it from there). Truly helpful and important information…love it!!
Theresa – That’s awesome. I’m glad that the information provided is valuable to you.
Thank you for this article. It has calmed my nerves about hair lossand other things. I also have learned that I knew a few things that I didn’t know I knew. If that makes sense. In other words this article confirmed a lot of things for me. Again, thanks.
Tash – That’s great. I’m glad that you enjoyed the article. I hope it helps you with your natural hair journey.
Kenneth
Thank you. I am impressed with this site. It is very informative. Thank you for taking the time out to give us “naturalist,” knowledge to help us achieve fabulous, healthy hair.
You’re welcome. Take care.
Kenneth
Tash, you are on the right track. As Kenneth mentioned in the article for those who are not newly natural, this article is a great reminder and reference.
Yes, it is. I have been natural for 11 years now and I find that this article raised my natural hair IQ a great deal. Thanks
Tash – That’s great. I would love to know if there are specific things that you would like to see us write about as a natural hair veteran. What are those things that you struggle with? Feel free to send me a private message or email at kbyrdjr@gmail.com and we can chat offline.
Unbelievable how well-written and informative this was.
Hi Suzyn – I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Take care.
Very, Very informative. Great information and by far, the best site for a natural hair jounry that I’ve come across. 5 *****
Those are very kind words and I hope that the community continues to be an asset for you. Please continue reading articles, making friends, and giving us your feedback. If you would like to see more or less of something, just let us know.
Aliyah – Wow! That made me smile. We really want people to enjoy this site, so definitely take Jael’s advice regarding providing your input on where we go next with the site. We love to hear feedback on what you would like to see more or less of in the future. This is your community.
Kenneth
I have been natural for about a year now. I have really I mean really thick hair. It’s not nappy, but its very thirsty!!! I’m frustrated and two seconds away from putting a relaxer back in. Tired of spending money on products expensive and inexpensive and nothing seems to work. HELP!!!
Well laid out format!!!! An easy read, which is always a plus!!!!
Tanisha
Hi Tanisha – I hope you’re doing well today. I can definitely understand being frustrated with your hair. I hope things have gotten better for you. Can you explain what your current natural hair regimen is?
Great article, very informative. I’m pretty new on my hair journey (only been transitioning for about 2 1/2 months) and I have a pretty specific question.
Due to some rather unfortunate salon perms I got in the past, my edges are weak. If I pull my hair back for more than a few days I notice thinning. Most of the protective styles that I see involve having the hair pulled back/up. This is great for protecting ends, but is there a protective style to protect edges? Right now I have my hair in twists and loose.
Hi Teflon Mom, this is a great question and I would suggest a two things: When you twist your hair, instead of twisting them to the back or side, twist them so they will hang in the front, then connect them creating swish effect. If you are able to flat twist, flat twist the front part of your hair, ever so loosely to not put stress on your hairline. Is it your entire hairline across the front or certain sections that are delicate? Also, you may want to refrain from excessive combing and not brushing this area- only do so when absolutely needed. Keep me updated on what worked or hasn’t worked for you.
Thanks Jael – it’s really just the temples that are weak, and one side more than the other. I don’t know how to flat twist just yet so for now I’ll try the individual twists in a sweep and see how that works.
Hi Teflon Mom, keep me posted on your progress.
Thanks Teflon Mom.
Kenneth
Outstanding article. It is good to be able to finally find excellent natural hair information and feel like I’m able to trust the text as well as respect the individual which posted it.
Awesome article. Thanks Kenneth.
Denise – I wish you much success during your natural hair journey.
Kenneth
I’m beginning my natural hair journey again (was natural for about 13 years now starting over) and I’m glad I’ve come across this site and information (thanks for introducing me via Twitter). The information I learn here and my renewed sense of purpose will be helpful in my journey as well as that of my daughters. Thanks.
Petula – That’s awesome. I wish you and your daughters the greatest success.
Kenneth
This was very informative, thanks
Patricia, you are welcome.
Hie guys! I have been natural for a year or so my hair is very thick and thirsty.How do you guys manage to make your hair soft and manageable?I am in SouthAfrica,thanks in advance.I need hair products for the most kinkiest african hair,pliz don’t say oil,no oil works on my dry hair.
Hi Nomvula!
If your hair is dry, my 1st question is why?
If you have hard water, you can start with purchasing a water softening system to combat the water issue.
Also, you may want to read our articles on porosity.
If you find that your hair is “gets wet” really easily and dries extremly fast- try clarifying with Giovanni Triple Treat Tea Tree shampoo (also on our resouce page), condition as you normally do and as a final rinse, mix 1 tbsp OR 1 cap full of apple cider vinegar and 2 cups of water in a bowl and pour it over your head.
You mentioned that oils do not work for you, have you tried shea butter? You will use the shea butter as a sealer to keep the moisture trapped in your strands.
Is your hair dry from root to tip or just at the tip?
Thank you for all this useful information. i just started my natural hair journey and i really need all this information.
You’re welcome Priscilla. I’m glad that you’re finding the site useful. Congrats on starting your journey.
Kenneth
Hie Jael,thanks for the tips.my hair its just thirsty I don’t know why.but usually at the ends.I have thick/bushy or a lot of hair.I have not tried shear butter I can’t find it anywhere I am in Joburg,I even got tired of looking for it.where can I get the shampoo you mentioned above?
Hi Nomvula! You are welcome for the tips. If you are not wearing protective styles and keeping your ends tucked away, you should start. You are probably experiencing high porosity on your ends. If you are interested, email me what products you are looking for and I can price them here and ship them to you. Email me for details . Put Product Shipment in the subject line.
I really appreciate this site…you have a lot of great info. Currently, I have ended my transition a couple of weeks ago when I cut off the remaining relaxed ends. I transitioned for 14 months. I thought my transition was over…think I was wrong. Half of my hair is nice and curly (right side). The ends are curly…it’s just beautiful! And then on my left side..I don’t know what happened. It’s slightly wavy but the ends are straight! I just want to find out where it all went wrong and what I failed to do. I thought it might be heat damaged but wouldn’t that be visible on both sides? Will it all eventually be the same? It was heart breaking to have made this discovery bc I desperately wanted to do the WnG’s or at least have my hair roughly in a uniform curl pattern. Plz help!
Hi PrettyBrownEyes,
First, I want to say congrats on your big chop!
However, the difference in texture can be a from a number of things.
For starters, you mention heat damage- it is possible to have heat damage in one area and not another. Heat damage does not have to be uniformed, it can be in random places on the strand.
Another explanation is curl pattern and texture. I personally have at least 3 that I can identify… lol My front is straight on the ends and the longer it goes, the straighter it gets. I cut a few inches about 3 years ago because I thought it was heat damaged, but it wasn’t. It is still strand in the front. I just accept the straightness and work with it. Now my crown area has a coarser texture, the most shrinkage and the tightest curls.
You may not have done anything wrong, give yourself time to adjust to the big chop and experiment with what your hair can do.
Will it ever be the same, probably not but if that is how your hair grows (meaning no heat damage) I wouldn’t expect it to change.
To wear a wash and go, you can coax a curl using clips. Swirl the hair like you would do a pin curl and clip it in place with a mental clip. I use this method for my front straight parts. Also, I would put on my satin cap as to give it shape.
I honestly don’t know many naturals who have a uniform curl pattern.
I say give it time and work with what you have.
Keep me posted on your progress!
Jael
I’m in love with natural hair. I wear lots of twist styles and fro’s but have been thinking about locs. Is that smart for someone with delicate edges.
@demetria, please see @Jael reply to your question here: http://naturalhaircommunity.com/groups/natural-hair-convos-1252028658/forum/topic/locn-with-delicate-edges/
awesome! very informative!
Thanks Brittany. I’m glad that you enjoyed the article.
This was amazing!!!!! Thanks a million…Lets hope I see some growth soon
I’m smiling. LOL! Take care.
I cut my hair last fall to go natural and i have been keeping it covered with weaves and braids. now i want to start taking care of my hair, I need help
@temi This article is really the best place to start. Do you have any more specific questions that we may be able to help you with?
I transitioned for 7 months and then I BC’d on my own…big mistake. My hair was a mess. My only option at 10 pm was to relax it…couldn’t go to work with my hair such a mess. Before I transitioned I wondered what people would think of my natural hair, but quickly came to embrace it and not care what others thought. After I relaxed it, I wondered what people would say about my relaxed hair…I’m more ashamed of this straight crap than I ever felt about my natural hair. I MISS MY FRO!!! Never again will I relax…never!
Hi Natural E-Fab – Thanks for sharing your story. I would love to know more about the specifics of what went wrong when you big chopped. Lets chat when you have a chance.
Thanks
Kenneth
Im new to this soo I wantd to knw hw to quickly grow out of a perm
Hi Missqeetee – On average, it is estimated that hair grows about 1/2 inch per month. This means that (if you’re the average person) your will have the possibly of 1/2 inch of growth per month that will be natural hair. It really depends on how long your hair is to determine how long it will take to grow out the relaxer (along with the growth rate). Take your current length and divide it by 1/2. This will give you a good estimate. This doesn’t account for the amount of length actually retained, which could be less than 1/2 inch per month.
Kenneth
im goin natural and my hair is very nappy i wash it atleast 3 times a week. Its that too much?
&&& thank u @kenneth
Generally speaking, we recommend washing your hair once per week. Then, you should begin to adjust depending on what your hair needs. You will ultimately find the sweet spot for your hair. I can’t definitively say that washing three times per week is too often for your hair, because each head of hair is different. However, if it’s not working, then I do recommend making some changes. I also caution you to review your entire regimen, not only how often your washing your hair. Make sure you understand the hair care practices that you’re using (including products, heat and various techniques). Finally, it’s often beneficial for new naturals to start a natural hair journal. You can begin documenting how products/techniques work for you.
What is natural hair?
I stopped perming my hair more then a year ago.
However, I straighten it right after I wash and let it dry naturally.
Is that the same?
MyNewHair – Yes, we typically define natural hair as relaxer free hair, so using that definition you definitely have natural hair.
Hello, I am transitioning and I really do not want to do a big chop, I have had chemicals in my hair for well over half of my life, while I know and understand this will not be an easy journey, is there anything you could give me advice wise that will shed some light while on this journey. I have seen people natural and its pretty, but most times they tell me that they have big chopped, I have a really nice length of hair and I do clip my ends often, but is there anything else that you could recommend that will help me along the way. My hair is a good mix of wiry and spongy if that makes sense, my mom has natural hair that is a little thick and curly and my dad has really fine curly hair and I guess I am the one in between with the spongy wiry combination. HELPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Chyta –
Congrats on your decision to go natural. Since you’re newly natural, this article is definitely the best place to start. As far as going natural, you can do that a couple of different ways: big chop or transition. Now you have already made the decision to transition – which is perfectly fine. Many women decide to transition and go on to have very successful natural journeys, so please don’t think that you have to big chop (in the traditional sense) to have pretty natural hair.
I would recommend that you read our How to Go Natural guide, there is a link in the right sidebar. It will show you how to start a regimen, create a journal, and much more. You can also review the resource page (see the navigation menu) to select a set of starter products. After you read through those resources, please us know if you have anymore questions. Finally, good luck. I’m really happy for you and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your natural hair. Take care.
Kenneth
Nice article!
I have a comment/question… So I recently did the big chop and I read in the article that I should protect my ends. The only problem I have with that is my hair is short and I don’t like updo hair styles while my hair is so short. I don’t think they fit my face. I been wearing a faux hawk and a curly fro. Is this bad for my hair since I’m not doing anything to protect my ends?
Hi Shameka,
You may also find this article helpful: http://naturalhaircommunity.com/protective-styling-for-short-natural-hair
Ease let me know if you have any further questions- Jael
Thanks so much Jael! I think I’m going to try the finger coils. I appreciate the help
Thank you for all of this awesome information!
@rewiredbyhim Thanks April. I’m glad that you enjoyed the article and welcome to the site.
Kenneth
I really like the article could you put in some protective hairstyles that are authorized by the military? The reason alot of women serving in the military don’t go natural and suffer breakage from constantly wearing braids and weaves is because we think we have no choice. Yet our hair must be off the collar and can’t be viewed by superiors to be bulky or unkempt. ANy help you can lend to this would be appreciated.
We’re working on building a style section for the site, but it’s not quite ready yet. I would suggest that you try wearing updos for your military duty. @Jael spent quite a few years in the Navy and can speak directly to some styles that may be acceptable by military standards.
Hi TC,
When I was in the military, I was relaxed. However, my hair was quite long and I kept it in a sock bun, flat bun and I wore braids. it was definitely something that was friendly to wearing my cover. However, I would definitely suggest taking a look at women who have longer and shorter hair and observe how their hair is kept/styled. Be sure to look at all races, not just one.
Another option is to definitely consider having a longer transition period until you are comfortable with styling your hair per the military rules and regs. Have you tried curly styles? To me, curly styles are easier to maintain and they are PT friendly
You mentioned breakage. Aside from the breakage from weaves and braids, they are probably experiencing breakage at the line of demarcation (were the relaxer meets the natural hair). This is definitely one of the weakest points of the hair during transitioning. If this is the case, I would definitely suggest deciding whether you prefer to wear your hair straight or wear it curly. This will help minimize the stress that is put on maintaining more than one type of hair on the head. Also, keep the hair conditioned as much as possible.
I would love to speak with you more and want to stay updated on what styles you come up with.
So, keep me posted.
Jael
Very informative, thank you.
@mouche
You’re welcome. Take care.
Hi i am a newbie, i started my jouney in Janurary,and my hair is doing some strange things. i dont really understand it, my hair is very dry from scap to the end. I went on youtube acouple of days ago and there is so much info out there. What is the deal with the ECO style gel and the kinky curl gel. Help please. Thanks
Hi Ladyd – I hope you’re doing well today. What do you mean you you what is the deal with ECO style gel and kinky curl gel? Can you add more context to your question?
Hello all. I am planning for a very large Natural Hair event in Washington DC and am looking for community support of Naturals and Natural supporters. I can give more information if anyone is interested. Please email me. God Bless. I too have a few questions, but will save them for later, I am still trying to see how this forum stuff works, lol.
Rosa – Feel free to email me using our contact page.
Greetings Everyone,
I will post my natural fro soon! 
This site is very detailed & so I must say thank you! I’ve been chemical free since Feb. 2011 and I did the BC on Oct 2011 n now I’m loving my natural 2 the fullest! I have my good & bad hair days but with trial & errors and the advice from this lovely website, I’m sure that I’m going to be alright! lol.. Being a military spouse & a mother of 3 (my schedule is so busy 2 where I don’t have hrs 2 do my hair like I use 2) with my natural I can do quick hair styles & be on the go within minutes!!! My 4 yr old daughter is natural & her thick hair is half way down her back! I’m aiming to get back there one day & with patience & great care of my hair & body, I shall get there! I look forward from hearing from others!
Tina – Thanks for sharing. I’m very glad that you find the site useful. Something to consider for you is to create a natural hair journal. I don’t talk about it much in this article, but having a journal can be very beneficial in the beginning as you learn more about your hair.
Thx u Kenneth & I have!!! Some days I find myself writing more down vs. others(my lazy days) lol..
Hi Tina,
If you were able to care for your daughters hair and it has grown down her back, surely you can apply the same techniques to your hair as well and have great results.
Thank you for the wonderful compliment and we hope that you continue to find the information useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Jael
N~ Jael you are absolutely right!!!! The time & care that I put into my daughters hair, I must def can put that into my hair & more!
N~ thx u guys 4 being so friendly & responding back so quickly(that’s always a plus in my book)
You are welcome! We look forward to more of your journey
Greetings, great site, very informative and detailed. I did the BC
Sept 2011 and I am loving being natural and relaxer free. I have my natural hair notebook of how to do, what to us, products I’ve used of what works best for me and what doesn’t. Thanks for such a great site.
Wnada – Very nice. Hope the natural hair journey is working well for you. Congrats on your BC.
Take care.
Kenneth
This is very informative…but I am brand new to this natural thing and all this looks foreign to me. I transitioned for about 4 months and I did my BC on 4/13 and my hair is dry and dull. I use the oil/water mixture everyday and still dry/dull hair. is there anything that I can do?
Thanks in advance!
Lydia – Congrats on your BC. I hope your natural hair journey is going well. Sometimes it can take a little time to figure out exactly how to care for your hair. There are several things that could potentially cause dry/dull hair. Let’s talk specifically about your hair care routine. Which products are you using within your regimen? How are you caring for your hair?
I just wanted to say that I love this article and that I am new to natural hair transition. I was always told that my hair was so beautiful and long and to never cut it but I was the only one who didn’t like my long hair. So after I went off to college I started transitioning for about 6 months(no perms or flat irons) and then got my hair cut in Feb 4,2012 . I did not get the big chop but I only have a little more to go(I have a good bit of hair left).I love my hair and love being different from people with the traditional straight hair. My mom hates my hair she says it “naturally nappy” but she doesn’t know any better. My question is my hair is somewhat curly but what are some products to really define my curls and not be frizzy. Some parts of my hair is really curly and then some of it doesnt curl like I want it to. What can I do?
Thank You for this article, this article pretty much answered all the questions i had:)