People everywhere are embracing the natural textures of their hair, breaking away from the norm and going into the natural! Embracing their natural locks and curls brings a sense of empowerment and boldness. However, many people who attempt to join this hair revolution are lost due to the lack of information and products available to those with kinky or curly hair. Be not dismayed! Here is you ultimate guide to going natural.
Three Truths to Going Natural
1. It’s commitment. Like most hairstyles, going natural takes time and energy. Most people give up on going natural because of up keeping and difficulty finding an effective hair routine. Going natural is a big change of pace and may require you to make adjustments. Before going natural, ask yourself is the process of going natural worth the results.
2. Nappy doesn’t equal natural. There is nothing worse than a dry Brillo pad on the top of a woman’s head. Not only does it look horrible, but it stunts the growth of your hair. Going natural doesn’t mean “abandon all hair products and maintenance tools.” In fact, it means just the opposite. Kinky hair is more sensitive than straight hair because the bends and coils in it makes it more prone to breakage. Also, most people with kinky hair have scalps that don’t produce the oils your hair needs to grow. An afro needs two basic things: lots of moisture and lots of maintenance. The moisture provides the nutrients your hair needs to grow. The best products to use are those that are organic. Avoid products that have alcohol and other chemical and use products that have oils and nutrients like aloe, olive oil, coconut oil, and more. Also, it isn’t necessary to comb through your hair everyday, however, you do need to be sure that you do something to it daily. The best thing would be to comb it through while it’s wet with water and moisturizer about three days per week. The other days you should put moisturizer in your hair and brush it. This will tame your kinks into curls. Overall, make sure your hair stays clean, moisturized, and tamed.
3. The “big chop” isn’t required! Most people avoid going natural because they are afraid to cut or shave their hair. This is understandable because not everyone looks good bald or with short hair. There are plenty of ways to go natural without being bald or with short hair. Of course, you will eventually cut the permed hair off, but that doesn’t have to happen until you think it’s time. Though cutting the permed hair will speed up hair growth, it’s not required.
Two Ways to Go Natural
The Legendary Afro
Popular in the 70’s, the Afro has served as a symbol of pride in the African American community. The Afro is quickly making a comeback, gracing the heads of celebrities as well as the everyday community. There are many kinds of Afro’s and the way yours will look depends on the texture of your hair. There are plenty of hair products on the market that help define your hair texture to make the hair more curly. If your hair is easily tamed, an idea for you to use is Garne Fructise curly hair products. For hair that is more stubborn, you may want to use Kinky-Curly (another brand), which can be found easily at Target and Sally’s.
Protective Styles
The term “protective style” refers to any hairstyle that is low maintenance and puts a minimum amount of stress on your hair. These hairstyles allow your hair to grow without too much strain. They
offer you the option of diversity and a easy morning hair routine. Though it would be more
beneficial if you did, you don’t have to cut your hair to attain these styles. Protective styles can be anything from braids and kinky twists to hair extensions.
Going natural is easier than ever with more information and products for natural hair. Before going natural, do your research to ensure that this style is for you. If it is, go for it, and remember to find the style that is best for you and your hair!
