I’m Going Natural - A Beginners Handbook

Yo! beauties,
 How is everything? First of all Happy New week to you all,hope your weekend was lovely and I know some of us ain't happy that its Monday already,guess what I'm sad too, the feeling?very mutual. But I have something that will cheer you right up *drum rolls*.........how to work your natural hair *ghen ghen*

So, are you newly natural or have you transitioned and are still skeptical about doing the big chop because you fear for what might become of you and your hair afterwards?
Well! look no further for I have come to dissuade your fears. Everything in this article has been structured to make it easy for you to handle your hair.


Timing Your Big Chop

When I made up my mind to return natural, I was very excited for so many reasons and the temptation to cut off my relaxed hair got stronger as the days went by. Prior to my decision, I got a perm the week before and I did not stop to consider the fact that there was little or no under growth on my head. So, I did my big chop and eventually realized that I should have waited a few months after my last perm. Ladies, before you big chop be sure to wait at least three months from your last perm, this will ensure you don’t get a scalped look after the chop and you can wear your hair in braids or weaves while you wait patiently.
 

Essentials for Newly Naturals

At every stage of your hair growth, care, styling and grooming play important roles. To meet these demands from your hair, you’ll need the following basic tools and products;

Tool/Product                               
1.Wide Tooth Comb  
 Use(s)
De-tangling
 Recommendations               
Any wide tooth comb would suffice for a TWA.

Tool/Product   
2. Pick                    
 Use(s)
Adds volume to hair
 Recommendations   
Opt for a rubber type pick, avoid metal or plastic combs.

Tool/Product
3. Styling Gel
 Use(s)
Defines and enhances curls, best suited for a wash and go
 Recommendations    
Ecostyler gel.

Tool/Product
4. Spray bottle
 Use(s)
 Helps channel moisture based products like water or leave in conditioner to the roots of your hair.
 Recommendations
 Any sizable one with an adjustable nozzle.
  
Tool/Product
 5. Sulphate-Free Shampoo
 Use(s)
To remove excess oils, grease and build up from hair and scalp.
Recommendations
Crème of Nature with Argan oil sulphate free shampoo, ORS Hair Repair Sulphate free Shampoo with Rosemary and Mint.

Tool/Product
6. Co-wash Conditioner
 Use(s)
Used for regular washes instead of a shampoo.
Recommendations
As I Am Coconut Co-Wash, Mega Growth Detangling Conditioner
  
Tool/Product
7. Satin Scarf/Satin Bonnet
 Use(s)
Used in place of regular hair nets to combat frizz and dryness associated with rubbing hair against cotton fabrics.
Recommendations
Stay-On Satin Scarf

Tool/Product
8. Leave-In Conditioner
Use(s)
Keeps hair soft, moisturized and makes detangling a breeze.
Recommendations
Profectiv Mega Growth Leave-In Conditioner, Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-In  Conditioner.

Tool/Product
9. Deep Conditioner
Use(s)
Softens dry hair and helps to restore chemically processed hair.
Recommendations
Crème Of Nature With Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment, Hair Mayonnaise, Organics Deep Conditioner, Profectiv Mega Growth Deep Conditioning Treatment.

Tool/Product
10. Coconut Oil
Use(s)
Perfect moisture sealant, boosts hair health and growth.
Recommendations
KTC Coconut Oil, i think a home made one does the magic better.
 

Myths about Natural/Black Hair
1.     Natural hair does not grow
2.     It is coarse
3.     It is difficult to comb and style
4.     It is boring and unfashionable.


Facts about Natural Hair
1.    Just like relaxed and chemically straightened hair, natural hair grows even better. See images below for proof.
 Ten months of growth
Six YEARS Relaxed versus Ten MONTHS Natural
2. It is nothing close to coarse, the ‘type 4’ hair is in fact the finest textured hair which explains why it is prone to breakage and requires careful handling.
3.     Natural hair is not difficult to comb, all you need to do is spray some water and conditioner onto the hair so it is damp and then comb the ends first before gradually working your comb to the roots.
4.     It is very versatile as there are countless styles to suit any occasion.

Natural hair is versatile

There are innumerable things to try on your new  hair and from experience, I discovered that every time I styled my hair a particular way, there was always something new to learn from previous styling mistakes. The common hair styles are twist outs, finger coils, wash and gos, bantu knots and braid outs but keep in mind that the length of your hair is a determiner of which ones you can wear at a particular time.

 Wash and Go

Procedure
Step 1: wash or co-wash hair using either a shampoo or a co-wash conditioner or     both.
Step 2: remove excess water by shaking your head like you’re refusing something
Step 3: dab hair with an old t-shirt to soak up any excess water
Step 4: apply leave-in conditioner
Step 5: seal in moisture with coconut oil or any other oil
Step 6: Follow with a curl enhancing cream (Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie) or a curl defining gel (Ecostyler gel).
Different Growth stages showing the ‘wash and go’

Maintenance
You can repeat  the wash and go on a daily basis if you have the time, if not, you can just spray water onto your hair the next morning to keep it fresh.
  Finger Coils
Procedure
Step 1: saturate hair with water
Step 2: take a small section, detangle until smooth, moisturize with a leave-in to reduce the dryness that may result from using the next product in step 3 below
Step 3: apply a generous amount of any styling gel (preferably ecostyler) to that section
Step 4: take a smaller subsection from the small section
Step 5: twirl/roll the smaller subsection around your finger from roots to ends, your finger should serve as a roller.
Step 6: continue with step 5 above until you complete that section
Step 7: repeat steps 2 to 6 to finish off.


Twist outs
Procedure
This involves twisting your hair when it is either dry or wet and then undoing the twists after some hours or days.
Step1: spray some water to dampen hair for ease of detangling and product penetration.
Step 2: take a small section, you can either apply a twist cream or pudding to section for better definition. I’ve never used a twist cream before and my twist outs come out super defined because shea butter mixed with leave-in conditioner just does it for me.
Step 3: using two strands only, twist hair from roots to ends
Step 4: allow hair to air dry, untwist with care to avoid tangling (go from ends to roots)
Step 5: fluff and style as you desire.

Twist and Twist out
Night time routine
Re-twist entire hair and wear a satin bonnet before going to bed
                         OR
Use the banding method I’ve described below and then put on a satin bonnet or scarf afterwards.

Banding
Banding method:  just as the name implies, it involves using hair ties or hair bands to retain hairstyle while controlling shrinkage at the same time and all you have to do the next morning is take out the hair ties and pick the roots of your hair.
For more helpful tips about all you need to know when it comes to Natural hair visit www.afriziny.wordpress.com

By:Olaedo