If you’re like most people, your hair comprised of 2, 3, or even 4 different textures. Those of us who’ve had relaxers most of our lives have no idea when we stop relaxing that all of our hair is not the same. I won’t go into the hair typing system because I quite frankly find it a bit confusing, but my hair is definitly 2 different textures if not 3.
The front, as you can see in the photo below, is looser textured with spiral curls and s shaped curls. The “bang” area is probably the least coarse area on my head.
Front
The back, especially nearer to the nape and below my ears, has tiny coffee stirrer sized coils. It is also where the more coarse texture is.
The back
Why is it important for transitioners and new naturals to realize the differences in the textures?
- Different reactions to styling. The back, because of being so tightly coiled, is more likely to hold certain styles such as twists and coils for longer.
- Product distribution. The back can take a lot more gel like products than the front without getting hard or crunchy. The front needs a lighter hand with both gels and moisturizers. The back needs a lot more moisturizers.
- Shrinkage. Because of the tightly coiled texture of the back of my hair, it often appears to be shorter than the rest. Since I measure on a regular basis, I know that this is not true but it can often give my hair an uneven look to it.
- Handle with care. The front of my hair can take a lot more manipulation and combing than the back. I get “tenderheaded” when dealing with the back as the comb does not glide as easily through it even when wet. The back is also more prone to breakage. The front, on the other hand, tends to lose its frizz more when touched while wet than the back.
I’ve learned to love all of my textures. I love feeling my coils spring back into place after being pulled as much as I love twirling my spiral curls. I find it fascinating now and embrace it all. I encourage anyone else to do the same.
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Great post! I always tell my sisters that it is completely normal to have different textures. I think i have at least 3!! however most of us have been relaxing since the age of 6 and have no idea…
Someone was saying that natural hair care is like Christmas. You never know what’s under there
My hair is so dry that even after adding oil of any kind, a day or two later it’s dry enough to break.
I need help, I have tried so many product swearing to be the right moisturizer.
I have to say I do put a semi-permanent color on my hair every time I wash which is 2 weeks.
Lois, I hope to have a post up by tomorrow at the latest addressing dryness. Hang in there, hun!
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
After going natural 4 years ago I too realized that my hair has different textures. The left side of my hair curly while the right side is almost completely straight. I have grown to love it because there’s just no getting around it, but it limits me from doing a lot of the cute ‘natural’ styles that I’d really love to wear.
Anywho, no one ever understands me when I try to explain to them why my hair is the way it is, so I’ve given up and tend to wear it straight most of the time.
Its a miracle I found this site! I think your hair is very similar to mine, but I’ve had my hair natural since I was 13 (25 now) and I still have not found products and styles that I absolutely love and are easy to manage. It was only relaxed once when I was 12 and I went through the whole “growing out” period when I was in high school so I never did the BC like you did.
I used to get my hair braided a lot back when I lived on the island, and I went to the hairdresser once a month, but honestly I believe the products they used are not for my hair type at all. I recently checked out Naturally Curly and the other site by dickey and I was still not convinced enough of the products that would best match my hair.
I’m a medical student and I have limited money to spend on my hair but I was hoping to experiment on some styles and products before my clinical rotations start so I can be able to effectively manage my hair.
How long does it take you to take care of your hair, on average? I know that most of the products you review can be found online, but have you seen any of these same products in beauty stores?
I love your hair and the fact that it is so versatile and fun, and my goal is to get to where you are!
I appreciate your advice, Thank you!