An email from April:

Hi-so I am transitioning back to natural from locs-but how do I know if my texture is 4a or 4b?

Thanks
April

April, congrats on starting your transitioning journey. Honestly, I’m kind of over the whole hair typing deal. It really never helped me with anything. Words like “kinky” “coarse” “thick” help me better decide the care for my hair than the hair typing system does. There is no system that can accurately describe my hair, it’s unique.

To answer your question, here is a guide provided by naturallycurly.com. Good luck to you!

A comment from Felecia:

Hi KCurly,

Awesome website! I have been transitioning since Oct ’09 , and just did the BC yesterday. I am so lost as far as what I should do with my hair. I have about 2 inches of new growth. I wore wigs for most of my transitioning stage. I believe I have two textures in my hair. Its curly in the middle, however the front isnt as curly. Does this last long? Will all of my hair eventually be curly? Help me out girl!

Felicia

Felicia, congrats on your BC! First, I must ask if you used heat during your transition at all? Sometimes straighter hair can be from overuse of heat and also the use of henna, which can loosen the curl pattern.

If none of that applies, then you may just have a looser hair pattern there naturally. I have two suggestions. First, you can try to twist or coil the section that don’t curl with your finger while your hair is wet. Undo the twists or separate the coils once your hair has dried a bit. Second, you can try scrunching that hair to encourage it to curl.

When my hair was shorter, I would scrunch on occasion. I don’t do it as much as I rarely wear wash n go styles any longer. You can use a good gel or gel like product if you like, in addition to scrunching.

What is scrunching, you might ask? Essentially, it’s taking small sections of hair and pressing the ends towards your head. You want to make sure that your hair is wet when you do this and, as I said earlier, containing a product for extra hold.

Hope that helps….and perhaps someone may have some other suggestions for you.

Comments from Blatina from the style options area:

Hi, thanks for sharing these pics. I have been natural for over ten years (locs) but am taking down my locs and looking into styles that I might want to wear. On the large braid braidout, how many braids did you do? Also when straight ironing your hair how do you do the back of your head (the kitchen area)? My hair is pass my shoulders but at the nape of my neck the hair is short. I can’t imagine doing that part without a hot comb.

Oh, also, what type of heat protectant do you use when straight ironing your hair and what kind of straight iron do you use?

Hey Blatina, here is the post where I showed how I did my braidout, including what products I used.

To answer your question about the straightening of my nape, the answer is “with tender loving care” and that goes for my edges as well. In fact, sometimes I will not even completely straighten my edges. They are very delicate from all the relaxing I’ve done in my life. My napes has fully recovered, and is one of the longest sections of my hair. However, I still treat it with care. It has come too far from the little nub of hair that used to be there for me to mess it up now. I run the flat iron over it once, very gently, and that’s it. You may also try rolling it beforehand to help it get straighter without so much heat.

This doesn’t get it super straight, but it’s still nice and healthy. The flat iron I’m currently using is called the Maxiglide, you can see my review of it here. I have used several different heat protectants and you can view all of my adventures in straightening through these posts.

Comment from Gugu:

Hi

I would also like to go natural but don’t want to do big chop how can I do it?

Gugu, it is very possible to do. Check out this post about another long term transitioner, Mook, who transitioned for about 2 years! Here’s her story.

A comment from Pam:

Hi Kcurly, I just love your web site. tryin to work with my mostly natural hair. Been almost natural for 4 years. Have been put texturizer in hair every 2-4months though. I know, I know you wince at that idea. But I did not know about all the product out there I could use. I need my hair to be mangeable. and look good too. have taken alot of notes from your website. Love your suggestion and your replys. Want to use the product you suggest. Need ideas for keeping my hair moisturized, very dry. Please give me some local stores suggestion. Live in a small town. We do have a wal-mart, Publix, Healthfood store, And Sally. Plus funds is limited, lol. Thanks for your help.

Pam, thanks for the comment. I have a article (Newly Natural on a Budget) already for lower priced products that are usually available locally. If you check the individual links in that article, there should be a list of where it’s available for purchase, or at least where I purchased mine.

See part one here for more suggestions.

Here are some additional product suggestions that I’ve added since writing that first article on the subject.

S-curl

Mirra Pomade

Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol

Ion Anti Chlorine Swimmer’s Shampoo

Hello there! My name is Sherrye and I am interested in starting a blog or website in reference to natural hair as well. I wanted to know how did you get started? Also, I would like for my blog or site to be lucrative……how do I go about making money from the site? Just curious.

Thanks for the email Sherrye! I would type up a new response, but Afrobella did a wonderfully thorough post on this awhile back. Here’s the link. She’s been in the blogging game for a long time, so she knows far better than me. I hope that helps and good luck in your endeavors!

Hello. My name is April.  I started growing my hair out and stopped getting perms about 3 years ago.  I had a really short haircut that was shaved in the back(see pic).  I figured this was the best way to go natural with out having the BC.  Ever since Ive been growing out my hair I have been pressing it about every 2 to 3 weeks with the pressing comb and daily use of the flat iron.  I am not wanting to wear my hair in the more natual and beautiful curly styles.

I have  afew questions.  Last week I tried the 2 strand twist out with IC fantasia aloe olive oil gel.  It turned out ok but my hair looked extremely dry and the style only lasted 3 days.  Also parts of my hair are very straight even after washing.  Its the parts in the from of my hair.  Today I am trying the twist out with Miss Jessie’s curly pudding.  I am having a hard time getting my twists to stay so its more like a combination of twists and bantu knots.  I need to know what styles and products I can use as I transition out of pressed hair.  I would say I have a 3c-4A hair type.  I have also enclosed a pic of my straight pressed hair.  I havent taken any with of the twist out yet I will tomorrow when I take this down.  I hope you can help me.  Thank you in advance for your time.

April

April, thanks for the email!

I’m sorry for your heat damage, that does make wearing natural styles harder.

First, I would dump the gel…or at least use it with something. Most gels alone are drying to the hair and not nourishing. Try using a butter or a leave in conditioner to do your twists instead (or under your gel).  Since your hair is also heat damaged, it needs some tender loving care.

Miss Jessie’s…ehh…if you find that you like, have at it! But I found it lacking, and probably wouldn’t use it for twists/twist outs. Also it’s not very cost efficient. You may also read this and this post for more ideas on moisture.

As for the straight ends, you will need to secure them with perm rods or another type of roller so that they will curl and also so your twists won’t unravel. In addition, a braid out (just braid the hair instead of twisting, still use the perm rods) might be better for getting definition than a twist out on hair that is straight.

For other styles, you can try cornrows, bantu knots/knot out, braids, kinky twists, etc…all the styles that transitioning ladies love.  Good luck to you and let us know how it goes!

Moni's Awesome Braidout!

Hi Kcurly,

First, I want to say that I love your blog!  It’s definitely one of my favorites.  Now that the weather is warmer, I’m wearing my hair out in my signature braidout (picture attached).  Do you have any suggestions for a good daily moisturizer?  I’d like something light, either a lotion or cream, to use on my hair when I rebraid it in large braids at night.  I’m looking for something close to a hair milk, definitely not a spray.  Thanks for your help!

Cheers,

Moni

Moni, first of all your braidout is on fiyah! Just off the top of my head here are several suggestions for a light cream/lotion you might like for the warmer weather.

Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root

KBB Hair Nectar or KBB Hair Milk (Most people say the Nectar is lighter, though I’m the odd man out on that one)

Coconut Oil (Used sparsely of course)

Kinky Curly Knot Today

Maybe some of the ladies here can give you more recommendations. Thanks for reading!

I came across your website recently in my quest to go “natural”. … I absoloutly adore your website! I have been compleletly natural for a week. I know it is not very long however, I am 19 (will be 20 on mar 29th) and I have had only one relaxer in my entire life and I was 11 years old. I regret it to this day. Although I dont have a “relaxer horror story” however the relaxer did alter my hair texture in my opinion. I have an ok length of hair when straightened (different lengths past my shoulders depending on how much I cut off at times). I used to only straighten my hair once a month (wash blow dry and flat iron). I’ve been wearing the bantu knot look and I love it. I was wondering how frequently should I wash my hair? What should be a good hair care regimen for my hair? My “grade” of hair is strange because I have two different grades of hair on my right and left side. Once again I adore your website (especially the protein treatment I will be trying it in the near future)!!

Hey Candi, thanks for your email and congrats! Your hair looks beautiful and you certainly seemed to have mastered the bantu knot and bantu knot out. Having two different textures is not unheard of. I myself probably have about 3 different textures, as do most people!

You should wash your hair as needed, there is no set time. Some people like to wash once a day, some every 2 weeks. Finding a routine is kind of trial and error. It’s good to look at other people’s routines, but it may or may not work for your hair. Maintain healthy hair practices such as sleeping on satin and/or silk, keep it moisturized, and low manipulation. Above all: Read, read, read, and learn as much as you can

Conditioner in Hair

Bantu Knots

Ponytail with bantus

Unrolled Bantus

Pinned back bantu

Combed out bantu

A recent question from Irma:

I’m so at a lost with my hair. I had the BC in Sept of 2008. My hair has grown however I feel like it has stopped. I got it trimmed in May 2009. I have colored it blonde and regret it. But since May 2009 I feel like my hair has stopped growing. I often wear it wet and go. I spray a mixture of oils and IC Leave-In-Moisturizer in everyday. I’m lost and confused :0( I don’t know what to do anymore to make my hair feel loved. I’m just looking for some natural advice pretty pleaseeeeee.

Hey Irva, thanks for the comment!

First, you’ve gotten rid of the color, so you’re off to a good start!

Second, if you wear your hair in wash n go’s a lot, your hair may not be protected. Wearing your hair in protective styles such as twists, coils, braids, buns, etc helps to keep your ends protected. They can also stretch the hair out so that it doesn’t shrink up and cause single strand knots.

Your hair is always growing, unless there’s something medically wrong.

It’s keeping the length that’s important. Also practices like sleeping on satin/silk pillowcases, not letting your hair rub against rough clothing, and keeping the hair moisturized play a big part (see this and this post).

You probably want to try to play around with some different product combinations. Remember that most oils are not very moisturizing (coconut and jojoba are about the only ones that I can describe as moisturizing). I’m not sure what ingredients comprise the IC leave in, but be sure that none of the ingredients disagree with your hair.

Also, sometimes natural hair can be tricky! It looks like it’s not growing, because of the shrinkage. To be sure, take pictures when it’s stretched and if you’re obsessive like I am you can measure your hair to be really sure.

Finally, make sure that when you are going in for “trims” that they are actually needed. I rarely trim my hair and only when I see split ends. Some stylists consider taking off 3-4″ a trim. That is not a trim, that is a cut.

Email from Yvette:

Hi KCurly,

Let me start off by saying that I love your website.  I consider myself natural in the sense that I haven’t chemically straightened my hair for five and a half years.  However, I have been pressing my hair (using a flat iron and a hot comb).  I just recently discovered that my hair looks a lot better if I only use a flat iron and the excess heat of a hot comb is probably not the best idea.  Anyway, I decided to try something new with my hair and that is what has led me to your site, as well as other natural sites.  I feel that with African American hair, there’s so much versatility so why not explore!  The first, and only style I’ve tried thus far is the twist out, but my ends seem to be straight when I’m done.  After I wash my hair, half of it is all coiled and the other half is coiled with straight ends.  And I assume that’s just how my hair is.  I say all this to ask, what would you suggest to rectify these straight ends?  With the rest of the hair all curled, the straightness at the tips don’t mesh.

I appreciate your time to read this email and again, I love the site.

Blessings,

Yvette

Yvette!

Welcome to the world of natural hair styling. I’m glad that you’re experimenting.

Unfortunately, it sounds like you may have some heat damage, hence the side of your hair with straight ends. It could be possible that you have some straight hair naturally, but the fact that only the ends are straight leads me to believe otherwise.

You may want to try a twist n curl to solve this. Simply twist as you were doing before, but stop before you reach the ends. Then secure the end with a roller or perm rod. Let it dry completely before undoing it. This is also a good transitioning style for those who still have relaxed ends.

For a long run solution (if you want to continue wearing natural styles), you may want to consider slowly clipping off the straight ends until the damage is gone.

Take care and happy hair styling!

From Ashleigh:

Kcurly,

Thanks for the great information on your blog! I just found out that I am pregnant and heard that rosemary is not good for pregnant women to use. Is this true? I want to add some to my shea butter.

Thanks for the email!  A lot of newly natural ladies start mixing up their own hair concoctions. And essential oils can be a big part of that. However, we need to be careful, especially if one is pregnant.

From What to Expect When You’re Expecting: 4th Edition
:

Pregnant women should particularly avoid the following oils because some of them can trigger uterine contractions: basil, juniper, rosemary, sage, peppermint, pennyroyal, oregano, and thyme. (Midwives often use these oils during labor precisely because they trigger contractions.)If you have had an aromatherapy massage with these oils (or used them in home bath or treatments), don’t worry. The absorption of the oils is very low, especially because the skin on your back is pretty thick. Just steer clear of them in future treatments.Scented lotions or beauty products sold at bath and beauty shops (like peppermint foot lotion, for instance) are fine since the scents aren’t concentrated.

Just be careful and ask your doctor beforehand if you are concerned. If you really want to be on the safe side, just postpone your experimenting until your child is born.

This is from the NAHA (National Association for  Holistic Aromatherapy) website:

We used to advise not at all in the first three months, and then maybe only quite prudently, pointing to a long history of anecdotal reportage of safe use. However various regulatory bodies concerned with the toxicological effects of essential oils on both sides of the pond have pointed out that detailed evidence of the effects of essential oils on human reproductive toxicology is missing. We also know that foetal and infant detoxification mechanisms are under-developed and we understand them poorly. It would be the choice of (Safety Chair) therefore to err on the side of extreme caution and not use essential oils during pregnancy, although this policy might be considered rather extreme by some.

Honestly, this is probably the plan I would follow, total avoidance. It’s only 9 months, you have years to experiment!

Hi!

I had been transitioning since August 2008 and finally decided to chop off the relaxed hair a few weeks back. When I cut off my hair, I just KNEW my hair was going to have a great curl. I figured wrong! My hair ended up looking similar to yours after your BC. What products did you use to get the curl definition?

Thanks in advance,

Toiaya

Tolaya,

Congrats on your BC! First of all, a lot of people kind of have “after shocks” following the BC. In other words,  your hair can sometimes act a little off. A lot of people experience dryness, etc.

Before I go into curl definition, I must first make a point that I often try to get across here. My hair did not turn out as I envisioned it when going natural. You have to learn to love your hair for what it is. It’s easy for me to type that, but a lot harder for it to be ingrained in the psyche. Believe me, I know.

If relaxed Kcurly could see present Kcurly’s hair, she probably would not have gone natural. My hair texture, though curly, is not what I initially envisioned. I have mentally transitioned, as they say on the hair forums, to accept my hair as it grows out of my head (along with all of the wonderful things it can do!).

I try to encourage newly natural ladies to not focus so much on curl definition. You will go crazy and use up a lot of product, money, and time. I went through a time period when I was washing my hair 2-3 times a day to get the perfect curl. Looking back, that’s ridiculous. There’s nothing wrong with experimenting at all, but I was obsessed with having loose curls. I was doing everything I could not to have a ‘fro.

Better energy can be spent on learning more about what your hair can do instead of trying to make it into someone else’s hair.  All of this is said with love! And don’t get wrong, I’m not against defining one’s curls. I just think one should love one’s hair regardless of it curls or not.

So, having said all that, here is some information for curl definition. I know you asked about products, but I’ve found that technique is usually more important than the products. But check out my Products I Love section for recommendations as well as combination examples.

My first advice is to pamper your hair. Get the moisture going and take care of it. If you have curls or coils, they will come out on their own when your hair is healthy and moisturized.

I did a post awhile back on Curl Definition . You can find some tips there for what worked for me. Combing my hair makes the curls separate, so if your hair is like mine, you may want to try fingercombing to encourage curls. Also piggybacking off a style like a twist out or braid out encourages my hair to curl. My hair is curly, but not incredibly so.

You may also want to take a look at Terri’s Curly Primer method. It did not work for me and her product recommendations didn’t agree with my hair, but a lot of people swear by it. Also similar, Miss Jessie’s has a good shingling guide. You can substitute similar products if you don’t have access to MJ’s.

Anyway, I hope this post helped you some and I know you will come to love your hair once you two get to know each other better.

Hello Kcurly,
In September 2009, I decided I wanted to be chemical free and start wearing my naturally curly hair. I have a really dry/coarse grade of hair so I knew it would be a challenge. So I informed my step mom and she gave me information about a Keratin Treatment that may make the transition a little easier (she swears by this stuff).

Needless to say, I tried and IT failed. The skin around my edges started to peel and I began to shed a lot more than normal. I told her about this and she suggested I should keep moisturizing it, and said the flat iron may have been too hot. I thought it was an allergic reaction or it was done wrong. During the next month and a half, I became a proud owner of three new bald spots!!! I then realized my hair could not be saved and I went to have it all chopped off. That was the most emotional moment for me. I wanted to try the transition gradually, and be more comfortable with the thought of being a “bald” woman; so let’s just say, this is what caused my big-cut-decision.

About a week after the BC I decided “hey let’s try a texturizer.” Granted, that made me a little more accepting of the cut because it didn’t look so dry and I had some curl definition, but I didn’t want to have to rely on chemicals anymore. I only wore my hair out in public ONE time after that. I didn’t like the cream that was suggested by the manufacturer because it left a nasty film on my hair. Another one I tried, within their line, left my hair crunchy. I have no idea what to use or try. After all of the disappointment I decided not to put another texturizer in my hair, and continue with my original plan.

Well, now it’s January and I’ve been covering up this “mess” with hats and head wraps. Last week I decided to go to the barber shop and have it cut again. As of right now, I have no more chemically treated hair on my head. BUT, I’m back to covering it up because I don’t know how to moisturize it, and keep it looking nice and healthy. Also, he cut it a lot shorter than it was when I first started.

I read a few of the product reviews and suggestions you posted, and I have no idea where to start. You gave so many great options I got a little overwhelmed. Do you, and fellow readers, have any suggestions for beginners? I currently wash and condition my hair with Silk Elements product line, and I have been using Mostions moisturizer on my hair. I realized the moisturizer isn’t doing much because a) my hair eats it all up and it doesn’t even last at least two hours, b) I have to put almost the whole bottle in at one time, and c) my hair is still very brittle. If I scratch my head the wrong way I have hair falling from my head. Help me guys!!!

Thanks,
Tiara

Tiara, you have been through it, girl! I hope your experiences show other newly naturals the road of chemical alteration is fraught with peril. (Think you want a texture softener? Read this post!)

Now on to your questions. This post and this post have suggestions for keeping moisture in your hair (or rather, this is what’s worked for me).

The products that you’re using…I’m not familiar with the Silk Elements line, but the Motions moisturizer is garbage, to be quite frank. Get away from the stuff with mineral oil or petroleum in it. That’s why it’s just sitting on your hair. Stuff like that is ok on top of something moisturizing, as with the Chicoro method (she uses vaseline to seal in after using conditioner) but to rely on it by itself makes my hair into a hot mess.

Now, once you’ve tried everything else, you may want to try eliminating silicones. That is not for everyone, but they do cause some people to have buildup and dry hair.

You have a TWA so keep it simple. I first suggest you do a shampoo to start with a clean slate. Do a good DC (check the ingredients, if you are short on money Lustrasilk has an awesome DC), and go from there.  Conditioner wash when you need to, sleep with a satin scarf/pillowcase, deep condition, moisturize as needed, try to limit the shampooing, oil your scalp as need.

Most importantly, read, read, read and educate yourself. Good luck!

Maybe some readers will have some more suggestions for you!

An excerpt of an email from Denise:
Hello Kcurly!

Have been enjoying your site for almost a year. Thanks!!!

I’ve a couple of questions…

can you speak to the dangers of hair accessories. which are safe? how can the consumer use them wisely? ( head bands in particular)

I have crazy thin temples…I’m thinking that my use of headbands are the culbrit? should I use more oil in these spots…like coconut oil or something?

Denise, thanks so much for the email and I apologize for me taking so long to get back to you.

Headbands can be the culprit of thinning edges and nape. The traction of a tightly applied headband and the fabric of the headband itself are both a danger.  I know newly natural ladies rely heavily on headbands…Goodness knows I did, but caution must be taken.

• Satin or silk headbands are the best  choices for headbands if possible.
• When using the Goody ouchless headbands, make sure to soak them an oil or conditioner before putting them on your head. Also stretch them out before you use them. I wrap them around my bedpost tightly for a few days before I use them.
• Apply extra oil or moisturizer to your edges and nape before putting on the headband or scarf does help. These also need to not be too tight.
• Take a break from them. Try other styles that you’d feel more comfortable wearing without a headband