Regimen
My hair regimen is ever changing, but here is what I currently do. The list may change as I (and my hair) grow.
- No or only water soluble silicones unless straightening
- Only comb hair when wet, soaked with conditioner, using a wide-toothed comb or Denman brush, preferably under a shower stream
- Only trim when needed or if I see single strand knots/split end
- Rarely shampoo unless swimming is involved
- Conditioner wash when I wash my hair, especially if it’s everyday
- If I need to get rid of buildup, I use ACV rinses, baking soda wash, or diluted castile soap
- Protective styling as much as I can. That includes twists, coils, twist out, braids, braid outs, buns, puff buns. When hair is in twists, etc, I will pin up the hair at least 5 days a week to protect my ends from brushing clothes, etc.
- Frequent moisturizing as needed. Either with a spritz/spray or cream. I use spritz when in a protective style and a cream when my hair is “out”
- Deep conditioning every time hair is washed, preferably 3 or 4 hours, with a plastic cap or grocery bag.
- Sleep with a satin cap, scarf, or sleep on a satin pillowcase. Also, if I’m just bumming around the house, keep hair protected with a scarf or bonnet.
- Rarely use heat.
- No mineral oil or petroleum products.
- I may oil rinse before a DC or cowash
- Oil or moisturize my edges at least every other day and treat them gently to encourage growth/repair relaxer damage
- Oil scalp when itchy with jojoba oil or other light product. Otherwise, nothing on the scalp.
- Protein treatment every 6 weeks or so.
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when you say mineral oil/petroleum…is that basically what we call ‘grease’…blue magic, softee..etc?
Bre, yes, that’s what I mean. There are other pomades (aka grease) out there without the bad ingredients.
Has your hair been growing with this regimen
Currently I’m transitioning (about 6 mo w/o relaxer) and so I’ve been doing a lot of research on natural hair to prepare my self, I’m doing a slow transition because I’m not ready to do the big chop. I feel that my head is a lil on the big side for a TWA, LOL and right now its shoulder length. But I have a question…. When you say “No shampoo (or rarely)” does that you mean you don’t use shampoo AT ALL? I thought shampoo is supposed to clean your hair and from reading a lot of naturals don’t. I’m confused….. Also, my two girls (4 and 3) have natural hair and it is a task to keep it from drying out and look just a hot mess. What products do you recommend, I would like to use products that are chemical free and all natural but I have idea where to look. I can’t want til all 100% natural, I’m excited! Thanks
Hey Nina, the answer to your question about products I recommend are in this post. You can use shampoo is that works for you…but it can dry the hair out. Most conditioners have agents that cleanse the hair. There are also a lot of cleansing cremes that can be used instead of shampoo. I also like Castile soap diluted in water. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!
Hello…I am transitioning my hair from relaxer to natural; it has been 9 months since my last relaxer and the biggest concern I have is finding hairstyles that fit or look nice on me. I have been wearing different types of braids to make the transition smoother. What are some suggestions for hairstyles or even where to start?
Thanks, K
Kela, congrats on transitioning. There are a lot of styles open for the transitioner. My style of choice was the twist out. I have a tutorial here(you will have to put rollers on the ends). Youtube is a great place to find tutorials or the transitioning sections of Nappturality and Curltalk. Good luck, shoot me an email if you have an questions.
hello im new to this website but I have been transitioning since aug 2009 i have some growth 2+ inches to be exact…I did find some of thses articles very informative on the big chop and hair textures and I know right now have three different textures in my hair right now until I do my big chop friday…..im excited really thanks to my friends and family supporting me and you tube and this website I think my hair is gonna come out beautiful my hair dresser does want me to bring my KCCC products and my V05 i might try that deep conditioner from jessies curl and the suave also um I should be posting pics soon..on my you tube page and facebook and might get a fotki account too thanks for the advice….
hello I have had unprocessed hair since i was 11 and for some reason it wont groe past the nape of my neack and it will not for the love of goodness curl up and sadly I’m 20 now! lol do u have any reccomendatins on how i can get my naturally curly roots and my permed looking ends to match up?I would love to try a wash and go
Tiona, the only thing I can suggest is to cut the permed ends off. You could try using rollers of some sort. Your natural hair will probably retain length much better than the permed hair.
Hey, I’m a young man (16 1/2) looking for some help with hair. I was hoping your site could also apply to men’s hair. You seem to know your stuff and there’s really no home for black male hair on the internet.
I’ve been using texturizers for awhile now and I’m looking to transition into a more natural style. I really liked how the texturizers brought out the curls in my hair, but the product build-up is really gross and leaves my hair thick and greasy! And if I wash it, the curls weaken. So I don’t wanna use s-curls anymore.
Is there any moisturizers/conditioners/any products out there that can exaggerate the curls in my hair without making it greasy, while also allowing me to wash regularly? I could really use your help, thank you
I big chopped 12/5/09. I did not transition, I cut after 6 weeks next perm date. It has only been 20 days but my hair has grown nicely. My only problem is that I have tried shampoo and cowash and each seems to leave my hair extremely dry. I have found the perfect homemade deep conditioner that helps but I would like to find a good cowashing conditioner to take some of the pressure off my deep conditioner. Any suggestions? thanks. Tonya
Have you tried Curls coconut sublime conditioner for a ccowash???
Could you recommend products i could try if im sensitive to strong smells because of allergies, my hair is dry because im lost everything i try the smell is way too strong even a small smell makes be light headed and prone to breakout in hives!! can anyone help? PLEASE
Jaye, KBB and Curls By Sister Smith make unscented version of their products. If you look, you may find some others, that’s just off the top of my head.
I had hair down to the middle of my back and for the past year, I have slowly cut it shorter and shorter, until one day, i chopped it completely off. I decided to go natural honestly because i was bored. I have always been able to go 12 to 16 weeks with out getting a perm due to the texture of my hair. Now im 12 weeks natural and loving it. My problem is, I am so confused. Because I didnt put much thought into going natural, I don’t know what to do. I have no idea what a cowash is, and until just now, i didnt know I shouldn’t wash with shampoo. I have no clue what type of products, combs, gels, and thing to use. PLEASE offer any advise to a newbie. I need “first you do this” type help.
Thanks
New and Confused
Tonya (anonymous) I like Suave coconut conditioner for my cowashes. Check out my product reviews.
New and Confused, you can use shampoos if you feel like you need to or you can dilute it. Cowashing is just washing your hair with conditioner and skipping the shampoo. I have a lot of info on my blog, please send me an email at kcurly@newlynatural.com if you have specific questions
Hello. I have been transitioning since July 2009. Before transitioning I only got relaxers every 4 months. I am having a hard time finding a regimen for my hair. I have curly hair and it tangles and sheds very easy. I would like to know what would be a good leave in cond, deep cond and a styling product that would be good for my hair. I think my hair is 3c.
Also I was my hair weekly but should I also do a co-wash in the middle of the week? Thank you
I too am in need of help and direction. I have been natural for about 2.5 years. I have always worn my hair pressed and now I would like to start wearing it truly natural. The problem is that I do not have a curl pattern and I would really like to get one. I don’t know what to do or where to start. Are there any curl enhancing shampoos and/or conditioners i can use to help regain my natural pattern? Also how long does it usually take for the curl pattern to return?
I had a hard time finding a natural style to fit my face and to also look acceptable while short. Solution for me: two strand twist hair on dry hair after it has been stretched by braiding and then roll the twist up on rollers. You have to make the twists Small. When you take down, you will look like you have a styled hair do! Try it. It works!
i need grease without petroleum…what should i use!?
Betty check out almond glaze or a pomade.
Dear Kcurly,
I have been transitioning for almost 4 months now. I am trying my best to hang on to my hair as long as possible before my BC (I want to wait until the weather gets more spring-like), but I find it hard to style and it definitely needs moisturizer. I am eager to try the co wash idea to see how that works. In the meantime, my hair comes down to about my chin. Can I do bantu knots in my hair? Is there anything specific you do when you take the knots down to make the hairstyle look more styled? I need help bad and I just don’t know what to do. Also, when I rod my hair, I cannot get the rods to last more than 2 days at the most. Is there a secret to making these kinds of hairstyles last?
I love your blog and thanks for any info you can offer.
Receecupcake,
i see we pretty much started our transition at the same time!
I keep saying i want to be a long term transitioner but the more I’m on this site, I am starting to get the urge to do the BC!! I have the same questions you have pretty much so hopefully there will be suggestions soon!
Good luck with your transition!
Hey kcurly,
You mentioned having protein treatment evry 6 weeks or so. What products are you currently using for that? Thanks for all the product reviews by the way. I’m a baby to the transitioning pprocess and I want to keep my hair as healthy as possible during the upcoming stages. Looking forward to posting pics of what’s to come…
Naomi, I use my homemade treatment lately instead of something commercial.
Hope that helps and good luck with your transition!
Hello I just did my big chop 2 days ago and now the front of my hair is not trying to curl up. Its very fine and straight. I havent had a perm since Oct 09 but I have gotten a few blowouts. I would really like for it to curl up like the back of my head. Any suggestions?? And also what are some great 100% organci products to use in my hair…Thx
Hello KCurly,
I just wanted to say thank you. I have been surfing the web trying to find a site that I can understand and follow. I did the big chop about six months ago. I am still trying to find a regime to fit me. I have 4b hair according to one of the links. I love my hair and I want to treat it like I do. Thank You for giving clear and able to follow instructions.
Mel B
Hi KCurly,
I have been natural from some while, since like 2005 0r 2006 but just now am getting into my hair care regimen. I thought no getting a relaxer was enough. I have tried mixed chicks and miss jessie in the past…glad to see there is so many products that cater to curls. I wear my hair straight alot because I had so much breakage, knots, and tangles and shrinkage when I wash and go, and also I love my length. My hair is about APL, I can never get the look with wash and go. I am thankful for your blog. I will now try twist outs and some other products. Also question about hair types I have seen many different blogs about hair types and I am so confused about mine. Some of the sites have them broken brown pass a,b,c.
At night, how do you prepare your hair for bed?
Even before I started going natural I would bantu knot my hair to loose out in faux locs. I never paid too much attention to breakage or anything then though. Is that something I can do now while my hair is transitioning. Since I haven’t committed, I want a regimen that will minimize trauma to my relaxed hair. I’ve got about 4-5 inches natural, 7inches relaxed. What styles can I do?
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
So I’m new to transitioning and I’m so thankful I fell upon your blog. I have researched a few products and think I’m ready to begin a decent regimen. Questions I have are… 1. how often to deep condition? 2. How often do you wash your hair (I do every 2 weeks, sometimes longer)? 3. Should I do an oil treatment before every deep condition? 4. Is the caramel treatment considered a decent deep conditioner? Thanks for any help.
I find sometimes adding about a tablespoon or two of my favorite shampoo to about a cup to 1-1/2 cups of my conditioner, then diluting the whole mixture to make it runny, pouring it through my hair makes my scalp feel cleaner than just a conditioning shampoo. I have locs that are 5 years old this August, and I very rarely use shampoo. I do use mists with lots of essential oils, which also serve to keep my scalp and roots clean and fresh smelling, also killing bacteria. Anyway, I thought I’d throw my 2 cents in about the shampooing and conditioner washing!
hi ya i have to say that i have been w/o a relaxer for 4 mos. and im loving it
, my curl pattern is like a jheri curl so im looking for a good hair gel. i’ve use aloe vera gel and shea butter and they work but it makes my hair hard…..does anyone have any ideas? and i wash my hair 2 to 3 times a week with a natural shampoo combine with conditioner-its in the form of a bar like bar soap..my scalp needs to be massage in order to improve circulation
Hi I recently cut my hair off and i added a color to it. it wont grow back and it breaks im using Aphogee products i heard its good but at the same time it has sodium lauryl sulfate wchich is something i have told its not good for african american hair i need a good shampoo and something that will make my hair grow back please help
and my hair is permed
Hi my name is Jaquesha. I’m 15 and I just recently decided to go natural. At the beginning of this year I decided I was tired of putting relaxers on my hair. I didn’t know what the meant at the time but now I do. I’m not really sure what to do now but a week ago I did the big chop. I have about an inch left of hair with relaxer on it left. I am wondering if maybe I can get some advice on how to care for it and what products to use on it. I don’t really understand anything about hair as far as my texture or how to make up my own regimen either. Also what hairstyles can I do for it right now at such at short length the doesn’t require a lot of cash. I hope I’m not asking for too much. Thanks A Lot!!
Hi,
can you provide information on hair stretching.
thanks
KCurly, your site has helped me so much and is actually encouraging me to enjoy my natural hair, thank you!!!!!
Which protein treatments do you suggest? I do not se one on your products you love page. PLEASE help me out!
Hey lena, I have a homemade treatment I like to use. here’s the recipe:
http://newlynatural.com/blog/2008/09/my-natural-protein-treatment/
A lot of people also like Aphogee, but the ingredients are not anywhere near natural, so if you don’t mind that, it’s a good choice.
Kcurly, I prefer natural so next week I will try this treatment and follow with Jessicurl WDC, thanks so much!!
I love this site, i also have question is it possible to have two type hair pattern? The back of my hair is very soft and curly the front is dry and hard. The only hair styles i can wear is afro, afro puff, and coil, coil out. I use cantu eco style gel and i did twist out, and braid out with no lucky my hair type is 3 b/c..Any suggest? I”d tried again tonight flat twist with leave condition Garnier Fruits sleek & shine and Organic Root Stimulator Lock & Twist Gel hopefully i get that curly effect.
I love my natural hair!! I did the BC and my hair has a JAMMIN curl pattern!!! What should I do to Encourage growth?
Hello, I did the BC yesterday, with only 2 months of not having a perm. I am reading about the cocunut oil, and I have to find one without pertroleum. So I recently bought cocunut oil and it has the big no no, petroleum. I will research products so I can make my own since it seems readily available ones are tainted. Also, being that my hair is EL(am I saying that right?) I am having a hard time finding advice on what to do with it. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance.
@ Sharde. You can try Shea Moisture they are really good and reasonable, their products are mostly $9.99, I haven’t seen higher and you can find it at target. Also, you can go to you local beauty supply store or even walmart and they have natural oils. But, make sure you read the ingredients, NO PARABENS, SILCONES, MINERAL OIL, PETROLATUM, and more. Also if you need more help go on youtube they have good resources and help for natural hair.
Good Luck on your Journey,
P.S.-I’m 14 and natural.
Hey Kcurly!!!! I love your website. I did the big chop a week ago. I found out about your website on Living no lye. I have a question about co washing. When do I need to co wash hair? Do I co wash my before i do my deep conditioner treament ?
Thanks,
Tammy
Tammy, if you’re go to cowash and deep condition,then I would cowash first. However, if I’m going to deep condition, I generally won’t cowash beforehand. I just rinse my hair really well with water or, if it’s time to shampoo, I’ll shampoo or use something like castile soap. Cowashing and then using a DC might be a little too much,,,but you can always try it and see. Congrats on your BC!
Thanks. I have another question. since i have a twa, what type of product do i used after co washing my hair ?
Thanks,
Tamara
“I may oil rinse before a DC or cowash”
I’ve heard of oil rinses but don’t understand exactly what it is. I hear EVOO is good but how do I rinse with oil?