For black women making the decision to go natural can be a difficult and stressful process, especially when it comes to how they'll look once they do. A lot of women make the decision to go natural because they want to have healthier hair, and some make the transition because it's the newest trend. Regardless of what your reasons are for transitioning, make sure that it's what you actually want to do and that you know how to correctly take care of your natural hair. Here is a list of things that I've learned from my own transition to natural hair.
1. How To Begin
When beginning the transition to your natural hair you may come across your first big decision; how should you begin your transition? There are three major options that women consider when they first begin their natural hair journey; 1) should they let their perm grow all the way out, 2) should they let the perm grow out a little then cut off the permed hair that's left, or 3) should they do the "big chop"? Personally I feel that letting your perm grow out is the best option when it comes to beginning your transition. I know that it takes forever for my hair to grow so cutting it all off and starting fresh wasn't an option for me, at least not one I was considering. The only time I recommend that you do "the big chop" is if your hair is so damaged that there's no saving it.
2. Do Your Research
Always do your research before you start a new project, that's just common sense. Look up what hair care products are best for natural hair, what shampoos and conditioners are recommended and which ones aren't. There are a lot of hair care products that have chemicals that damaged natural hair, so it's best to find out which one's are safest for your hair. When making the transition people don't realize that they can't use the same hair care products that they used on their permed hair. Those products that made your hair nice and soft and silky when you had a perm could potentially strip your natural hair of any good nutrients it has stored. So make sure to research as much as you can before you begin your transition, Google will always be your friend.
3. Know Your Hair Type
You should know the natural hair type of your hair before you begin your transition, this will help you to decide which products to use on your hair once you're natural. Some natural hair care products work better on certain types of hair than others. Personally I know that some natural products work better on my mom's hair than they do on mine; products that help bring out her natural curl pattern, only make my hair frizzy and puffy. Once you know what hair type you have, it makes buying products a lot easier, and it helps when you're deciding on hair styles. For examples of hair types check out this article on Naturally Curly.
4. Water Is Your Best Friend
One of the major things that you need to do when you're natural is moisturize your hair, and water will be your savior. There is no hair care product out there that can keep your hair moisturized like water can, and it's best to use it as often as you can. Every morning when you wake up and get ready to style your hair for the day, spritz it with some water. This will help your comb or pick pull through your hair without pulling clumps of it out, it will make it a lot less painful for you in the long run. A lot of natural hair care products work better when your hair is damp, like leave in conditioner and some oils that you'd mix into your hair to keep your scalp from becoming dry.
5. Coconut Oil. Coconut Oil. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a god sent. It can be used for anything you can think of; moisturizing hair, moisturizing skin, removing makeup, cooking, pretty much everything. And as a bonus you can buy a jar of coconut oil from the grocery store for around $4 that will last you for months! Coconut oil is also a great heat protectant for natural hair, and I recommend you use it before applying any heat to your hair. I always rub a shea butter, coconut oil mixture into my hair before I blow dry it or straighten it, to protect it from the heat. Heat damage is a big killer of natural hair, too much heat causes the hair to become brittle and break off resulting is hair loss; which is what we want to avoid.
6. Always Be Confident
Personally I know that transitioning from having straight hair to having curly puffy hair can sometimes damage your self confidence. You'll see photos of women who have gorgeous large curly afros and wonder why yours doesn't look like that. Trust me, these women have been growing their hair for years, they've been natural for years, and more than likely only recently were able to have a large curly afro. Take comfort in the fact that there are hundreds of other women around the world starting their transition, just like you, and are learning to love their natural hair like you are. You've already made the first step to being more confident in yourself by deciding to wear your natural hair and show your natural beauty. Regardless of what your hair looks like, you will always be beautiful, you will always be you.
