A Hair Story: From Relaxed to Natural

. Also I suggest going for No Poo products to wash the hair because regular shampoo strips the hair of natural oils. My regiment: Wash & use a leave in conditioner once a month!! Yes, I said it. ONCE A MONTH! I air dry, then double strand twist using Murray's Cream Beeswax. I usually sleep in them but if I’m in a hurry, I sit under a hooded dryer on a warm setting for 20 minutes. I let out the twists dividing each twist into about 4 or 5 spirals. They usually last 5 days with tying it up at night. After the style wears itself out, I either use a wide tooth comb to get out the tangles and wear an afro or bun. Headwraps are also great. Going natural was a good decision for me. Made me feel like being me was okay! Good luck Sistah Girlz!

Posted at 1:35PM on April 1st 2009 by Erika

Natural hair isn't for everyone and I am one of them. I just can't see myself having an afro. For one, It doesn't mix well with the profession I'm studying which is broadcast journalism. I know for a fact that If I were to walk into an interview with my hair being anything short of straight and long or short and nicly cut, I will not get a job. I just never cared too much for the look. But anyone who choses to wear their hair natural and it all works wonders for them, great. I just cannot do it.

Posted at 1:34PM on April 1st 2009 by Ky

Additionally, I noticed that he is blow drying her hair. I do not recommend that. You can use a blow dryer on a warm setting with a diffuser to help stretch your twists or your ‘wash and go’ do, but I wouldn't suggest that on a regular basis. Natural hair is already fairly dry and heat will damage it more. The best products are Oyin Handmade and Carol's Daughter.

Posted at 1:34PM on April 1st 2009 by Erika

I like this article but it doesn't give enough information. For instance, I totally disagree with the products they have listed for hair care here. I have been wearing my hair natural for five years. In the beginning, it was difficult finding information about how to care for my hair. After much research, I have determined that the best products for natural hair are natural products. Especially ones that do not contain parafin.

Posted at 1:33PM on April 1st 2009 by Erika

od article! Essence, please keep it coming! For those interested in going natural,know that not all products work the same or well for all hair types, and you absolutely can and probably should condition natural hair. It will take trial and error to figure out which products work best for your hair texture and type. Some of us naturalistas subscribe to the No-Poo method or try to use shampoos that don't contain sodium laureth sulfates (SLS) which is very drying. Another great natural hair resource and informative website is "motowngirl" .

Posted at 1:32PM on April 1st 2009 by BKLioness

I have had it all braids, perms, weaves, the only thing I haven't done it locks. I cut my hair in high school, got tired of the braids pulling my hair, paying large amounts of money to get it done only for it to last a week and a half or so only to not getting any rest because I had to sleep a certain way to keep it up making an appointment at 9 in the morning but not leaving the shop until 1. I have been wearing my hair cut close for about 8 years now and I love it. Another reason to take into consideration who says that you have to have a European look in order to be beautiful.Women of color need to understand that our hair was not meant to be straight and relaxed. Instead of turning our noses at kinky locks we need to welcome and embrace our nappiness with opens arms and respect.Being natural is certainly the way to go.Wash, oil it, and keep it moving.Good luck to you as you have broken the stereotypes and the barriers of what real beauty really means

Posted at 12:44PM on April 1st 2009 by Sharlana

I love my natural hair. I have to style it some due to the varying textures, but the outcome it beautiful! I started experimenting with natural hair styling nearly 4 years ago and during that time I had to LEARN how to manage my mane. The cleansing, conditioning, oiling, twisting, and setting process or just wash, condition and go has liberated me from the I can't get my hair wet, no sweat, no steam from shower, the wrap, rollers, hot comb, curling irons, and pony tails! I am happy to be free and curly. Best wishes to you.

Posted at 12:39PM on April 1st 2009 by Bridget

As a woman who is considering going natural, I appreciate this piece. However, Biosilk isn't a natural product. It works great on all hair types, but it's not natural. I've been using it for over a year now as a leave in conditioner, it's pricey but worth it. A little drop will get you very far, and I have relaxed hair to my chin.

Posted at 12:34PM on April 1st 2009 by Ashley

Been natural for 6 years now. I can't see myself ever going back to a relaxer. I just love the freedom on my natural hair. Don't have to run from a little rain or worry about sweating my hair out at the gym. I also don't miss perm burns and not being able to scratch my scalp for days. I'm concerned that dude said you shouldn't condition natural hair. Um not sure how that works cause I know I can't go without conditioner.

Posted at 11:25AM on April 1st 2009 by Nicole

Congrats to her gor going natural. I have been wearing my natural hair for the last 6 months and I love it! It is just me! I don't agree with not conditioning nautral hair at all. Natural hair needs to be conditioned as well. There are some AWESOME info and AWESOME hair care products at the website called HealthyHairJourney . com I have been using these products (Hydratherma Naturals products) when I was relaxed and natural and there are so many great hair care tips on there. Congrats again to the woman above and happy hair growing!!

Posted at 11:21AM on April 1st 2009 by peace